View Full Version : Engagement rings
Ohhhh ohhhhhhh, the times coming I think....
Ladies, gen me up on this wedding ring stuff. How much do people spend on them?
Im totally not a jewerly person. I have enough trouble getting her ear-rings and don't own any shiney stuff myself...
Where do you go? Small backstreet shop on your high street, or bigger named shop?
If I was thinking white gold, 1 carat ring? How much am I looking at or does it totally varey on the ring?
I've got till september so thinking that i'd better get the ball rollling and start to find out about some of this shiney ring lark/
SoulKiss
09-03-09, 02:23 PM
Ohhhh ohhhhhhh, the times coming I think....
Ladies, gen me up on this wedding ring stuff. How much do people spend on them?
Im totally not a jewerly person. I have enough trouble getting her ear-rings and don't own any shiney stuff myself...
Where do you go? Small backstreet shop on your high street, or bigger named shop?
If I was thinking white gold, 1 carat ring? How much am I looking at or does it totally varey on the ring?
I've got till september so thinking that i'd better get the ball rollling and start to find out about some of this shiney ring lark/
I *think* the total cost of Vixis's Engagement Ring, her Wedding Ring, My Wedding Ring and then replacement for my Wedding Ring when I lost it was somewhere in the region of £150, certainly not more than £200.
Why are you asking us ladies? we wouldn't know how much you men spend on them ;)
have a look around that way you get an idea of cost. have you any idea on the style she would like?
Paul the 6th
09-03-09, 02:26 PM
elizabeth duke ;) the money you save can go on a new lid maybe?
plowsie
09-03-09, 02:27 PM
I think something (wedding or engagement) is supposed to total up to 2 and a half weeks wages...I've heard it somewhere, could be balls.
EDIT: Mebbe my missus was talking to me in my sleep to try and imprint it on my brain :shock:
Amanda M
09-03-09, 02:27 PM
My engagement ring was certainly less than £100 and my wedding ring about the same. I didn't want him spending lots on it because it's the love and feeling that comes with it that matters, not spending ridiculous amounts of money. That money could be better spent on the bikes ;) :D Good luck!!!
Spend the minimum possible that will still guarantee a leg over and an amount you don't mind losing when it all goes títs up.
Amanda M
09-03-09, 02:38 PM
Spend the minimum possible that will still guarantee a leg over and an amount you don't mind losing when it all goes títs up.
:winner:
you can't put a price on love.
speedplay
09-03-09, 02:40 PM
I spent just under 2k for Jenns.
somebdy hijacked my account...
try this...http://www.jewellerydiscountshop.co.uk/trolleyed/images/products/t_halfsov.jpg
SoulKiss
09-03-09, 02:41 PM
I spent just under 2k for Jenns.
Does that mean you love her 10 more than you would if you had spent £200 ?
speedplay
09-03-09, 02:44 PM
Does that mean you love her 10 more than you would if you had spent £200 ?
Nope, she would have been just as happy with one for £20.
Its a personal taste thing I love her more than I love cheap jewellery.
Not only that, but its gonna be something to pass down the line later in life.
Its an antique ring and will always be worth what was paid for it anyway.
Paul the 6th
09-03-09, 02:44 PM
I spent just under 2k for Jenns.
:stupid:
:razz: couldn't resist
each to their own i guess :)
Does that mean you love her 10 more than you would if you had spent £200 ?
there's wisdom in this post....read between the lines Daimo....
speedplay
09-03-09, 02:47 PM
ok, i can see where the guys on here are going...:rolleyes:
Dappa D
09-03-09, 03:05 PM
hey dude, spend as little or as much as you can comfortably afford at them time.....
dont get into debt for it either
my boss took his gf to amsterdam on valentines and proposed...took a tour of the diamond factory and then bought her a £1500 ring....he has the money
when he asked his ex to marry him it was a £170 ring 17 yrs ago....he had less money then....
ive not asked so i dont know really!
i still think you should ask her what style she likes or try and find out
speedplay
09-03-09, 03:09 PM
Safest thing would be to take her shopping.
You know how much you can afford and she will know what she likes.
Between the 2 of you , you will find the right one.
SoulKiss
09-03-09, 03:15 PM
Safest thing would be to take her shopping.
You know how much you can afford and she will know what she likes.
Between the 2 of you , you will find the right one.
Vixis and I, after years of planning NOT to get married, ended up engaged, was on a jetty on Lake Constance (as a friends wedding as it would happen)
When we got home I visited a friends Jewellery shop and picked out a ring that was cheap, was something I thought she would like and gave it to her in lieu of picking out a "proper" ring. She liked it and we never did replace it.
