Engagement Ring - How Much To Spend?

Jo_F

My original engagement ring cost all of £39 and it was zirconia instead of a diamond, and the stone was a lovely delicate lilac colour, it was the ring I fell in love with in the shop, himself felt a bit stingy, but it was the one I wanted.

When we finally went shopping for wedding rings, I decided that I really wanted the white gold one that I saw, which meant getting a new engagement ring as I didn't want to mix gold colours, this time it was white gold with zirconias, and cost around £90

To be honest, I don't think I would be comfortable wearing something really expensive, I would be scared of losing or damaging it.

Jet

9k on a ring! Wow.

Don't spend what you can't afford!

DigForVictory

Could I suggest that 3 months salary idea was originally De Beers advertising (so *completely* impartial then)?

To decide how much to spend, consult with the-missus-to-be. If you can't agree on how much to spend on a sensational but not guaranteed to be worn every day for the next 40+ years, then how do you propose to agree how much to spend on a car, or wallpaper, or a nice meal out?!

All the best & for Pete's sake, avoid the High St - visit the jewellery quarter instead!

his_missus

When we got engaged my Hubby had bought an inexpensive ring (less than £50) because I knew I wouldn't wear it once we were married as I don't feel comfortable wearing two rings on one finger.


It didn't matter what it cost, it was what it symbolised that was important and he'd chosen a ring he knew I'd like. He had much better use for his money than spend it all on a piece of jewellery.


Choose a ring she'll like and stick to a budget you know she'll agree with.

Lunar_Eclipse

I wouldn't take notice of so called 'rules' (guidelines) and whilst my engagement ring didn't cost anywhere near 9k, I don't think it's exorbitant, though should ideally be relative to lifestyle.

I've been looking at rings recently (I've very sadly lost my engagement ring!) and rings I like, in platinum and containing good quality diamonds are about 10k.

£5000 seemed to be 'the norm' spent amongst my friends getting engaged in the late 90's.

Ring style also has an effect on cost, because weight for weight, solitaire stones will always be more expensive than gemstones in a channel setting. So £3k would buy a more impressive channel set ring than solitaire for instance. Actually it would buy a lovely channel set ring but not a noticeable solitaire in my opinion - but we all differ on what a 'lovely' ring is of course. I like understated but beautiful.

Pollycat

Just for reference, the OP decided to spend £1k to £2k on a ring (post #49) and is now looking for advice on style:


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5218979