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!

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.

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 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.

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 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

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

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

Wow how old are you guys?

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.

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.

humblebrag

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.

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!

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.