Our wedding bands are matching 2-tone Titanium from a website.
Safest thing would be to take her shopping.
You know how much you can afford and she will know what she likes.
Between the 2 of you , you will find the right one.
yep
speedplay
09-03-09, 03:19 PM
Jenn is gagging to get married this year.
We have been engaged for a little over a year now and living together for about 12 months...
I cant see it making a change but i guess its a womans thing.
Cant even get tax relief for being married now! :rolleyes:
Miss Alpinestarhero
09-03-09, 03:19 PM
i still think you should ask her what style she likes or try and find out
+1 nothing worse than buying her a ring she wont like...
as for how much you should spend. Well..it is entirely up to you. It depends how much you can afford, how much the ring(s) she likes are and what shop you go to.
If you go to an original shop the chances are you'l get a different ring that isn't found on the high street in well-known stores.
Does she know you are going to pop the question? if she does then perhaps you can go ring shopping together?
Safest thing would be to take her shopping
Since when? :eek: Safest thing is, don't get married! The ring is only the first stumble down a very steep and slippery slope... :???:
Anyway assuming your experience of marriage goes better than mine, buy the best you can sensibly afford at the time. You can only really buy it once, so there's no sense skimping on it - but it would be silly to put yourself at financial risk for an ornament - and she wouldn't want you to (i would hope! if not - run while you still can!)
madness
09-03-09, 03:24 PM
When I got engaged to Ibby, we went ring shopping together. I told her to pick a ring that she liked and not to bother about the cost (within reason!) Luckily Ibby's not the sort of girl that goes for ornate jewellery, so the ring we got was not excessively expensive. If she had wanted a more expensive ring, then I would have bought it for her. I think what is important is that she likes the ring and that it has special meaning. Far too many people seem to be under the impression these days that you have to spend loads of money - you don't.
speedplay
09-03-09, 03:25 PM
Since when? :eek:
Mine talked me back into getting a new bike after my off :)
Either she loves me or im very well insured.....I'm hoping its both!
timwilky
09-03-09, 03:32 PM
There used to be a rule of thumb that said spend a months salary on the engagement ring and a weeks on the wedding ring.
When I took my fiancé looking, she had no taste. she wanted lots of stone and understood nothing of the subtlety of a solitaire, the 3 Cs etc. She just wanted a "dobber" to compete with. she got taste instead.
The dobber came some years later and had her diamonds
Mine was free!!!!!!! :D
But mine is a family ring so can't really put a price on it.
When Drew proposed to his previous girlfriend he spent a small fortune :rolleyes: As much as i think we are made out to want 'bling' on our finger....... I don't know may who do (unless you can really afford it)
Pay what you feel you should! She will love it whatever the cost due to what it means. :D
Milky Bar Kid
09-03-09, 03:38 PM
Like Tara says, wont matter how much you spend if you buy her something she doesn't like! If you dont want to take her with you and want it to be a surprise then have a look at the rings she already has so you know what sort of style she likes.
speedplay
09-03-09, 03:41 PM
But mine is a family ring so can't really put a price on it.
Thats what we started with Jenns :)
Wow, so many variations in reply. No wonder its not something blokes really talk about.
I know her style what she'd like. We've been together a long time already.
Some good points about money doesn't buy love and that, but £200 could only buy a ring (IMO) similar to a cracker prize. For a ring thats meant to be on her finger the rest of her life, I don't mind spending out more.
Guess its like whether you like wearing primark becuase it fits, or a designer brand for the whole package......... Im one of those designer brand type people (ironically not with clothes though :lol: ). Everything in life I've worked out you get what you pay for. When i've payed less, i've always regretted it. Whenever i've got the best I can, i've never looked back.
I was kinda thinking £1k-£1500. She likes silver gold, and from previously looking at rings, anythign under 1 carat diamond isn't worth it as you can hardly see the bugger.
Theres some very un-romantic people here too. I always thought the idea of engagement is to drop to one knee, with the ring already, and propose. Not take her out looking at rings (shes not braindead, she isn't stupid......), decide on one, then the only thing is awaiting "that" proposal.
Not my way im afraid, I know the size of the finger, I will buy it, we will share getting the wedding rings together. The engagement ring is the blokes responsibility to sort out IMO.
And MAN are there some right old scrooges here. Don't get married etc.. Damn your women must have hit you hard to feel like that. Thanks, but not all of us just rush into things, screw it up then get divorced and become a number. Some of us still believe in a sole mate and real life partner. Hence the 9+ year relationship and no need to feel pressured to get married. Its a bit of paper at the end of the day. I would like to call my long term GF my wife though, nothing wrong with that.
