How much should or would you expect a guy to spend on an Engagement Ring?

Kinetic^

snuggles285 wrote: »

A car or a house can wear down become shabby.

.....and a wife doesn't??

dearg lady

Orando Broom wrote: »

Right on sister, who needs bras.

Orando Broom wrote: »

It's more right-on.

Orando Broom wrote: »

Not in their world apparently.

That would be materialistic.

Materialism is the devil!

I must rummage through trash for clothing for fear I'll be labelled as materialistic.

So, what, cos a person doesn't have any interest in expensive engagement rings, they must be a hippie feminist???

Different people have different priorities, an engagement ring would be a waste for me, I would never wear one. My preference, like Dory, would be for a holiday of some sort. For me personally, that would be worth more.

I'm not judging anyone for their decision to spend a lot of money on an engagement ring. But i don't like to see people pressured into something they cannot afford because of some arbitrary rule of a 'minimum spend'

Wibbs

Mike 1972 wrote: »

Why would anyone spend 15 grand on a watch . Thats worse than blowing it on a ring FFS ? Lidl were doing perfectly decent watches for a fiver a while back. They told the time without saying "please mug me" to every passer by one might encounter.

*awkward moment considering a forum I mod* Well a watch will tell the time at least..... Though yep there's a logic disconnect there too. A 10 euro quartz will be a more accurate timekeeper than a 30 grand mechanical Patek Philippe(they can cost millions. Yep).

But even though I like watches, no way would I spend 15 grand or anything near it on one. Most true watch aficionados(temposexuals:D) wouldnt either. And no way would you need to spend anything close to 15 grand to get something decent. Knock off a zero and you'll get something V nice. I've gotten some nice ones over the years and the most I've ever spent was 1 k. Usually way way less. Pick well and they hold their value. Pick very well and they'll really climb in value. If I had a time machine and went back to the early 80's say with 1000 punts to spend on watches, I could turn that into close to a million today.

Quality

My engagement ring was expensive, it would have paid our mortgage for
A year at the time!

My partner was happy to spoil me. We had the money at the time so went for it.

It's something I wear everyday and will wear for the rest of my life. So I will get good value out of it

Kinetic^

Quality wrote: »

So I will get good value out of it

How exactly? Is it going to feed the kids or something?

Wibbs

Kinetic^ wrote: »

How exactly? Is it going to feed the kids or something?

Now I've been on the side against tacky conspicuous consumption, but I'm not some grey communist killjoy either. Humans have always collected or given away as tokens things that were otherwise "worthless". As far back as Neanderthal man they were collecting shells and pigments for body adornment and they didnt help feed their kids. Sure they may have been religious talismans, but just as likely(going on modern"cavemen) that they simply enjoyed them or they had some emotional or symbolic value for them.

You could aim that argument at pretty much anything. I mean, I'm sure you could get by with a smaller cheaper telly or PC. Buy all your clothes in Dunnes(nada agin them BTW. Got a nice jacket in there before), but god it would be a joyless existence.

Actually that sums up my position. Joylessness. I see that in the beige types where everything must earn its way and I see it in the "oh you do know how much this cost?" types. Horrid way to live on either side of the fence.

John Mason

i have warned my boy if he spends more then 250e it is going straight back to the shop.

engagement rings are old fashioned and are not necessary.

i dont need a piece of metal on my finger to show that i am in a committed relationship.

i am also uncomfortable about the whole meaning of the engagement ring

kollegeknight

My girlfriend pointed out 1 in a window for 7000 so i told her she'd have to wait at least 7yrs for me to afford it. she said what kind of ring would it take for me to propose that day, i said an onion ring.
That was 8months ago.
Since then, she has lost her job and now wants a "token ring", but i know her, and I know that wouldnt do her.
My aim is about 3000e.

Kinetic^

Wibbs wrote: »

Now I've been on the side against tacky conspicuous consumption, but I'm not some grey communist killjoy either.

Nor am I, my point is that that spending a year's worth of mortgage money on it and then saying you'll get value out of it is moronic.

bmarley

Mont wrote: »

Depends on the income but anyone with a half-decent job should be spending 5k minimum.

that is ridiculous..personally won't hate to see anyway pay that on a ring..can't even wear mine as it's too small - buy a ring less then 1000 euro and save money towards a nice honeymoon and good start in your married life...surely there's lots of jewellery bargains to be had these days..

iguana

Just a heads up that this thread has moved forums, so please take note and avoid the AH style posts. Thanks.:)

MagicMarker

Quality wrote: »

My engagement ring was expensive, it would have paid our mortgage for
A year at the time!

lol, what a waste.

