Engagement Rings - What cost am I looking at? (1 Viewer)

[Fat Nick]

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.

I'd honestly go the other way...Platinum is barely more than gold these days now that the price of gold has gone up so much. Plus, Platinum is a much harder metal. It will wear better, and if you have a platinum engagement ring, the platinum being harder will help the stone stay secure better.

I'll add that I'm one of the few people I know who went the designer retailer route. I heard so many horror stories from folks going the local jeweler or custom jeweler route. People having their rings stolen, getting bogus diamonds, getting sub-par craftsmenship, etc. I paid a little extra for a Tiffany ring and haven't thought twice about it. They clean it, and do polishing for free. They basically are your ##### for life after you buy a ring from them.

 

[eoMMan]

Blue nile

 

[Harris]

Has anyone ever bought a ring at Costco? I hear they're prices and quality are both great but would still seem hesitant.

 

[Koya]

Couple suggestions:

1. Is your wife a "diamond" gal, doesn't sound like it. You can get a far MORE beautiful ring with a ruby, sapphire, emerald. My wife loves Sapphires... got probably three times the ring than if it were a diamond (and she wanted an untreated, unheated one, which is way more expensive than an off the shelf, and many/most can't tell the difference) and people just love it.

2. Work with a wholesaler. You go retail and you are paying a huge markup on a big price item. Now, I have the advantage of living very close to NYC, where there's the diamond district but you can do it by mail. I forget the names but I can find them. If you can visit, you go to this shady room on the 6th floor of a semi wearhouse looking building across from Rock Center, and in these tiny drawers must be just tens of millions of dollars in jewels. But, you can go on their websites which have pics that are really very accurate, and they will mail you some of the raw stones (obviously they must have some way to know if you run off with them, they will get paid, no idea how that works) and you can choose.

Basically, you buy the rock and then have it set. Much less money, much prettier stones. We probably paid 1/3 of retail, perhaps 1/4.

 

[Henry Ford]

I recommend going to antique jewelers, estate sales, etc. and find something with some history. You can get an unbelievable ring for a fraction of the price, and it usually has that "family heirloom" look to it, which is cool.

 

[Slapdash]

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.

I wasn't too impressed with Diamonds Direct personally. Went with a small place in my neighborhood called Custom that allowed her to completely design what she wanted within the budget I set out. Place shares a space with a bike shop, so I didn't feel like there was much overhead. Ended up paying 4600 with .9 ct center stone and another half ct.

I got her to agree to a moissanite ring, but could tell diamonds are what she really wanted.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

If marriage were a SP thread...

"Hey guys! Guys, what do you think of this trade offer I just got from my girlfriend, guys? I give her a ring that costs thousands of dollars, most of my free time, a significant portion of my dignity and pride, agree to abandon most of my dreams and aspirations, and she gets access to half of my stuff if at any point she feels the trade isn't working out for her."

"What's she giving you?"

"Less frequent sex and a commitment to visit my in-laws periodically. What do you think? I'm seriously considering accepting before she changes her mind."

 

[17seconds]

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.

Similar ring here (1.2 carat) but I spent $8K. It was an ideal cut, VS1, G I think so I went quality over size a little.

After seeing how much women compare rock sizes, even though my wife says she doesn't care, they all do... I probably should have gone for less quality and more like 1.4 carat

 

[CYP]

I would say the cost is lifelong misery. Good luck!

 

[Dragons]

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.

Similar ring here (1.2 carat) but I spent $8K. It was an ideal cut, VS1, G I think so I went quality over size a little.

After seeing how much women compare rock sizes, even though my wife says she doesn't care, they all do... I probably should have gone for less quality and more like 1.4 carat

Don't tell anyone the actual carat size. Don't even tell her if she can't keep it to herself. My wife's diamond is a .86, but her family is all convinced it's larger than a carat - it looks bigger than the supposed 1 carat her sister has. Ideal cut can look as large as a larger rock that has a disproportionate bottom tip/cone/whatever it's called. Plus it's sparklier.

ETA - Don't overpay for lack of inclusions you can't see with the naked eye - which of her friends is going to look at it under magnification?

 

[Koya]

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.

Similar ring here (1.2 carat) but I spent $8K. It was an ideal cut, VS1, G I think so I went quality over size a little.

After seeing how much women compare rock sizes, even though my wife says she doesn't care, they all do... I probably should have gone for less quality and more like 1.4 carat

Again, if size matters (and, doesn't it always?), a separate stone / wholesaler can really cut the price.

