Engagement Rings - What cost am I looking at? (2 Viewers)

[TheIronSheik]

I figure soon I'll be shopping for one of these. At least in the next 20 years or so. And I'm just wondering what I should be expecting to pay? My GF is not a material possession type of person and she has told me not to spend a lot on a ring. (I've brought it up, not her, for the record.) We've talked about things like marriage and she's said that at our age, she'd much rather spend money on a house and vacations that we can all enjoy. And for what it's worth, I know she means it.

I'm 40 years old and have never once in my life looked at engagement rings. What size is acceptable and how much do they go for, on average? My brother bought his wife a $75 (yes, seventy five dollar) engagement ring and his wife LOVED it! No joke. I don't think I can get away with that, though, unfortunately. She's not materialistic, but I think it has to be kind of nice.

What am I looking at here?

 

[heckmanm]

Congratulations, you poor, dumb *******.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

The rest of your life.

 

[AAABatteries]

My WAG is an average of 3-5k. You could go cheap with cubic zirconia and get it for less or spend the cost of car on a diamond.

Ask Tanner his thoughts on diamonds.

I think I spent 2k 16 years ago on my wife's

 

[jomar]

about 1-2% of what the divorce will cost

 

[Sebowski]

Start hiding money.

 

[Al O'Pecia]

What size is acceptable

Depends how fat your girlfriend's fingers are.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

I don't think they vary in price from place to place, so I don't think you're really going to find that out-of-this-world bargain by shopping around.

If she is not materialistic and is really interested in spending the money elsewhere, you could probably find a decent one-third to one-half carat diamond for 750-1000.

 

[BroadwayG]

Designer rings with quality diamonds > $10,000

Generic rings with not so quality diamonds < $2,000

sterling silver with cubic zirconiums < $200

 

[MC Gas Money]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Your soul

 

[Jaysus]

don't do it

 

[TheIronSheik]

I don't think they vary in price from place to place, so I don't think you're really going to find that out-of-this-world bargain by shopping around.

If she is not materialistic and is really interested in spending the money elsewhere, you could probably find a decent one-third to one-half carat diamond for 750-1000.

Yeah. I didn't mean like I was shopping around for a good deal, or anything like that. I'm just saying I have never looked at prices. I have no idea what is a big ring or a small ring. Or for that matter, an average sized ring. It's all new to me.

 

[Black Box]

Any rings in the family? Sentimental + the cost of resizing it =

 

[Dragons]

You're in NJ, right? Diamonds are a monopoly and there's no way to get a killer deal unless you buy a ring off ebay from a guy who was told "no". But, you can get a reasonable deal if you go into the diamond district in NYC.

I'd recommend comparison shopping beforehand and you can do that easily at Blue Nile:

http://www.bluenile.com/jewelry?gclid=CNW37uCryMACFSMV7AodbQoARA&click_id=921440870

Read up on the 4 C's (I'll look for the FFA thread) to make sure you don't get sucked into the "size" trap. Getting the right cut, will make any diamond appear larger than it truly is, because most saps get told the size that's required, so they look for the cheapest diamond that meets the requisite size.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Any rings in the family? Sentimental + the cost of resizing it =

I wish. That would be the ideal route.

 

[TheIronSheik]

You're in NJ, right? Diamonds are a monopoly and there's no way to get a killer deal unless you buy a ring off ebay from a guy who was told "no". But, you can get a reasonable deal if you go into the diamond district in NYC.

I'd recommend comparison shopping beforehand and you can do that easily at Blue Nile:

http://www.bluenile.com/jewelry?gclid=CNW37uCryMACFSMV7AodbQoARA&click_id=921440870

Read up on the 4 C's (I'll look for the FFA thread) to make sure you don't get sucked into the "size" trap. Getting the right cut, will make any diamond appear larger than it truly is, because most saps get told the size that's required, so they look for the cheapest diamond that meets the requisite size.

SE PA. And I have heard people talk about the 4 C's a lot. I didn't bring that up in this thread mainly because I wasn't that far along in the process. This was more of a "How much am I looking at spending for a nice ring?" Not a really nice ring. Just a nice ring.

 

[matttyl]

A buddy of mine went the estate sale route and got a great deal. I was out like 3.5k I think, but was given 2 years no interest, which helped. She didn't want a huge outrageous ring, though.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Designer rings with quality diamonds > $10,000

Generic rings with not so quality diamonds < $2,000

sterling silver with cubic zirconiums < $200

If you do this right - right - you can make this an investment. Do it wholesale and insure it with both your names on it. Profit, and if it all goes south you get 50% back.

