Normal diamond for engagement?

[jyeh74]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

 

[Haven]

I wouldn't worry with what is typical, because I don't really think it exists.
Different regions, different cultures, different age groups, every one is going to have a different norm.

But honestly, it doesn't matter. Are you buying an engagement ring? If so, I'd start with two questions:
1) What can you afford?
2) What does she like?

All that being said, I'm sure DFire will pop in with some "statistics" for you soon enough, though.

 

[Enerchi]

Ditto Haven's info above.
What is her social circle like - are the sporting 2ct rocks or is a .50ct the norm for her group? What is her lifestyle like, her job, her preferences....

and what can you afford. There are schools of thought about the 2 month/3 month salary because it is a lifetime purchase, but people (ESPECIALLY people on PS!) tend to upgrade, so what you purchase now, may NOT be the stone for your lifetime together. Maybe when your finances change, you upgrade at that time.

Lots of factors - but mainly, what can you afford and not go into debt over. That would be my key and in that price range, I'm sure options will be found - as you are noticing on your other thread with a TON of good suggestions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

rAverage for millionaires or average for people on welfare? An average across all socio-economic levels is going to be pretty meaningless, unless you happen to fall right in the middle! I am pretty sure "average" is well under a carat.

I agree with what Haven said first and foremost. What can you afford to spend? But also, what size diamonds do her friends and sisters have? Not that she has to have the same thing, but it is most comfortable for most people to fit in somewhere around the range of their social circle. In other words, if her friends all have 2 ct. diamonds and you buy her a half carat when you could afford more, she might feel a little uncomfortable. On the other hand, if her friends all have half carat stones and you go into debt to buy her a 2 ct. stone, she might not be happy about that either.

It is very rare for a first time engagement ring to be over 2 cts. The majority of women here who have them got them later as upgrades or anniversary rings. But again, if 2-3 cts. is what you can afford and what those in your social circle wear, great!

 

[Alexiszoe]

I know a lot of folks here have chimed in about social circle, so to add on to that, keep in mind what she ultimately wants and likes. In my former place of residence I had a lot of women wearing 1 carat D/E/F, VVS1 to VVS2, where high color and clarity mattered. (So my 3 carat not VVS1 was pooh poohed by a few). When I moved to a different state, it was 2-3 carats in slightly lower colors and clarity. I think one thing you have to ask yourself is if she is the type where it matters more how she is perceived by others (hence fitting in would be more crucial) or she just wants a particular color/carat/clarity of diamond.

 

[Haven]

I have to say, I don't agree with considering your social circle when shopping for an engagement ring. (Or anything, for that matter.) I've said this before, and so I know many here disagree with me, but I think that making a choice based on what the people you know have chosen is a bad idea.

Your budget and your shared values with your gf should be the only things that inform this decision, IMO. If you both happen to highly value other people's perceptions of you and the things you own, then perhaps it's worth considering what her friends wear, but otherwise, I just shouldn't matter. I have seen so many people go into debt to buy things just to fit in with their social circle, and as long as that fits in with your values, great. But if keeping up with the Joneses isn't that important to you, please don't worry about it.

 

[TitanCi]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

I wouldn't say there's an average. It's more what you can afford and what she likes or if she's willing to compromise to make things work in your budget. Personally, if I had the $40k to drop on a stone like you I'd get a super gorgeous stone that's $25k and spend another $4-5k on the setting and call it a day, but that's me, and that's why it's so difficult to say what an "average" is...

 

[distracts]

Technically the average engagement ring costs around 5k-6k. Which is definitely not 1.5 H VS2, or probably even 1 carat, for that matter. I would not go with averages for the e-ring, but for what you can afford and what your girlfriend wants.

 

[Christina...]

I really hate the 2-3 months salary thing, because for the average person it implies that you should either go into debt or clear out your savings to make a purchase that it is supposed to be symbolic and not an example of what your average income is. The under 1ct thread is one of the largest on PS and I think that speaks volumes about what the size of the average engagement ring. I also agree with the others that many of the rings that you see on PS on not original erings, but diamonds that have been upgraded, sometimes many times, so please don't use that as a guide.

 

[Christina...]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

I wouldn't say there's an average. It's more what you can afford and what she likes or if she's willing to compromise to make things work in your budget. Personally, if I had the $40k to drop on a stone like you I'd get a super gorgeous stone that's $25k and spend another $4-5k on the setting and call it a day, but that's me, and that's why it's so difficult to say what an "average" is...

Um, why do you think he has 40k to drop on a stone?

 

[junebug17]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

I wouldn't say there's an average. It's more what you can afford and what she likes or if she's willing to compromise to make things work in your budget. Personally, if I had the $40k to drop on a stone like you I'd get a super gorgeous stone that's $25k and spend another $4-5k on the setting and call it a day, but that's me, and that's why it's so difficult to say what an "average" is...

Um, why do you think he has 40k to drop on a stone?

The OP stated his budget in his other thread!

