Spend 10 to 15K and put carat weight ahead of color and clarity. All women talk about is size.

I think I spent no more than 500 bucks for my wife 's ring ten years ago. I put her name on the deed of the house that's seven digits.

Op, I bought my wife a 2.5 carat ring for 25k. Go for it if you can afford it. My wife isn't very showy but loves the ring. She told me she had hoped for a big ring, because she will be wearing it everyday for the rest of her life. Don't let the cheap people away you from doing something for your girlfriend.

Congrats! I think she will be absolutely thrilled. Engagement rings & wedding bands are the most important jewelry most women own.

DH 's grandma gave him her original engagement ring. Being practical, I was good with the 1 ct round reset, but deep down, I still wanted the heart shape, we had picked out together. 25 years later, he surprised me with a 1 1/2 ct. heart diamond, and I cried.

So get her what she wants & what you can afford the first time

And I know heart shapes are not as valuable for resale as rounds, but I'm never selling it, so it doesn't matter