 

[Black Box]

Alternatively, shovel + no scruples + graveyard =

 

[Bucky86]

Ever see hear of blood diamonds you sick *******?????!!!!!

 

[TheIronSheik]

Alternatively, shovel + no scruples + graveyard =

An error occurredYou have reached your quota of positive votes for the day

 

[TheIronSheik]

Ever see hear of blood diamonds you sick *******?????!!!!!

Are they cheaper than normal ones? Where can I get them? TIA

 

[shadyridr]

I spent around $6k for a 1.25 carat princess cut with platinum band and diamond bagets. She has worn it for 13 yrs now and still gets compliments today. Just know that your girl may not be into it but if its too cruddy she will be ashamed to show her friends. $75 is a joke.

 

[TenTimes]

Probably common knowledge to everyone except me, but just in case it's not

get-it-insured

 

[Dragons]

You're in NJ, right? Diamonds are a monopoly and there's no way to get a killer deal unless you buy a ring off ebay from a guy who was told "no". But, you can get a reasonable deal if you go into the diamond district in NYC.

I'd recommend comparison shopping beforehand and you can do that easily at Blue Nile:

http://www.bluenile.com/jewelry?gclid=CNW37uCryMACFSMV7AodbQoARA&click_id=921440870

Read up on the 4 C's (I'll look for the FFA thread) to make sure you don't get sucked into the "size" trap. Getting the right cut, will make any diamond appear larger than it truly is, because most saps get told the size that's required, so they look for the cheapest diamond that meets the requisite size.

SE PA. And I have heard people talk about the 4 C's a lot. I didn't bring that up in this thread mainly because I wasn't that far along in the process. This was more of a "How much am I looking at spending for a nice ring?" Not a really nice ring. Just a nice ring.

$3-5k.

 

[lakerstan]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm I have heard...

 

[TheIronSheik]

I spent around $6k for a 1.25 carat princess cut with platinum band and diamond bagets. She has worn it for 13 yrs now and still gets compliments today. Just know that your girl may not be into it but if its too cruddy she will be ashamed to show her friends. $75 is a joke.

Oh, yeah. I know $75 is a joke. My other brother and I make fun of him constantly. Although he says he's the one laughing since he only spent $75. He's winning the early rounds. But I think in a few years, we'll come out on top.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I spent around $6k for a 1.25 carat princess cut with platinum band and diamond bagets. She has worn it for 13 yrs now and still gets compliments today. Just know that your girl may not be into it but if its too cruddy she will be ashamed to show her friends. $75 is a joke.

Oh, yeah. I know $75 is a joke. My other brother and I make fun of him constantly. Although he says he's the one laughing since he only spent $75. He's winning the early rounds. But I think in a few years, we'll come out on top.

Oh, and she would literally kill me if I spent 6 grand on a ring for her.

 

[shadyridr]

I spent around $6k for a 1.25 carat princess cut with platinum band and diamond bagets. She has worn it for 13 yrs now and still gets compliments today. Just know that your girl may not be into it but if its too cruddy she will be ashamed to show her friends. $75 is a joke.

Oh, yeah. I know $75 is a joke. My other brother and I make fun of him constantly. Although he says he's the one laughing since he only spent $75. He's winning the early rounds. But I think in a few years, we'll come out on top.

Oh, and she would literally kill me if I spent 6 grand on a ring for her.

yeah just giving you idea on costs. Mine was a little more expensive due to the band and bagets. The size of the diamond (1.25) is not big or anything. I wouldnt bother with platinum. That was a waste of money IMO. Not worth it.

 

[Black Box]

I spent around $6k for a 1.25 carat princess cut with platinum band and diamond bagets. She has worn it for 13 yrs now and still gets compliments today. Just know that your girl may not be into it but if its too cruddy she will be ashamed to show her friends. $75 is a joke.

Oh, yeah. I know $75 is a joke. My other brother and I make fun of him constantly. Although he says he's the one laughing since he only spent $75. He's winning the early rounds. But I think in a few years, we'll come out on top.

Oh, and she would literally kill me if I spent 6 grand on a ring for her.

