How much do men really spend on engagement rings?

[Anonymous]

I'm about to propose to my girlfriend of two years. The general rule of thumb is 2-3 months salary but I've seen stories of men paying $ 75 - 100k for a ring. My girl deserves the best but has unique tastes. She prefers cushion or Asscher cut instead of princess or round. I can't afford to spend 75+ on a ring. I'm more in the $20 - 50k range.

[Anonymous]

Your range is more than enough to spend on a nice ring. Frankly you could get away with spending a lot less. Congratulations on your upcoming engagement!

[Anonymous]

The biggest issue you will have is finding a quality diamond in those cuts. I wanted a cushion cut, but there was virtually nothing to choose from that was a quality diamond. I ended up with a really high quality round diamond instead.

[Anonymous]

humblebrag

[Anonymous]

Good grief, what a waste of money. My ring was like $3k twenty years ago. I haven't even bothered to wear it in years. Even that $3k seems foolish now.

[Anonymous]

OMG. People are so stupid about their stupid diamond rings. We preferred to spend the money on something that would retain its value and bought a house instead.

[Anonymous]

Wow how old are you guys?

[Anonymous]

If your "girl" is worth her salt, she won't want or need an engagement ring.

[Anonymous]

I'm 40, and I'd estimate that most of my friends have rings in the $20k range.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The biggest issue you will have is finding a quality diamond in those cuts. I wanted a cushion cut, but there was virtually nothing to choose from that was a quality diamond. I ended up with a really high quality round diamond instead.

Untrue. There are quality diamonds in those cuts but you are paying more. I bought my wife an Asscher cut diamond from Blue Nile. 2 carat, VVS2 clarity, D color, and excellent symmetry. I paid a little under 50k for the ring.

Op, go to Blue Nile. They have great quality diamonds in your price range. Congrats

[Anonymous]

OP spending ridiculous amounts on an engagement ring proves nothing.

You are falling for the hype related to diamond rings and their role when it comes to engagements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good grief, what a waste of money. My ring was like $3k twenty years ago. I haven't even bothered to wear it in years. Even that $3k seems foolish now.

I'm with you.

OP, I don't believe in those stupid rules. Get a beautiful, unique ring under perhaps $10k, and invest the rest in something more meaningful.

[Anonymous]

Your range is more than enough.

My husband spent around $750 on my engagement ring and the same on the wedding band. Moissanite, which is what I wanted. I love it and you can put it side by side with a diamond and not tell the difference.

I think it's totally fine to spend more though too, just what you want. But $20k is not being cheap, so let that go. The rule is a marketing ploy.

Reading this may make you feel better... or worse. The history is fascinating.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/02/have-you-ever-tried-to-sell-a-diamond/304575/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG. People are so stupid about their stupid diamond rings. We preferred to spend the money on something that would retain its value and bought a house instead.

+1

Besides, you can upgrade in 10 or 20 years anyway, when both people are in a better financial spot.

The 2 or 3 month salary rule is a bunch of BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 40, and I'd estimate that most of my friends have rings in the $20k range.

40 and getting married for the first time? What's wrong with you? RUN HONEY!