Azazello1313 Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 someone just told me there's a "general rule of thumb" when it comes to purchasing an engagement ring. the cost should be equal to about two months of your salary. i'm sorry, that is just stupid. that's more like a rule for buying a new car or some shucks. furthermore, i don't believe it IS a rule of thumb, i believe it's what a bunch of moran jewelers WISH was the rule of thumb. or maybe i'm wrong. any huddlers fork out that much dough for an engagement ring? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSab Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 That's the going rate, sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proninja Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 someone just told me there's a "general rule of thumb" when it comes to purchasing an engagement ring. the cost should be equal to about two months of your salary. i'm sorry, that is just stupid. that's more like a rule for buying a new car or some shucks. furthermore, i don't believe it IS a rule of thumb, i believe it's what a bunch of moran jewelers WISH was the rule of thumb. or maybe i'm wrong. any huddlers fork out that much dough for an engagement ring? 1269698[/snapback] Yeah, but I made squat at that point in time. A good general rule is buy what you can afford without starting your marriage in debt for a bauble, imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spain Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 There is no rule of thumb. spend what you want and can afford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Probably depends on 2 things quite heavily: What can you afford and what does your girlfriend expect? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSab Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Probably depends on 2 things quite heavily: What can you afford and what does your girlfriend expect? 1269710[/snapback] ding, ding, we have winner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seattle LawDawg Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Its advice from the jewelers, not an absolute. But it gives you somewhere to start. I went with about 2 months salary but I had it on hand. Like has been said, don't start your marriage in some ridiculous debt because of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robash Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 or you could be like me, aweful at picking out gifts, and let her pick it out...and actually she did go with around the 2 month mark. id go with higher quality if you can afford it...they really do look much better than the lower qual ones when they are comparedd next to each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted January 16, 2006 Author Share Posted January 16, 2006 i spent more like two weeks' salary and thought it was a pretty darn nice little ring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skippy Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 i spent more like two weeks' salary and thought it was a pretty darn nice little ring. 1269732[/snapback] I think I spent a little less. My wife picked out her own ring and I think it is just fine. It's not going to stop traffic but it serves its purpose and that is all that really matters, IMO. Now if you travel in high society’s circles you may want to mortgage your house but that’s not me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelBunz Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 That's the going rate, sorry. 1269702[/snapback] That going rate....was established by The Diamond Trading Company. Sort of like asking a car dealer what HE/SHE thinks you should spend on a car....don't you think? Just educate yourself on the particulars. Then compare some individual stones. If you think it's worth it to move down in grade and color for a larger stone...then you have your answer. Personally.....anyone spending that kind of money on a ring for me is crazy.....LOL. I'd be afraid to wear the thing if it were a 5-10K price. Do your research. Obviously....bigger isn't always better.....LOL. And the price range for the same sized stone is astronomical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellab Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 One thing my jewler told me is that stay just below each mark. 1 carat, 1.5 carat 2 carat. I got the Mrs a .9 carat main stone and .5 of little stones around it. Saved me a bunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grits and Shins Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 (edited) That's a crock ... that's what the jewelers have decided you should spend ... but only if you make a good amount of money. Edited January 16, 2006 by Grits and Shins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezhed Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 i spent more like two weeks' salary and thought it was a pretty darn nice little ring. 1269732[/snapback] I agree, I spent about the same. Remember it's not always quantity with diamonds, it's quality!!! In fact, it is now for sale if your interested!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelBunz Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 One thing my jewler told me is that stay just below each mark. 1 carat, 1.5 carat 2 carat. I got the Mrs a .9 carat main stone and .5 of little stones around it. Saved me a bunch. 1269773[/snapback] Exactly.....in the jewelry world....you pay a premium for "exact sizing". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSab Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 I wish I knew that back then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellab Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Exactly.....in the jewelry world....you pay a premium for "exact sizing". 1269777[/snapback] I really don't think the average person can tell the difference as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 IF you are in the market to buy a diamond ring i suggest you ck this forum out... pricescope.com i got a ton of help and info there and was able to purchase my diamond from an online vendor(solomon bros) and had is appraised...the diamond would have cost me more then 2 months salary to buy it from a store and it appraised WELL above what i paid for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robash Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 That going rate....was established by The Diamond Trading Company. Sort of like asking a car dealer what HE/SHE thinks you should spend on a car....don't you think? Just educate yourself on the particulars. Then compare some individual stones. If you think it's worth it to move down in grade and color for a larger stone...then you have your answer. Personally.....anyone spending that kind of money on a ring for me is crazy.....LOL. I'd be afraid to wear the thing if it were a 5-10K price. Do your research. Obviously....bigger isn't always better.....LOL. And the price range for the same sized stone is astronomical. 1269762[/snapback] good info here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furd Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 I think that's what the jewelry industry touts. Don't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H8tank Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 There is no rule of thumb. That is the first rule of thumb. I didn't go crazy, but hers is the nicest ring in the trailer park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godtomsatan Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Why do you have to give an engagement ring? Doesn't active participation in the relationship/wedding plans count for anything? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 (edited) I got my wife's engagement ring from a diamond broker, not a jeweler. It makes a big difference in the cost. The rock I got her cost me about $3,000 9 years ago. It will apraise at around $8,000. The actual wedding band only cost me about $1,500 as did her annaversary band. Luckily I have a buddy that is a diamond broker, that sales to all the local jewelers. Edited January 16, 2006 by Perchoutofwater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cunning Linguist Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 My wife and i were together for a while and we both knew we were getting married. Instead of buying her an expensive engagement ring, we both decided to use that money towards a house. We exchanged nice gold bands at our wedding, then two years later i bought her a 1.75ct natural sapphire with diamonds in a platinum setting. I guess it depends on how strong your relationship is. If you guys know your going to get hitched, think smart. If your surprising her, then i would get what you can afford but remember, quality is more important than size when it comes to diamonds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 You can always do what I did. Make her go find the rock she wants, take out a loan, get married, then quit your job and make her pay for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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