My wife and I shopped together for it, and we ended up spending much less than I expected (and she didn't want to go buts). I think I spent $3,500 all in where a retail version might be 12k?

FWIW, I know a whole lotta women who could not care less about the size and don't compare. And many (more) who likely do. My wife doesn't care about those things*

* As she wears her tiffany necklace, Coco Chanel Bag and god knows what else

 

[MC Gas Money]

What is wrong with ring tattoos?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

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.

Shes already killing you, you just dont know it yet.

 

[TenTimes]

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.

Shes already killing you, you just dont know it yet.

True that. I'm watching the game tonight at a potluck

 

[-fish-]

Your soul

don't do it

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

HTH

start hiding money

I would say the cost is lifelong misery. Good luck!

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.

Shes already killing you, you just dont know it yet.

good info here.

If i could do it all over again, I would chop off a body part to avoid marriage. And I'm not talking like a knuckle or a pinky toe. Something relatively important, like a foot.

 

[CYP]

Your soul

don't do it

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

HTH

start hiding money

I would say the cost is lifelong misery. Good luck!

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.

Shes already killing you, you just dont know it yet.

good info here.

If i could do it all over again, I would chop off a body part to avoid marriage. And I'm not talking like a knuckle or a pinky toe. Something relatively important, like a foot.

 

[johnnycakes]

What is wrong with ring tattoos?

Speaking of the Dentist, I was wondering how he solved this ring dilemma.

 

[Fat Nick]

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.

Similar ring here (1.2 carat) but I spent $8K. It was an ideal cut, VS1, G I think so I went quality over size a little.

After seeing how much women compare rock sizes, even though my wife says she doesn't care, they all do... I probably should have gone for less quality and more like 1.4 carat

Don't tell anyone the actual carat size. Don't even tell her if she can't keep it to herself. My wife's diamond is a .86, but her family is all convinced it's larger than a carat - it looks bigger than the supposed 1 carat her sister has. Ideal cut can look as large as a larger rock that has a disproportionate bottom tip/cone/whatever it's called. Plus it's sparklier.

ETA - Don't overpay for lack of inclusions you can't see with the naked eye - which of her friends is going to look at it under magnification?

Agree 100% about the carat size. I was told by several folks that the best bang for the buck is just below 1.0 CT. She told me that the difference between a .95 CT and a 1.0 CT can be more than 15-20% just because people like the 1.0 CT sound. Not to mention, when comparing size, you usually compare the diameter/table of the ring. Somebody can do a less-than-ideal cut on a smaller diamond and make it look a lot bigger in comparison by making it shallower. Comparing different cuts can make them look all whacky size-wise too as they aren't all the same depth.

I also agree 100% re. inclusions. I forget the rating, but just get one that is the one where you can't see inclusions with the naked eye. When's the last time a friend whipped out a loop to look at a ring? If you can't see them, then don't worry and spend money to get a bigger stone, or a better color.

Also, to the point of size vs. quality - Women do often compare stone sizes, but what catches people's eye out in public is the fire or sparkle of the ring. Going with a colorless stone with a perfect cut is the key here. You can have a huge stone with a bad cut and it just won't sparkle.

 

[[icon]]

Michael Scott suggests 3 years salary

3 months is the norm a marketing ploy by DeBeers I have heard...

FYP

 

[spOOfy]

spent about 2k 17 years ago.

 

[El Floppo]

good luck with all of that.

and I mean that.

 

[Michael Brown]

My wife's aunt was a jeweler here in NJ. I bought the ring back in 07 for $10k. I think it's just over 2 carats with white gold band (platinum is soft and can get dinged up easily), and the color/clarity/cut are all on the real high end. Agree with those who say that those items are overlooked. Size matters, but a big rock that looks like glass won't impress anyone. When the sunlight hits this thing, it sparkles all over the place so she's happy. She always said not to spend a lot on an engagement ring, but I wanted to hook her up cause she has a great ### and is awesome at the sex.

Plus love and closeness and all that stuff.

 

[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.

Are you saying you spent more or less?

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

This is correct.

 

[Da Guru]

Has anyone ever bought a ring at Costco? I hear they're prices and quality are both great but would still seem hesitant.

Why? Costco has the best guarantees of products they sell than any merchant I have ever dealt with. Granted I have never bought a ring there but I am sure they are backed 100%.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Do they still put rings in Cracker Jack boxes?