And besides, I don't need to scrimp to save for "another bash hat" as she'd quite happily buy me one if i really asked her :P
Some very interesting opinons though, cheers for the input though.
So, local ring shop then are a good place to pickup a nice ring without being raped?
missyburd
09-03-09, 04:49 PM
Some of us still believe in a sole mate and real life partner.
Sole mate eh? Now I know we women are meant to love shoes but I think that's taking it a bit far :p
Seriously though Daimo, that was a lovely post, your lady's lucky to have a traditional fella. Good for you. Now go get that ring :D
Damn your women must have hit you hard to feel like that.
yup
Some of us still believe in a sole mate and real life partner.
I thought that way once...
nah i'm joking. Best of luck. Can't recommend owt tho cos I aint had any good experience of buying rings :p
dizzyblonde
09-03-09, 04:57 PM
Im Indoors would never marry. If he asked I'd faint with shock. I'd love a ring with a rock, but for hygiene reasons at work I wouldn't be able to wear one anyway, so not much point.
I wear a white gold wedding ring, that he bought me, I wear it as a symbol of commitment, it never comes off. He has one too, but blokes don't seem as sentimental, and he goes through stages of wearing it.
Its what your woman is happy with, shes got to wear it, so no point getting her something not to her taste.
oh yeah, huge stones make a mess of bike gloves. Sommat to bear in mind.
SoulKiss
09-03-09, 05:01 PM
Wow, so many variations in reply. No wonder its not something blokes really talk about.
I know her style what she'd like. We've been together a long time already.
Some good points about money doesn't buy love and that, but £200 could only buy a ring (IMO) similar to a cracker prize. For a ring thats meant to be on her finger the rest of her life, I don't mind spending out more.
Guess its like whether you like wearing primark becuase it fits, or a designer brand for the whole package......... Im one of those designer brand type people (ironically not with clothes though :lol: ). Everything in life I've worked out you get what you pay for. When i've payed less, i've always regretted it. Whenever i've got the best I can, i've never looked back.
I was kinda thinking £1k-£1500. She likes silver gold, and from previously looking at rings, anythign under 1 carat diamond isn't worth it as you can hardly see the bugger.
Theres some very un-romantic people here too. I always thought the idea of engagement is to drop to one knee, with the ring already, and propose. Not take her out looking at rings (shes not braindead, she isn't stupid......), decide on one, then the only thing is awaiting "that" proposal.
Not my way im afraid, I know the size of the finger, I will buy it, we will share getting the wedding rings together. The engagement ring is the blokes responsibility to sort out IMO.
And MAN are there some right old scrooges here. Don't get married etc.. Damn your women must have hit you hard to feel like that. Thanks, but not all of us just rush into things, screw it up then get divorced and become a number. Some of us still believe in a sole mate and real life partner. Hence the 9+ year relationship and no need to feel pressured to get married. Its a bit of paper at the end of the day. I would like to call my long term GF my wife though, nothing wrong with that.
And besides, I don't need to scrimp to save for "another bash hat" as she'd quite happily buy me one if i really asked her :P
Some very interesting opinons though, cheers for the input though.
So, local ring shop then are a good place to pickup a nice ring without being raped?
If she likes white metal why not Silver?
Its about the feelings, not the cash.
Wow, so many variations in reply. No wonder its not something blokes really talk about.
I know her style what she'd like. We've been together a long time already.
Some good points about money doesn't buy love and that, but £200 could only buy a ring (IMO) similar to a cracker prize. For a ring thats meant to be on her finger the rest of her life, I don't mind spending out more.
Guess its like whether you like wearing primark becuase it fits, or a designer brand for the whole package......... Im one of those designer brand type people (ironically not with clothes though :lol: ). Everything in life I've worked out you get what you pay for. When i've payed less, i've always regretted it. Whenever i've got the best I can, i've never looked back.
I was kinda thinking £1k-£1500. She likes silver gold, and from previously looking at rings, anythign under 1 carat diamond isn't worth it as you can hardly see the bugger.
Theres some very un-romantic people here too. I always thought the idea of engagement is to drop to one knee, with the ring already, and propose. Not take her out looking at rings (shes not braindead, she isn't stupid......), decide on one, then the only thing is awaiting "that" proposal.
Not my way im afraid, I know the size of the finger, I will buy it, we will share getting the wedding rings together. The engagement ring is the blokes responsibility to sort out IMO.
