How much should one spend on a engagement ring?

Question

How much should one spend on a engagement ring?

Answer 1

I've heard 3 months salary,but I think that is ridiculous. If you can afford that then good for you, but I wouldn't want  to spend much more than a thousand dollars if I were a guy.

Answer 2

I believe everyone's answer is close to correct: 2 - 3 months salary. &some of them are right about "If she loves you, she doesn't care..." which I know personally. My friend and his fiance had actually bought a ring listed on eBay for $63.35, but the actual price was meant to be listed for $6,335. You never know what you can find, and you never know if you might get lucky to find a really good deal as well!  

Answer 3

Whatever you can reasonably afford or think she will like.

My fiance' unknowingly chose the VERY ring I wanted, and it only cost around $210 =]

Ignore the one-three month salary rubbish, for that was created by those who sell the diamonds. Pretty smart, from a business perspective. Pretty stupid, from a buyer's perspective.

Answer 4

Three month's salary...is what I have always heard.  Do not spend less than a few thousand.  Your future wife is worth more than that!!

**Of course, I always get "thumbs down" from girls that think everyone should get $100 rings.  

This is to be the nicest gift she has ever received...remember that.

Answer 5

alright i had my ring for 150.00 so i think you should spend what you think you can afford. Because you could always get her another one when you can afford it. that is what my hubby did. I think if she really loves you it should not matter the price.

Answer 6

I received a beautiful one in Feb, and it's a 1.3 carrot rock, with the carrots on the band, comes to 2 carrots. I was shocked my boyfriend spent so much on it, nearly 9,000.

I would have been happy with a smaller one too, but honestly give your girl some bling, she has to wear it every day for the rest of her life. Once you get engaged so many people are going to ask to see the ring, if it's not quite what she likes or expected, each time she lifts her hand she's going to think "oh no, not again". Others who see the ring if it's not big will think you're cheap too.

Answer 7

2 week paycheck up to a 1 month paycheck.

average is around $1,000

Answer 8

That all depends on your budget.  If she loves you, the size of the ring will not matter.

If you can only afford a small ring, save up to get another one for your 5th anniversary.

It should be the symbol of the ring that is important, not the size.

Answer 9

What ever you can afford

Answer 10

The rule is 2 or 3 months salary.  You may consider talking to your BTB because I would have been MAD at my fiance for spending that much.  I'm much happier with a nice small ring and a gorgeous new home to live in.  I would say do what you can afford and if you can't afford much like under a few hundred then that's just fine too.

Answer 11

Some people say 2 to 3 months salary, but don't listen to that bull p**p! Really it's what you can afford.

I'd never spend more then $1500 on a ring. And I'd kill my fiance if he did!

Answer 12

As much as possible without hurting yourself financially.

I know us guys don't understand, but this is a huge deal (if not the biggest) to women.  

Answer 13

Are you getting this in advance and planning to surprise her?  What are her likes and what type of personality does she have?  All these things matter in determining the ring she will wear for the rest of her life.  I would talk about marriage first.  See how that is.  THen talk about her beliefs.  SOme are more frugal thanothers yet some need you to beg borrow andsteal no matter what it takes toput a big rock on their finger.  Most will say as a general rule it should be the value of 3 months salary.  Therefore the better the job the better the ring.  I totally disagree but then again I amnot one for thinkingyou should start out your marriage in debt for a wedding either.  So if I were youI would take her shoppin, see what styles and things interest her.  You can do this without spoiling any surprise.  Walk through the mall.  Stop and look at sports memorabilia, then at the puppies, hten at spencers and play with some of the cool stuf there.  Somewhere in between all that and the snack bar browse past and through the stores.  See what she might show interest in.  Maybe even find some way of conversation that leans towards what is more important to her.  Price, size, style, etc....   I personally like the smaller ones.  I am small built nad hav esmall wrists.  So big bulky things look gaudy on me.  See?  It is idividual.  Please don't let anyone make you think any choice in this area is inadequate.  the thought and preparation already sho your heart is in the right place.  I would include her just to be safe.  Again, she is the one who has to wear it.

Answer 14

What you can honestly afford without going into debt.  

Answer 15

depends on your salary. < 50k a year - $2000-$3000

50-75k - $4000-$5000

75k - 100k + - $5000-above