 

[Fat Nick]

My wife's aunt was a jeweler here in NJ. I bought the ring back in 07 for $10k. I think it's just over 2 carats with white gold band (platinum is soft and can get dinged up easily), and the color/clarity/cut are all on the real high end. Agree with those who say that those items are overlooked. Size matters, but a big rock that looks like glass won't impress anyone. When the sunlight hits this thing, it sparkles all over the place so she's happy. She always said not to spend a lot on an engagement ring, but I wanted to hook her up cause she has a great ### and is awesome at the sex.

Plus love and closeness and all that stuff.

I don't know why so many people think this...Platinum is harder than Gold.

 

[hxperson]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

 

[Da Guru]

Do they still put rings in Cracker Jack boxes?

I think so but there ain't no Coupe de Villes hiding

At the bottom of a Cracker Jack box

 

[Fat Nick]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

 

[Freelove]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

 

[MAC_32]

One of our friends is a jeweler, so we got a deal on ours, she got the stone and did her thing after hours. She gave me options costing $850, $950, or $1100. We both agreed the $950 looked best so I got that one, quality > quantity. If you go to a corporate jeweler this will probably cost $3K+, but if you go local more like $2K, maybe less.

If small will suffice then the most important of the C's are clarity and cut.

 

[Fat Nick]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

 

[Dragons]

IMO,

Ideal cut

H+ color

SI1 / VS2 clarity

In the largest stone that fits the budget.

 

[Spanky24]

I recommend going to antique jewelers, estate sales, etc. and find something with some history. You can get an unbelievable ring for a fraction of the price, and it usually has that "family heirloom" look to it, which is cool.

Some good stuff all through this topic, but this right here is the best answer.

 

[RUSF18]

Spent about $12K on a 1.53 Carat Cushion Modified Brilliant F color, VS2 ring back in late 2011, setting included. I was trying to stay under 1.5 carats, having heard the same about big price jumps around the half carat increments. But once I was actually comparing stones, it was only nominally more expensive as it crossed.

 

[bblue]

Take her out ring looking and see what she likes. Then you will have an idea. If she doesn't like what you buy why waste the money.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

People are still falling for this diamond scam? It's 2014, folks. Wise up.

 

[Brony]

I think it would be hilarious if someone posted something like "Start hiding money" or "Half your net worth". You see, since he's thinking about getting married, now's a great time to point out the likelihood of divorce and the failure rate of marriage. Funny stuff!!!

 

[Michael Brown]

People are still falling for this diamond scam? It's 2014, folks. Wise up.

Come on, we're FBGs. What's a little pocket change here and there to keep the lady happy?

 

[Jobber]

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.

This. And don't even think about popping the question if she's all into the huge wedding thing that puts you guys in the poor house for 5 years. That's a red flag for trouble.

 

[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.

This. And don't even think about popping the question if she's all into the huge wedding thing that puts you guys in the poor house for 5 years. That's a red flag for trouble.

Nope. We've already discussed that will most likely just do the JOTP. My cousin has a nice lot of land that they've offered up for having a party at to celebrate the marriage. But, again, we've already decided that we don't want to spend a lot of money on the wedding.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

People are still falling for this diamond scam? It's 2014, folks. Wise up.

Come on, we're FBGs. What's a little pocket change here and there to keep the lady happy?

Terrible.

 

[hxperson]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

LOL yeah the first one is Carat. I guess that teaches me not to post when swamped at work...

 

[whiskey7]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

LOL yeah the first one is Carat. I guess that teaches me not to post when swamped at work...

I think you had it right, actually, doubly emphasizing cut. A well cut diamond will look bigger and sparkle far more than a larger stone that is poorly cut. IMHO, too many peeps focus too much on the actual carat weight and not enough on the cut, clarity, and color. Also, I would not buy a diamond I did not personally look at with both naked eye and under a scope. Whether you go to a retailer, wholesaler, homey in the alley, etc, see the thing in person before pulling the trigger.

To the OP's question, asking how much one will cost is a little like asking how much does a car or house cost. It really depends on what you want. Someone earlier suggested taking her shopping to see what she likes. I agree with that. If she's been telling you not to spend a lot but then has no interest in any stones you feel fall in the range of "not a lot", you have insight into how truthful she's being with you and/or whether the two of you are on the same page when it comes to finance. Any of these things you can find out/work out now is all the better for you. Whatever you decide, what you don't want her to feel is that she wasn't good enough for you that you didn't try hard to make it something she'll like. Make an honest effort to get her the nicest ring you can (within reason) and most wimmen will be happy with that. Good luck!