Ricekrispie

Bought engagement ring from well-respected online jeweller in US and had it shipped to my brother who lives there. Cost about €3k. He sent it over by courier to Ireland in a mint tin stuffed between random documents he put in the envelope. It was a risk, but arrived safe and no duty or VAT to pay. Had to get it valued for house insurance and was valued here at over €5k. So, she knew how much it was worth and it freaked her out a but more than anything. It's not a big diamond, but was a very good quality one, which I wanted to get her, rather than some big rock that was half as good quality and with a lot less sparkle.

Capt'n Midnight

has anyone pointed out that an engagement ring is a part of a marriage contract and the it should be returned to the man wedding is called off ?

seeing as how we are traditional and all that

tinkerbell

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

has anyone pointed out that an engagement ring is a part of a marriage contract and the it should be returned to the man wedding is called off ?

seeing as how we are traditional and all that

I would've thought that would be stating the obvious.

Heineken Helen

Anyone considering buying their other half a watch :eek: don't you know it's bad luck?

I know several couples who were strong, one gave the other a watch as a pressie and they inexplicably split up in the next few months.

I'm not the only one with this superstition either... we've chatted about it at work

MagicMarker

Heineken Helen wrote: »

Anyone considering buying their other half a watch :eek: don't you know it's bad luck?

I know several couples who were strong, one gave the other a watch as a pressie and they inexplicably split up in the next few months.

I'm not the only one with this superstition either... we've chatted about it at work

Morrigin

Heineken Helen wrote: »

Anyone considering buying their other half a watch :eek: don't you know it's bad luck?

I know several couples who were strong, one gave the other a watch as a pressie and they inexplicably split up in the next few months.

I'm not the only one with this superstition either... we've chatted about it at work

Bought himself several watched over the years and he's bought me three. Ten years on we're still here so I wouldn't pay any heed to old wive's tales

Heineken Helen

Morrigin wrote: »

Bought himself several watched over the years and he's bought me three. Ten years on we're still here so I wouldn't pay any heed to old wive's tales

It's not an old wives tale... I'm sure it doesn't make everyone split up but I've told himself to never get me a watch and I genuinely know many couples this happened to... I'm not a superstitious kinda person but this is one that I wouldn't mess with :cool:

MagicMarker

Heineken Helen wrote: »

It's not an old wives tale... I'm sure it doesn't make everyone split up but I've told himself to never get me a watch and I genuinely know many couples this happened to... I'm not a superstitious kinda person but this is one that I wouldn't mess with :cool:

Mike 1972

Heineken Helen wrote: »

It's not an old wives tale...

More an old ex-wifes tale perhaps ?

Quality

Kinetic^ wrote: »

How exactly? Is it going to feed the kids or something?

Well I have been wearing this ring every day for the last 9 years. And will wear it for the rest of my life, then my daughter will inherit it.

It is a beautiful ring, which many people compliment.

MagicMarker wrote: »

lol, what a waste.

So happy my husband doesnt have this attitude.:)

MagicMarker

Quality wrote: »

So happy my husband doesnt have this attitude.:)

Thankfully my girlfriend isn't as materialistic as you.

Quality

MagicMarker wrote: »

Thankfully my girlfriend isn't as materialistic as you.

I am sure your girlfriends standards arent as high as mine...

sure shes with you isnt she:)

MagicMarker

Quality wrote: »

I am sure your girlfriends standards arent as high as mine...

sure shes with you isnt she:)

If your high standards mean marrying a guy who has his priorities aresways then I guess you're right. You're a lucky gal! You go ahead and enjoy that piece of carbon that could have payed your mortgage for a year and eased some of your family's debt. You win at life, well done.

Quality

Its amusing how you are so irritated by my husband buying me an expensive ring.


We are obviously in two completely different social classes altogether.

You win at life, well done.

Yes it does seem that I do.:)

Toots

Enough of the bickering, take it to PM if you want to continue.

helimachoptor

Will be spending 5K on the OH's ring, could spend more or less but i've found the ring/rock spec she wants.
Like wibbs I'd be a watch man though I havent bought anything too expensive i'm not a ring man so even though i'll get a ring i'll be getting a fancy watch to wear instead.

Cadyboo

I dont think it matters how much the ring costs, as long as the girl likes it.
No point in blowing thousands on a piece of jewellery that you will be terrified of losing, so therefore may not wear.
I think that huge diamonds are hideous, they may cost 10,000+ but just look like costume jewellery because they are so big.
My oh picked out my ring (gave him a few hints over the years) dont know how much he paid for it but it wasnt anywhere near months wages, Id kill him. But I absolutely love my ring.

Bill2673

I don't have a strong view on how much be spent......

I do think that most people don't know much about diamonds and wouldn't be able to tell one from the other.......therefore I think what you are buying is a symbol......and thats all it was meant to be in the first place.

And on that basis, I think there is a strong argument for buying it in ireland.