 

[Christina...]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

I wouldn't say there's an average. It's more what you can afford and what she likes or if she's willing to compromise to make things work in your budget. Personally, if I had the $40k to drop on a stone like you I'd get a super gorgeous stone that's $25k and spend another $4-5k on the setting and call it a day, but that's me, and that's why it's so difficult to say what an "average" is...

Um, why do you think he has 40k to drop on a stone?

The OP stated his budget in his other thread!

Opps! Missed it! I see that thread is getting a lot of action but I haven't checked in. Sorry Titan!

 

[Circe]

I have to say, I don't agree with considering your social circle when shopping for an engagement ring. (Or anything, for that matter.) I've said this before, and so I know many here disagree with me, but I think that making a choice based on what the people you know have chosen is a bad idea.

Your budget and your shared values with your gf should be the only things that inform this decision, IMO. If you both happen to highly value other people's perceptions of you and the things you own, then perhaps it's worth considering what her friends wear, but otherwise, I just shouldn't matter. I have seen so many people go into debt to buy things just to fit in with their social circle, and as long as that fits in with your values, great. But if keeping up with the Joneses isn't that important to you, please don't worry about it.

Agree with every word of this - and it goes in the other direction, too, as per what Alexis mentioned. If you're in an environment of modest reserve but your ladylove likes bling, go with that. I might feel a little weird when I look at my bigger rocks compared to family or peer group ... But by god, I sure do enjoy staring at them like a crazed and gloating magpie in private.

 

[TitanCi]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

I wouldn't say there's an average. It's more what you can afford and what she likes or if she's willing to compromise to make things work in your budget. Personally, if I had the $40k to drop on a stone like you I'd get a super gorgeous stone that's $25k and spend another $4-5k on the setting and call it a day, but that's me, and that's why it's so difficult to say what an "average" is...

Um, why do you think he has 40k to drop on a stone?

The OP stated his budget in his other thread!

Opps! Missed it! I see that thread is getting a lot of action but I haven't checked in. Sorry Titan!

Christina! You normally are the first to respond to most of these threads! I can't believe you missed that detail!

 

[Christina...]

What is average diamond for engagement ring? 1.5 ct H VS2? I've heard 3 months salary, and am trying to see what is typical here.

I wouldn't say there's an average. It's more what you can afford and what she likes or if she's willing to compromise to make things work in your budget. Personally, if I had the $40k to drop on a stone like you I'd get a super gorgeous stone that's $25k and spend another $4-5k on the setting and call it a day, but that's me, and that's why it's so difficult to say what an "average" is...

Um, why do you think he has 40k to drop on a stone?

The OP stated his budget in his other thread!

Opps! Missed it! I see that thread is getting a lot of action but I haven't checked in. Sorry Titan!

Christina! You normally are the first to respond to most of these threads! I can't believe you missed that detail!

I know right! I just went and checked it out and I think that I remember checking in but DS and Gypsy were there, and they have far more knowledge and experience than I do, and then I just never went back and checked in. Again, I apologize for implying that you were presuming what his budget was.

 

[Alexiszoe]

I have to say, I don't agree with considering your social circle when shopping for an engagement ring. (Or anything, for that matter.) I've said this before, and so I know many here disagree with me, but I think that making a choice based on what the people you know have chosen is a bad idea.

Your budget and your shared values with your gf should be the only things that inform this decision, IMO. If you both happen to highly value other people's perceptions of you and the things you own, then perhaps it's worth considering what her friends wear, but otherwise, I just shouldn't matter. I have seen so many people go into debt to buy things just to fit in with their social circle, and as long as that fits in with your values, great. But if keeping up with the Joneses isn't that important to you, please don't worry about it.

Agree with every word of this - and it goes in the other direction, too, as per what Alexis mentioned. If you're in an environment of modest reserve but your ladylove likes bling, go with that. I might feel a little weird when I look at my bigger rocks compared to family or peer group ... But by god, I sure do enjoy staring at them like a crazed and gloating magpie in private.

Circe, that is so hilarious and spot on, because I do the same thing too!

 

[stargurl78]

I have to say, I don't agree with considering your social circle when shopping for an engagement ring. (Or anything, for that matter.) I've said this before, and so I know many here disagree with me, but I think that making a choice based on what the people you know have chosen is a bad idea.

Your budget and your shared values with your gf should be the only things that inform this decision, IMO. If you both happen to highly value other people's perceptions of you and the things you own, then perhaps it's worth considering what her friends wear, but otherwise, I just shouldn't matter. I have seen so many people go into debt to buy things just to fit in with their social circle, and as long as that fits in with your values, great. But if keeping up with the Joneses isn't that important to you, please don't worry about it.

100% agree with this. I don't see why what other people are wearing should affect yours and your gf's preferences.

 

[Gypsy]

I have to say, I don't agree with considering your social circle when shopping for an engagement ring. (Or anything, for that matter.) I've said this before, and so I know many here disagree with me, but I think that making a choice based on what the people you know have chosen is a bad idea.

