Engagement ring - what’s the perfect size?

[Anonymous]

I knew a gal who received a 4-carat from Tiffany's, way back in the day.

I'm told it cost $250K+. The guy was a wealthy older jerk (late 30s), and the wife was very young and very beautiful (early 20s).

The wedding was a show and cost more than the ring.

The marriage lasted a year.

[Anonymous]

As I got older I stopped wanting to wear a big ring. I found a platinum art deco bezel cut ring that has kind of a wide band with a center diamond about .8 and others surrounding it in a floral ish design. I love that it’s flat and due to the setting has some width/coverage.

I inherited a beautiful 3.5 ct oec from great grandmother that sits in a safe.

[Anonymous]

Mine is little (my guess is .5-.7? Not sure I even know) and I love it. I actually was involved in picking it out because my slightly clueless (about jewelry) husband proposed with a wedding band with inlaid diamonds, so then we got an engagement ring instead of a wedding band.

I have had people ask me if I plan to upgrade, but I’m sentimental. I have put on weight and don’t wear it much these days and should probably resize it.

The potential mistake we made is getting jewelry with nickel in it. Many people are allergic to nickel. Years ago I got a rash from my ring. My dermatologist told me over time the outer layer (white gold in my case) wears down and exposes nickel underneath that irritates the skin. I thought I couldn’t wear it anymore. But I went and got it cleaned and that actually did the trick so I think there was a different irritant. Still, if I were doing it again just in case I’d look for a nickel-free band.