A lot of people saying you get much better value if you go overseas....but what is value if it is (i) something you wont be selling anyway and (ii) at the end of the day, if 6 months ago you wouldnt have know a two carat from a three carat (or whatever) then why does it matter now...? bragging rights, and not much else as far as I can see.

On the other hand, if you buy the ring in Ireland you are supporting the local economic community at a time when the country (i.e. the people around you) could do with the help, and its a big spending decision. I think there is a satisfaction to be had from that.

seanmc1980

Bill2673 wrote: »

A lot of people saying you get much better value if you go overseas....but what is value if it is (i) something you wont be selling anyway and (ii) at the end of the day, if 6 months ago you wouldnt have know a two carat from a three carat (or whatever) then why does it matter now...? bragging rights, and not much else as far as I can see.

On the other hand, if you buy the ring in Ireland you are supporting the local economic community at a time when the country (i.e. the people around you) could do with the help, and its a big spending decision. I think there is a satisfaction to be had from that.

I can see what your say most people wont be able to tell the difference, but i have a real problem with being ripped off. like any other commidity i will shop around and get the best value. if i willing to spend 5k and pick up one with the same size, cut , colour and clarity for 2k cheaper then i will. i dont think you realise how much a rip off ireland is when it come to diamonds.

Bill2673

To be honest I am a bit cynical about the notion of rip off Ireland as a reason for not buying here......we're in a massive consumer recession here, businesses will do anything to stay open and that usually means cutting prices down to the wire....its happening in every other area so i don't see why jewellers are different.....a lot of them have shut down.

Now it may still be the case that they are more expensive here, but I dont equate the above scenario with people trying to rip me off.

Secondly, all the comparisons are with Antwerp or New York. Is Dublin any more expensive than seville or turin or lyon on oslo or stockholm....i.e. european cities of similar size that are not diamond centres, adjusting for VAT and duties....? i doubt it.

If I go to ecuador I can bananas cheap. if I go to japan, I can get cars cheap. If I go to Morocco I can get oranges cheap. Its the way of the world.

If on the other hand you can back up your rip-off comment, I'd like to see it.

(ps, how many of the people going to New York to buy rings are paying import duties......it is technically illegal to avoid it, no?)

Lusty_Lips

Gunsfortoys wrote: »

LOL



We aren't mindreaders.

If I had to ask permission to marry a girl I'm with, I would need my head examined.

I totally agree I wud prefer to know first lol

Dutchess

I think mine was a silver ring that cost what, a tenner? I am not working at the moment and I would prefer to eat and have a roof over our heads than a 5k rock on my finger. Not that into bling anyway.

magneticimpulse

I could think of far better things to spend my money on at the moment. Unemployed and would rather go traveling etc then throw 2 to 5k on a piece of materialistic nothingness.

Id get more satisfaction if I got a dog or cat as a gift. I if some money was given to charity. Id feel far to selfish, guilty and mean if someone spent that amount on a ring for me...i just wouldnt appreciate the value.

Id personally rather a 700 quid ring max...and the other 4300 euro sent to charity

maryomeara

Ring €1000 - I didn't know until my OH popped the question on holidays, total surprised but was fantastic and said yes! was so happy until the next day he rang his mother first and she instantly said this is not the right time for you (we are both almost 29 n av been 2gether 4 years) n said that he cant afford it , no sign of a congratulations. we bought the ring together (split payment) and still she examined it to the end to see the quality etc. It is set down in a gold band because of my job I would not be able to buy a diamond that stood out of the ring n that was not good enough..........

I really think decide what both of you want, agree you are proud to show off the ring (which u will be asked) and be comfortable with the cost, noone will know or ask how much it was!!!

I LOVE being engaged and never thought I had any interest!! x x

Capt'n Midnight

Bill2673 wrote: »

And on that basis, I think there is a strong argument for buying it in ireland.

...

On the other hand, if you buy the ring in Ireland you are supporting the local economic community at a time when the country (i.e. the people around you) could do with the help, and its a big spending decision. I think there is a satisfaction to be had from that.

If you want to support the local economy get a ring made by a local goldsmith.

if you buy a mass produced one it doesn't really matter where you buy it.

Handing money to a rich person doesn't help the local economy that much. They tend to buy expensive imports or put into savings etc. Much of my spend is going on mortgage which the banks aren't lending and eventually it will go to into to coffers of those who lent money to the developers. Money going to those on the dole would be back in the economy within a few days. So that's why if you want to support local business, cut out the middle man (expecially if belongs to a chain) and get it hand made.

diamonddazzel

weiland79 wrote: »

Actually rule of thumb is a month and a half (I'm a jeweller). But lets be realistic here, that's a lot of money for most people these day's so the rule is more or less out the window. On average people are spending between 500 and 1500.