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

LOL yeah the first one is Carat. I guess that teaches me not to post when swamped at work...

I think you had it right, actually. A well cut diamond will look bigger and sparkle far more than a larger stone that is poorly cut. IMHO, too many peeps focus too much on the actual carat weight and not enough on the cut, clarity, and color.

Also, I would not buy a diamond I did not personally look at with both naked eye and under a scope.

Why?

 

[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.

This. And don't even think about popping the question if she's all into the huge wedding thing that puts you guys in the poor house for 5 years. That's a red flag for trouble.

Nope. We've already discussed that will most likely just do the JOTP. My cousin has a nice lot of land that they've offered up for having a party at to celebrate the marriage. But, again, we've already decided that we don't want to spend a lot of money on the wedding.

We had ours at the local Legion (I'm a member of the Sons of the American Legion). We found a judge to marry us. I found dress pants, shirt, tie, and jacket at Sears. She found a white dress on clearance at JC Penney for $25. Those in the wedding party were told to where something comfortable. The idea was to have a party with a wedding in the middle of it.

After everyone arrived, we announced that we were going to get married. We hurried to the front and our wedding party joined us. The judge said a few nice things and married us. We did a first dance and sent everyone back to partying/eating.

We had the hall for two hours, then everyone came back to our house to drink more. We grilled some burgers later.

Years after, peoe still tell us that it's the best wedding that they have ever been to.

 

[whiskey7]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

LOL yeah the first one is Carat. I guess that teaches me not to post when swamped at work...

I think you had it right, actually. A well cut diamond will look bigger and sparkle far more than a larger stone that is poorly cut. IMHO, too many peeps focus too much on the actual carat weight and not enough on the cut, clarity, and color.

Also, I would not buy a diamond I did not personally look at with both naked eye and under a scope.

Why?

Because its an important purchase and diamonds are not uniform even when graded exactly the same.

 

[th3f00l]

Not too sure what kind of ring you are looking for so it is hard to say.

Start with the band. What kind of metal and what color. White Gold is popular but remember that there is regular maintenance on it, as it will start to yellow over time. That is why I chose platinum. The band itself cost me almost 2k which was a decent deal. A gold one you can get into the sub 1K range.

Then you have to pick your diamond. If size is important you will need at least 1 carat. You can find nice deals on diamonds just under a carat though, the difference in price between a .9 and 1 carat is huge. Diamonds are graded on cut, color, and internal clarity… so you pay for each of those categories. A yellow diamond will not look great on a silver band. Check out diamonds on blue nile . com to get an idea. That is where your price will have the biggest variation. Plan on paying 3K for a nice looking just under 1K diamond.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

LOL yeah the first one is Carat. I guess that teaches me not to post when swamped at work...

I think you had it right, actually. A well cut diamond will look bigger and sparkle far more than a larger stone that is poorly cut. IMHO, too many peeps focus too much on the actual carat weight and not enough on the cut, clarity, and color.

Also, I would not buy a diamond I did not personally look at with both naked eye and under a scope.

Why?

Because its an important purchase and diamonds are not uniform even when graded exactly the same.

So you don't get ripped off?

 

[whiskey7]

Just make sure you prioritize your C's as:

1. Cut

2. Clarity

3. Color

4. Cut

I somehow got the impression he thought cut was important.

And you really don't have to worry about cut that much? I'm guessing one of those should be Carat...just not sure which one he thinks it should be...

LOL yeah the first one is Carat. I guess that teaches me not to post when swamped at work...

I think you had it right, actually. A well cut diamond will look bigger and sparkle far more than a larger stone that is poorly cut. IMHO, too many peeps focus too much on the actual carat weight and not enough on the cut, clarity, and color.

Also, I would not buy a diamond I did not personally look at with both naked eye and under a scope.

Why?

Because its an important purchase and diamonds are not uniform even when graded exactly the same.

So you don't get ripped off?

Partly that and partly because I want to know its something she'll be happy to wear every day.

There's a lot of stuff I will buy online because I know its either the exact same as what I'd get in the store or I am not terribly concerned if its not exactly what I expected. If I order some new golf shirts online, I know what brand/size to get and they'd be the same as if I cruise into a store and buy them there. If the color happens to not be quite what I was expecting, not a big deal. If I am going to shell out thousands for something that is both valuable and symbolic and has to endure years of wear/tear and evaluation, you better believe I want to see what I am buying first hand.