And MAN are there some right old scrooges here. Don't get married etc.. Damn your women must have hit you hard to feel like that. Thanks, but not all of us just rush into things, screw it up then get divorced and become a number. Some of us still believe in a sole mate and real life partner. Hence the 9+ year relationship and no need to feel pressured to get married. Its a bit of paper at the end of the day. I would like to call my long term GF my wife though, nothing wrong with that.
And besides, I don't need to scrimp to save for "another bash hat" as she'd quite happily buy me one if i really asked her :P
Some very interesting opinons though, cheers for the input though.
So, local ring shop then are a good place to pickup a nice ring without being raped?
It might have already been said but the going rate is about 3 months wages i think, but mosty people cant afford that.
You can get a lot for 1-1.5k, nice big diamond which is what most women like (to show off).
I would say, someway or another try and find out what style she likes( you said white gold, but what type of diamond cut (princess is always good), clarity is your choice, what about size, you've gotta do your homework), what ring size she is and have a good think about how you are gonna do it if your gonna suprise her, lot of girls dont like all that cheesy stuff.
Just some stuff i had a think about when i did it.
Good luck anyway. :D
Just find out her ring size, and buy one that LOOKS expensive as long as it's real gold.
dizzyblonde
09-03-09, 05:16 PM
If she likes white metal why not Silver?
Its about the feelings, not the cash.
Silver doesn't age as well, IMO. I've got silver rings that are donkeys years old, and some of them just don't keep well. White gold with the right size of shank, keeps its shape and stays looking good
Silver doesn't age as well, IMO. I've got silver rings that are donkeys years old, and some of them just don't keep well. White gold with the right size of shank, keeps its shape and stays looking good
+1 cant really tell the difference between white gold and platinum unless you get close and have a good look.
dizzyblonde
09-03-09, 05:19 PM
You could buy a ring thats got a gigantic rock on it, but its no good if its set in crap quality gold, or a frame thats not suited. Go to a bespok jewellers and have a good gander at the entire ring, and not just the stones.
Ohhhh ohhhhhhh, the times coming I think....
Ladies, gen me up on this wedding ring stuff. How much do people spend on them?
Im totally not a jewerly person. I have enough trouble getting her ear-rings and don't own any shiney stuff myself...
Where do you go? Small backstreet shop on your high street, or bigger named shop?
If I was thinking white gold, 1 carat ring? How much am I looking at or does it totally varey on the ring?
I've got till september so thinking that i'd better get the ball rollling and start to find out about some of this shiney ring lark/Find out what kind of ring she likes. I know if i came home with a 1 Carat Solitare, for arguments sake, Verna wouldnt like it. What i would suggest is that you find something you like, and if you can take a picture, then go to a Jewelers that makes these things and get a few quotes. It might work out a similar price, but you would get a far better ring. Hatton garden do stuff like this.
Some interesting opinions good read,i did it about 7 year ago spent 800 quid on hers,picked it myself as it was a suprise she loved the fact that i went out and picked it myself,luckily she liked the ring as well.
We split up a few years ago and she gave it me back,was tempted to pawn it but couldn't bring myself to do it, it's yours if you want it size O it is i think.
Nothing to big and flash but a very nice stone though.
Some interesting opinions good read,i did it about 7 year ago spent 800 quid on hers,picked it myself as it was a suprise she loved the fact that i went out and picked it myself,luckily she liked the ring as well.
We split up a few years ago and she gave it me back,was tempted to pawn it but couldn't bring myself to do it, it's yours if you want it size O it is i think.
Nothing to big and flash but a very nice stone though.
£800 on a ring?! You're extremely lucky to have got that back.
timwilky
09-03-09, 05:27 PM
My dad bought a huge Victorian diamond and had it recut and set for his missus, there was so much more personal about it as they chose the diamond, the cut and the mount.
Very expensive, but what is money for the woman you love
took me ages to find the out her ring size without asking her and i kept playing it down and saying i never wanted to get married and how engagement rings are rubbish, to the point where we would argue, was worth it in the end when i asked her as she didnt expect it at all.
maviczap
09-03-09, 05:29 PM
Spend the minimum possible that will still guarantee a leg over and an amount you don't mind losing when it all goes títs up.
Yes, it is sensible not to spend too much on the rings just in case it all goes horribly wrong.
Happened to a colleague of mine. Was big love at first, mega wedding planned etc, etc.
He spent about £3k on the ring. Everything went tits up and he got about £1500 back.
If the pair of you are sure about it, then a hula hoop will do. If it goes wrong, then eat the rings :p
£800 on a ring?! You're extremely lucky to have got that back.