Your budget and your shared values with your gf should be the only things that inform this decision, IMO. If you both happen to highly value other people's perceptions of you and the things you own, then perhaps it's worth considering what her friends wear, but otherwise, I just shouldn't matter. I have seen so many people go into debt to buy things just to fit in with their social circle, and as long as that fits in with your values, great. But if keeping up with the Joneses isn't that important to you, please don't worry about it.

100% agree with this. I don't see why what other people are wearing should affect yours and your gf's preferences.

I agree with this too. It's what you both want that matters. Whatever your reasons are. There is no 'average'. It largely depends on your location, social circle, income, upbringing and a WHOLE BUNCH of other factors only YOU and YOUR LADY know.

Just make sure you have a good return policy and propose in that window. Or buy from a vendor like GOG, or BGD with a good exchange/upgrade policy.

Also considering most people buy ignorantly at mall jewelry stores my guess would be 70 points to a carat J-K color and I1-12 clarity.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, considering he has now been looking at 1.5 to 3 cts., I am going to safely assume that the girlfriend hasn't had the opportunity to state her specific preferences! If she has, he doesn't need to tell us anything but budget and the size she wants and then we can continue to suggest well cut stones.

For guys wanting to buy a surprise ring, budget comes first, and then what I would recommend certainly would be influenced by her social circle and profession/occupation if we have no information from her!

 

[Dancing Fire]

FYI... ..center stone only.

U.S. avg E-ring is J SI2 .71 ct

P.S. avg E-ring is H VS2 1.18 ct

No.Ca. avg is 2.61 ct

So.Ca. avg is 2.73 ct

NYC avg is 2.87 ct

midwest avg E-ring is .48 ct

the avg E-ring in Texas and Florida is 1.86 ct

 

[Haven]

FYI... ..center stone only.

U.S. avg E-ring is J SI2 .71 ct

P.S. avg E-ring is H VS2 1.18 ct

No.Ca. avg is 2.61 ct

So.Ca. avg is 2.73 ct

NYC avg is 2.87 ct

midwest avg E-ring is .48 ct

the avg E-ring in Texas and Florida is 1.86 ct

Took you long enough, DFire! I was beginning to think you were going to make a liar out of me!

 

[Dancing Fire]

FYI... ..center stone only.

U.S. avg E-ring is J SI2 .71 ct

P.S. avg E-ring is H VS2 1.18 ct

No.Ca. avg is 2.61 ct

So.Ca. avg is 2.73 ct

NYC avg is 2.87 ct

midwest avg E-ring is .48 ct

the avg E-ring in Texas and Florida is 1.86 ct

Took you long enough, DFire! I was beginning to think you were going to make a liar out of me!

i had to update some of the statistics...

 

[TitanCi]

FYI... ..center stone only.

U.S. avg E-ring is J SI2 .71 ct

P.S. avg E-ring is H VS2 1.18 ct

No.Ca. avg is 2.61 ct

So.Ca. avg is 2.73 ct

NYC avg is 2.87 ct

midwest avg E-ring is .48 ct

the avg E-ring in Texas and Florida is 1.86 ct

What the eff?!?! So Cal 2.73 ct??? GEEZ.

 

[Gypsy]

FYI... ..center stone only.

U.S. avg E-ring is J SI2 .71 ct

P.S. avg E-ring is H VS2 1.18 ct

No.Ca. avg is 2.61 ct

So.Ca. avg is 2.73 ct

NYC avg is 2.87 ct

midwest avg E-ring is .48 ct

the avg E-ring in Texas and Florida is 1.86 ct

What the eff?!?! So Cal 2.73 ct??? GEEZ.

You have to understand the source. DF colorfully doctors (aka: completely makes up) statistics for their reactionary value. He's the comic relief around here, unless he tells you that the stone you are considering is ugly. Then he's dead serious.

 

[TitanCi]

^Holy geez. I was gonna say!!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

FYI... ..center stone only.

U.S. avg E-ring is J SI2 .71 ct

P.S. avg E-ring is H VS2 1.18 ct

No.Ca. avg is 2.61 ct

So.Ca. avg is 2.73 ct

NYC avg is 2.87 ct

midwest avg E-ring is .48 ct

the avg E-ring in Texas and Florida is 1.86 ct

What the eff?!?! So Cal 2.73 ct??? GEEZ.

yes,including all the movie stars..

 

[Dancing Fire]

delete

 

[sleeprequired]

hey is this 3 months salary before or after tax? I know, i bet it's you have to spend 3x your pretax (gross salary) ... ouch... lol

i say it's your after tax salary, since you're buying it with after tax dollars...

**disclaimer**
i in no way advocate the view that an engagement ring should or should not be any part or part thereof a weekly,monthly or annual figure proportional to your wage.

 

[LibbyLA]

Used to be two months salary...

liz

 

[misssoph]

Used to be one months salary.