How much should a man spend on an engagement ring?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mine was about $2k. We earn about $150k together, and I have loads of student debt and am not a jewelry person. We were in our mid-30s when we got engaged.

What should you do here? Really depends on your values. At this age, with a kid, it's hard to see how you should be spending loads of cash on a ring. But, you know, same could be said for expensive cars, nice furniture, all those things.

Good point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is this, 1925? Both a man and woman should pay equally (we did).

You bought half of your own ring? Gross.

This is funny but not funny lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$0. It's a stupid waste of money for a generally tacky piece of jewelry. Especially if you have a kid, OP. If your relationship really means anything (and christ, after having a kid with this guy you still think you need a superficial bauble?) then skip it.

You're right. I really considered just not having a ring at all (or get something cheap lol) but I was just curious as to what others did.

The having a kid does not mean you are less deserving of a ring. Just don't overspend because you have other priorities.

How does someone "deserve" a ring?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$0. It's a stupid waste of money for a generally tacky piece of jewelry. Especially if you have a kid, OP. If your relationship really means anything (and christ, after having a kid with this guy you still think you need a superficial bauble?) then skip it.

You're right. I really considered just not having a ring at all (or get something cheap lol) but I was just curious as to what others did.

The having a kid does not mean you are less deserving of a ring. Just don't overspend because you have other priorities.

How does someone "deserve" a ring?

Everyone keeps telling her that because she has a kid she shouldn't get a ring. Are you the PP that paid for her own ring?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he cannot afford the proper rock, are you looking at value in goats, cow, or dowry to your parents?

Good idea. If goats and cows are out of the question, maybe you can get a live-in mother-in-law to cook and clean?

[Anonymous]

How much should he spend? As much as he can afford without going into debt/compromising other financial goals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, you make a good point. OP here. I also want to ask, did you guys finance or purchase up front? Purchasing up front seems to make more sense to me but I'm curious as to what others did.

People FINANCE engagement rings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have a child, don't go into debt over a piece of jewelry.

Listen to this!

Totally agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, you make a good point. OP here. I also want to ask, did you guys finance or purchase up front? Purchasing up front seems to make more sense to me but I'm curious as to what others did.

People FINANCE engagement rings?

Pro Tip: if you can't pay cash you're spending too much.

[Anonymous]

Op, when we got married, we made about 140k combined, and had a child on the way. I selected an art deco sapphire ring for a cost of about $1400. Although I like it, most days I don't even wear it, just the thin platinum wedding band.

We did, however, spent 100k on renovating our house, and I am in it every single day!

[Anonymous]

Here is what I would do. I would buy a symbolic, pretty ring that will not have to be financed and will not cost your family a burden. (think around $1000-$2000 max). I'm not a fan of diamonds so I could find a killer ring for that price.

[Anonymous]

Do one or both of you have any consumer debt?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:20k is nothing to spend on your life partner who would be there until death do you part.

And what extravagant gift of jewelry did you buy your significant other to symbolize your lifelong commitment? Or do you just expect the man to pony up for you?

[Anonymous]

sad that in america people spend more on their cars than on their marriage

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If my BF spent 3 months of salary on a ring I would not marry him cause that would mean he is a moron. Take that money and go on a nice memorable trip. A ring is just a ring... I like the birth stone & etsy ideas from PPs.

A trip can be argued as a moron investment. At least the ring will have monetary value and appreciate in price.

Heh, really? Anyone sold their engagement ring for what they paid for it?

+1 Who told you people jewelry appreciates?!