I know told her i didn't want it at first, but then got real!;)
dizzyblonde
09-03-09, 05:38 PM
Im Indoors would be able to take my mother with him for ring shopping. She worked in a jewellers for many years, and she knows quality when she sees it. not only that but she knows my taste. IF he ever did go down the ring buying route he'd get shot if he bought me a crappy ring.
falc asked me to show him the types of rings i liked although i had no idea when he was going to propose but when he did he got it spot on
I would say, someway or another try and find out what style she likes( you said white gold, but what type of diamond cut (princess is always good), clarity is your choice, what about size, you've gotta do your homework), what ring size she is and have a good think about how you are gonna do it if your gonna suprise her, lot of girls dont like all that cheesy stuff.
Good luck anyway. :D
Wow, errrrr, indeed, I though it was just a diamond on a white gold ring? Think im going to need to look into this a tad more :lol:
I know the size, so thats a start :lol:
Tiger 55
09-03-09, 06:27 PM
Never got Mrs Tiger an engagement ring, there wasn't time. Asked her to marry me on the Strip in Las Vegas, she said yes, couple of wedding rings from the failed marriage section of the Tropicana Casino shop, Elvis Presley, I do, bosh.
11 years ago this April.
Spend £1500 on a ring because you love her, not because you think you should, even less so because the Org thinks you should, and certainly not without asking her. She might rather you bought yourself a track bike...
If Pete ever spent £1500 on a ring for me I'd beat his brains in! There are far better things to spend money on.................like bike stuff!
Spend £1500 on a ring because you love her, not because you think you should, even less so because the Org thinks you should, and certainly not without asking her. She might rather you bought yourself a track bike...
I'd spend a million if I could afford it.
In fact, I always want to give more than I can ever really afford. I have to really stop myself sometimes
And she earns bloody loads more than I do too :lol:
RE trackbike, well every birthday and xmas she asks what I want, and I say Benelli Tornado.
No Benelli yet :( :lol:
Spend £1500 on a ring because you love her, not because you think you should, even less so because the Org thinks you should, and certainly not without asking her. She might rather you bought yourself a track bike...
the missus would have killed me if i had, spend what you can afford.
H S Samuel Guide on Diamonds
http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/static/guides/diamonds/choosing.do
I'd spend a million if I could afford it.
In fact, I always want to give more than I can ever really afford. I have to really stop myself sometimes
And she earns bloody loads more than I do too
In that case mate, go crazy!!!
Tallguy
09-03-09, 07:06 PM
I was advised to spend about a month's wages on it. Do your research into the 4 C's: cut, colour, clarity, carat - Go for a better colour, cut and clarity on a smaller stone than a bigger but inferior stone for the same price. I employed a ring designer and got a unique ring to my own specs (about 2k). Wasn't that different from high st prices. Depends on what you can afford. Also, make sure home insurance covers it specifically if worth a lot. Hope that's useful. Ps got wedding bands on internet from usa, titanium and white gold, about 200 each and they sent usa sizing thingy thru first as their system is different. Of course, recession might mean serious negotiation on a luxury item...
dizzyblonde
09-03-09, 07:07 PM
If Pete ever spent £1500 on a ring for me I'd beat his brains in! There are far better things to spend money on.................like bike stuff!
Now you see you have a point.......shiny top yokes are far better than sparkly stones;):smt050
I know treacle spent a small fortune on his exes engagement ring (£600+) and let her keep it when they split up, told him i dont want him spending that sort of money on a ring for me when we decide to get engaged.
Daimo does she wear any rings? have a look at them if she does and try and guage what sort/type of ring she likes.
Flamin_Squirrel
09-03-09, 07:38 PM
If she likes white metal why not Silver?
Its about the feelings, not the cash.
Yes, and if you spend less on her in a month than you normally do on yourself the feeling she'll have will be that you're a miserable git, and she'd be right.
Damio - go to Hatton Garden, near Farringdon, there are loads of shops. I bought from Ace of Diamons. I was there for over an hour. They'll get a budget from you then go through all the options you can get for your money, showing you loads of different diamonds and settings. The rings themselves are custom made so you can design it however you like as well.
Tip though - don't get fixated on a certain carrat size. Smaller diamonds can often look more eligant and it means you can get better quality as well as a nicer ring.
shonadoll
09-03-09, 08:30 PM
Try here for trade prices- my hubby got me a lovely eternity ring from here, at half what he'd have paid on high street. We didn't get engagement rings cos we were skint 17 years ago, so I just used my mum's-but I thought it was around a months wages or something.
http://www.geraldonline.com/
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