If your a jeweller, any suggestions on the type of diamond you would get for around 1000e??? I have read alot about inclusions and stuff and it is scary!! Any inside info would be helpful

bellacay

My friend's engagement ring cost more than her car... It's hideous!!! It's way too big and she constantly gets it caught in things and when she got married she had to have her wedding band made to fit around it and that just looks odd. I'm sure she likes it but if she chose it because of the size and price then that's just silly.
Personally I'd rather put the money towards an amazing honeymoon!

kingtubby

If someone can be convinced that they should spend 3 months wages on a ring then I already have lost a lot of respect for them.

The jeweller who managed to spread this myth deserves a medal.

Napper Hawkins

Quality wrote: »

Its amusing how you are so irritated by my husband buying me an expensive ring.


We are obviously in two completely different social classes altogether.



Yes it does seem that I do.:)

.......

helimachoptor

helimachoptor wrote: »

Will be spending 5K on the OH's ring, could spend more or less but i've found the ring/rock spec she wants.
Like wibbs I'd be a watch man though I havent bought anything too expensive i'm not a ring man so even though i'll get a ring i'll be getting a fancy watch to wear instead.

Jesus Helimachoptor. If I'd known when I was 15 that you were going to spend that much on an engagement ring, well, things might be have been veeerrry different :pac:

I got engaged when I was 18. The ring was a couple of hundred pound. I lost it before I got married! I since bought myself a replacement, it's a rock, and it's stunning (to me). But it was a bargain which I got it in a closing down sale in New York and I paid for it. I LOVE it, but I love rings, diamonds, rubies and sapphires. LOVE!

helimachoptor

Deleted User wrote: »

Jesus Helimachoptor. If I'd known when I was 15 that you were going to spend that much on an engagement ring, well, things might be have been veeerrry different :pac:

I got engaged when I was 18. The ring was a couple of hundred pound. I lost it before I got married! I since bought myself a replacement, it's a rock, and it's stunning (to me). But it was a bargain which I got it in a closing down sale in New York and I paid for it. I LOVE it, but I love rings, diamonds, rubies and sapphires. LOVE!

Ended spending more than that in the end so you'd have been on to a winner, but in tesco you'd have been luck to get a barn brack ring :D

In saying that, aslong as the woman likes the ring i think thats all that matters. A girl in work has a blue stone surrounded my mini diamonds, wouldnt be my cup of tea but she loves it and isnt a fan of the solitaire or 3 diamond ring.

barrykel

How much should a fello spend on an engagement ring im self employed
so not much spare cash lying around, any comments or ideas would be good im thinking i could manage around 1000 euro or is that too little.

artyeva

€1000 is more than enough to get an engagement ring - and more than a lot of people have to spend.

but only spend what you can afford, would be my advice. and i mean that honestly and earnestly - the price and monetary value of the ring shouldn't be important to the woman you intend to give it to, it's the sentiment and feeling and symbolism behind it.

thumper10

AGREE TOTALLY, spend what you can afford, the ring will be beautiful anyway, its what is represents is why we love them....got engaged last year, and still love the ring, we collected the ring together, if collecting together make a lovely lunch with champers, after lunch we headed to my parent to tell them, oh the memory still puts a smile on my face........;)

M.J.M.C

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056151949

Jelly2

thumper10 wrote: »

AGREE TOTALLY, spend what you can afford, the ring will be beautiful anyway, its what is represents is why we love them....got engaged last year, and still love the ring, we collected the ring together, if collecting together make a lovely lunch with champers, after lunch we headed to my parent to tell them, oh the memory still puts a smile on my face........;)

I agree with the above. The ring should mean something - and that has nothing to do with how much it is worth materially. We didn't get an engagement ring, but chose our wedding rings together, and used a design that meant something to us - about our time together so far and our time together in the future. They didn't cost us much, look lovely, and remind us of all the wonderful times that we have had together and will have together in the future.
Good luck!

wrmwit

artyeva wrote: »

€1000 is more than enough to get an engagement ring - and more than a lot of people have to spend.

but only spend what you can afford, would be my advice. and i mean that honestly and earnestly - the price and monetary value of the ring shouldn't be important to the woman you intend to give it to, it's the sentiment and feeling and symbolism behind it.

Totally agree. I popped the question in February. We bought the ring the next day and all the rings regardless of price looked great. Jewelers will explain that you pay for clarity but this clarity is only noticeable under a microscope and the naked eye won't see.

Good luck and enjoy every moment of it! It's an amazing feeling when she says "yes"!

Beruthiel

barrykel wrote: »

How much should a fello spend on an engagement ring im self employed
so not much spare cash lying around, any comments or ideas would be good im thinking i could manage around 1000 euro or is that too little.

There is no rule you know.
It is completely down to you.