Engagement Ring - How Much To Spend?

panpan

Thanks everyone so far for their comments, would appreciate more!

Applecart

Just Propose with an Improvisation like a Hulk hoop crisp. then bother about the Ring. Sems all a bit old fashioned Imo. Surely you could spend some of the 9G on setting up the actual occasion and making it special?

System

I suppose the amount spent would be in proportion to what he could afford. No good spending £2000 on a ring if he is on minimum wage.

Anatidaephobia

Spend an amount that you're happy to spend, and something that you can afford. Don't spend over the odds just because you think you have to abide by some rule. IIRC, the three month rule was made up by a jewellers!

If £1-2k is something you're happy with then that's totally fine; you're certainly not a cheapskate for spending that much money, but you don't need to spend as much as that either.

VfM4meplse

I'm going to offer a completely different view. If you're happy to spend £9k, that is what you should set aside. Once your OH becomes your fianc!e, then take her ring shopping so she can select what she likes within the budget. The balance can be invested in something you both consider to be appropriate (ie a fund for your children).

Personally I would add one more dimension to this if I were your OH. That is, the diamond ring of her choice would be replicated in cubic zirconia (just as sparkly, much less expensive and critically without the human cost), and the even greater saving added to the fund. No-one needs to know its not a diamond, it's between the two of you.

Btw I think your OH is in a very privileged position if your relationship means she doesn't have to work.

cashewnut

9k is absolute madness in my opinion though I'm not a particularly extravagant person. My fiance earns more than you but my ring cost less than £700. He proposed with a token ring (which was about four sizes too big!) then we later chose my proper ring together in Hatton Garden.

Pollycat

panpan wrote: »

Thanks everyone so far for their comments, would appreciate more!

I think spending £9k on a ring that you are not 100% sure that she will love is madness.

You say that the £9k could be better used elsewhere and she would agree with you - so why are you considering spending that much?

I think you should forget what the 'rule' is about how much you should spend.

Personally speaking, I would much prefer to choose my ring than to have one chosen for me.

If you are considering spending £9k and are thinking about a diamond, I would recommend you do your research carefully.
you need to read up about the 4 'C's.
There is an 'education' section on the Blue Nile website and you can also send for a free diamond guide.
There is also a good explanation of the 4 'C's here:
http://www.diamondgeezer.com/diamond-buyers-guide/

NB: I 'm not recommending DiamondGeezer, I remember him from Dragon's Den and the explanation of the 4 'C's is pretty good.

Skintski

People get so hung up on money. I chose my ring, it cost £650 and I love it. I would be scared to carry round a 9k ring.

GoldenShadow

Regarding comments about being engaged already if you choose a ring together, the world has changed In these money saving times people shouldn't be spending even £100 on something if they don't know whether someone will like it. I don't think its very romantic for someone to pretend to like something or be proposed to and then have to exchange said ring or send it off for a few weeks to be resized. Times move on

Budget wise my OH and I are on similar lines with most things so don't worry about how much is OK and how much is too much. We're in the fortunate position of living with parents so we have very little outgoings and are able to splurge a bit more on things if we want to. Saying that though, I think my idea of splurging is still very different to some, and vice versa!

Would your OH like a ring from an online place? I really didn't want one. The ring I've got is the same design as one I found online but it has been made by a local jeweller, we got to choose the stones etc and I love it all the more knowing more having been involved in the process. It didn't cost anymore for being handmade locally either.

xbrenx

Even Prince William didn't spend £9k.