How much did you spend on Engagement ring? (New York, York: buying, income) - Long Island - (NY) - City-Data Forum

nyliguy · 09-07-2010, 09:18 AM

I'm curious to the cost Long Islanders' are spending on their engagement ring. The diamond industry promotes the 3 times (or something) your monthly gross income, but for a New York salary that could be a significant amount.

In the end someone should purchase what he can afford, as sometimes it would be better to purchase something less expensive and use that money on a down payment for a first home.

What do you all think and what have you spent?

kayfouroh · 09-07-2010, 09:24 AM

Whatever you can afford -- don't buy into the DeBeer's hype of X many times your income. I know friends have spent 11k+ on a ring and I only spent a couple hundred for the same happiness.

Yzette · 09-07-2010, 09:52 AM

I believe that unless you get diamonds mined in Canada that are certified conflict-free, the price is always too high.

[URL="http://jewelry.about.com/cs/diamondmining/a/diamonds.htm"]What You Can Do to Avoid Buying a Conflict Diamond[/URL]

Some gorgeous stuff here: [URL="http://www.brilliantearth.com/conflict-free-diamonds/"]Brilliant Earth[/URL]

ENFD240 · 09-07-2010, 10:02 AM

we pried the diamond out of her dead grandmother's ring and just bought a new setting for it... around $500-$600 at the time iirc

dman72 · 09-07-2010, 10:22 AM

Hopefully the woman you are going to marry understands that $2K extra dollars put towards a ring is 2K less spent on a nice vacation or on a house.

Jdawg8181 · 09-07-2010, 10:24 AM

It shouldn't matter what it costs- it's what the ring signifies. I have seen some beautiful rings that were very inexpensive. If she loves you, she will love the ring no matter what you spend on it.

Don't feel like you need to spend a certain amount. I have heard 3months salary- but I think it's a bunch of bologna. At this point in my life I would just be lucky to have someone who loves me enough to want to marry me. (HUGGGE Sap here!)

If you are proposing, best of luck to you! So exciting

(Don't get so caught up in the #'s of everything).

nassau2suffolk · 09-07-2010, 10:37 AM

Shop around and try the diamond disrict in Manhattan, I'm sure a good deal can be found somewhere. If your girl is going to be that concerned with the cost or size of the ring, good luck with the rest of your life.

superfly10 · 09-07-2010, 11:14 AM

Generally, better off getting a nice, clear smaller stone then a huge, cloudy imperfect one. Generally, the nicest stone you can get at around 1ct makes a nice ring... if she cares for one at all.

That should be around 5-7K for a very clear one... 3-5 for a more imperfect one... depending on setting.

KellyFG · 09-07-2010, 11:17 AM

at the time we got engaged he was running a small business & really wasn't taking a paycheck so we sold my husband's left kidney on the blackmarket.........I figure that's why god gave him two.
My ring is REALLY sparkly

Jetties · 09-07-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nassau2suffolk

Shop around and try the diamond disrict in Manhattan, I'm sure a good deal can be found somewhere. If your girl is going to be that concerned with the cost or size of the ring, good luck with the rest of your life.

I had a 'connection' in the DD and I 'think' he took care of me - who knows. I was young and dumb and spent more than I probably should have but my wife sure liked it so I guess that is all that matters.