Six grand ring, plus the life insurance money. Smart girl.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Gotcha. Well, based on your quick synopsis of your situation, I stand by my opinion.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamonds?compare=true

 

[avoiding injuries]

I got mine at Jewelers Row on Sansom St about 8 years ago. I knew a guy, but even if I didn't it would have been worth the trip. If you're close to the city, check it out.

 

[mquinnjr]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm I have heard...

Gross or net?

 

[Bucky86]

Ever hear of blood diamonds you sick *******?????!!!!!

Are they cheaper than normal ones? Where can I get them? TIA

You may get a hand chopped off if you get caught, but it will save you money!

 

[DCThunder]

Go to a jeweler that designs and makes their own rings and stuff and talk to them about a one-off ring, perhaps also with a matching wedding band. And dont forget a wedding band for you too. Lots of small jewelers do this. And don't be locked into a diamond. Other gemstones can make beautiful and unique engagement/wedding rings that are as "uniquie as your love for each other"...

 

[phatdawg]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm I have heard...

Three months when you get married later in life is a bit crazy. I didn't spend anywhere close to three months of my salary on a ring when I got married four years ago. For reference, I was 40.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm I have heard...

Three months when you get married later in life is a bit crazy. I didn't spend anywhere close to three months of my salary on a ring when I got married four years ago. For reference, I was 40.

Are you saying you spent more or less?

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

It's going to cost you 50% of your assets and earnings.

HTH

 

[shadyridr]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm I have heard...

Three months when you get married later in life is a bit crazy. I didn't spend anywhere close to three months of my salary on a ring when I got married four years ago. For reference, I was 40.

Are you saying you spent more or less?

pretty sure he means less since people generally make alot more money as they get older.

 

[The Commish]

Might seem odd at first, but it's worth a drive south to Richmond VA to Diamonds Direct. If they are half as helpful as the ones here in the NC area, you'll be very pleased, get exactly what you want at a price that's affordable. If you want to come even further south, I have a very good jeweler friend that I could introduce you to, but this kind of purchase you have to look at in person. Doing it on the internet will leave you disappointed.

 

[James Daulton]

Spend as little as you can comfortably get away with. After the first couple weeks of the engagement and showing it to all her gal friends, the ring is hardly ever mentioned or noticed.

Maybe look at it this way. A really nice, special dinner out would cost at least $200 likely. This is something that she'll have the rest of her life, and perhaps pass on to her kid/grandkid (who knows). I'd be willing to spend multiples of a nice dinner, say between 4 - 8x.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm I have heard...

Three months when you get married later in life is a bit crazy. I didn't spend anywhere close to three months of my salary on a ring when I got married four years ago. For reference, I was 40.

Are you saying you spent more or less?

pretty sure he means less since people generally make alot more money as they get older.

That's what I thought at first. Then I thought he may be saying since he makes more, he'd have no problem spending more. But I see what you're saying now.

 

[Chemical X]

start hiding money

 

[TheIronSheik]

So here's another stupid question: How much more do the wedding bands cost? What is the total cost going to come out to? Please tell me the engagement ring is the expensive part.

Every time I see someone mention a price for a piece of the wedding cost, I picture a room of our future house get smaller or disappear all together.

 

[gianmarco]

PM Dentist. I've heard he has some thoughts on marriage and saving money.

 

[Dragons]

So here's another stupid question: How much more do the wedding bands cost? What is the total cost going to come out to? Please tell me the engagement ring is the expensive part.

Every time I see someone mention a price for a piece of the wedding cost, I picture a room of our future house get smaller or disappear all together.

Engagement ring is the expensive part, but if you (or she) wants some crazy design / jewelled band, it'll cost too. A simple matching platinum set should be no more than $1000 - 1500. White gold, well less than $1000.

Again, use Blue Nile to get a ballpark on retail prices. Then you can shop that price to either upgrade, or save money.

 

[flranger]

I'll sell you one.....if i can get it away from the soon to be ex......

Get a nice ring/band that is exactly what she wants and a high quality moissanite stone. It looks as good as a real diamond. Her friends will not know the difference.

For the record, the reason why this is an important decision is because of her friends and her being impressive to them. Even if it seems to mean nothing to her, it will down the road when her friends want to "see" the ring. It's like getting flowers delivered to work for them, so the whole office knows someone gives a crap about them.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I would recommend going white gold instead of platinum and put as much of your cost towards the center stone. That's all anyone cares about.