On avg, what are guys paying these days for engagement rings?

[pyramid]

Date: 7/19/2007 6:41:02 PM
Author: fanboy
I was operating on a budget similar to the OP's. A 3 carat diamond was doable, but: (1) I'd have to significantly sacrifice color/clarity, and (2) such a stone would be obscenely large on my girlfriend's finger.

I know the general notion on this forum is to go for cut, then size, but at a certain point, 'big' is too big. A 2 carat stone on a petite finger can be quite stunning and will appear fairly large; no one will think it modest. I think that once you've identified your terminal size, you can spend more on color and clarity or go for a high-end setting. $30k gets spent pretty quickly when you consider the premium you pay for a DEF/IF-VVS stone and a custom setting from someone like Leon (another $5-7k).

In short, if 2 carats is as big as you want to go, your budget may just be enough to cover a premium stone and setting. So, no, it's not necessarily overkill.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I disagree with using her friends' rings as a guideline. You can afford what you can afford. If they have much bigger diamonds than you can buy, what the heck are you supposed to do about that? On the other hand, if you can get your girlfriend a bigger stone then her friends', that's great--it should be for her, not them or anyone else.

I don't think an ideal round stone of F VVS clarity would be under $30k for the stone alone, there is a 2.06 G VS2 on the Pricescope search engine in the Cut Quality Search just now and it is over $30k. Just did a search and yes there are F VVS2 for a lot less than that but not H&A and branded cuts.

 

[risingsun]

Blinginator~Evidently, you have saved up to buy your FF the ring of her dreams. I suggest you read the many tutorials on the site and learn as much as you can about well cut diamonds. Also, learn about your FF tastes in diamonds and settings. Then...buy her the ring of her dreams. What a wonderful opportunity for both of you. There is no reason to limit yourself to 1 ct stones, unless that is her desire. Enjoy finding "the ring."

 

[Viphan01]

I heard the rule is 3 times of your gross monthly salary!

 

[april diamonds]

I think you have a VERY comfortable budget to work with (of course unless you think your gf wants like a 3+ct, IF, D stone or something..which is way overkill IMO haha).

But with such a budget, I think you could start looking at stones and settings you think that you and your gf would like. And work backwards so to speak, so that you can tailor your budget around what you like. After you see what is out there and what things cost.

I''m assuming your budget that you''ve set aside is completely expendable - meaning that, as someone else pointed out, that you don''t need the money to live, buy a home, spend on a wedding perhaps?

I don''t think there should be any rule of thumb on what to spend. You and your gf should buy what you like and spend what you think is appropriate and what is in your means.

When my FI and I went ring shopping, he had a range in mind, but once we started looking at stones I figured out what I could live with and what I definitly wanted and it put into persepective things I want to spend on vs. things I''d like to save for things like the wedding, a home, etc...

Just my 2cents! good luck! and i think it''s great you''re starting to research already!

 

[Hest88]

As a woman, I believe that the most important factor is what *she* wants. That will take some stealthy research (or not so stealthy research depending on your dynamic). You have a comfortable figure to work with, so whatever she can come up with is most likely within your budget. She may light up at a 2 carat EC, or a 1 carat RB, or she may have her heart set on an oval or perhaps an antique ring. She may want a small stone in an ultra-modern custom setting, so even dream of sapphires from her childhood memories of Princess Di''s ring. No matter what, now that you know you have the cash for it, the next step is ferreting out her desires.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 7/20/2007 5:36:29 PM
Author: Hest88
As a woman, I believe that the most important factor is what *she* wants. That will take some stealthy research (or not so stealthy research depending on your dynamic). You have a comfortable figure to work with, so whatever she can come up with is most likely within your budget. She may light up at a 2 carat EC, or a 1 carat RB, or she may have her heart set on an oval or perhaps an antique ring. She may want a small stone in an ultra-modern custom setting, so even dream of sapphires from her childhood memories of Princess Di''s ring. No matter what, now that you know you have the cash for it, the next step is ferreting out her desires.

Ditto.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 7/20/2007 6:03:22 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 7/20/2007 5:36:29 PM

Author: Hest88

As a woman, I believe that the most important factor is what *she* wants. That will take some stealthy research (or not so stealthy research depending on your dynamic). You have a comfortable figure to work with, so whatever she can come up with is most likely within your budget. She may light up at a 2 carat EC, or a 1 carat RB, or she may have her heart set on an oval or perhaps an antique ring. She may want a small stone in an ultra-modern custom setting, so even dream of sapphires from her childhood memories of Princess Di''s ring. No matter what, now that you know you have the cash for it, the next step is ferreting out her desires.

Ditto.

double ditto...you''ve got a budget that could pretty much provide her with whatever her dream ring is. I''d focus on finding out what she has her heart set on and then go from there.

 

[orbaya]

Date: 7/19/2007 12:40:24 PM
Author: beau13
Isn''t is supposed to be ''two month''s salary'' as a rule of thumb? This is what I told hubby, so this meant I was able to shop in the $10-12000 price range for my upgrade (lol). However, 14 years ago, when hubby was only 23, he proposed with a .70 carat pear shape diamond that cost him about $ 3500.

I wish I could get hubby on board with that line of thought for an upgrade. I could handle spending $23K! No problem here LOL!

He just doesn''t see it my way.

 

[vespergirl]

I''m from Manhattan, and currently live in the DC area, and the average spent here is 2 months salary. Because these are expensive areas to live, among upper-middle class professionals, most make salaries in the 6 figure range. So, me and most of my friends have rings from 1.5 - 2.5 carats, in the $15K to $25K price range.

 

[partgypsy]

I agree with other posters. I''d find out what her tastes are, maybe surprise her with a setting from designer she is crazy about. It''s great that you have set aside so much money for the ring, but remember you don''t HAVE to spend all of that on her ring if the ring of her desires is less money than that. I know this will be shocking (and probably the minority here

)but some women may not be comfortable having that much money spent on a ring, and would rather have it set aside for house, rainy day savings, honeymoon, etc. I wouldn''t even tell her your budget until you get a more concrete idea of what she is thinking of.

 

[dod]

$30,000 is a lot of money...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

$30,000 is a huge amount of money to someone making $30,000 to $50,000 a year. $30,000 is not so extravagant if the person is making $150,000 or $200,000 a year. Averages are irrelevant, because if you make in the top 20% of salaries, then it may be very reasonable to pay $25,000 to $30,000 for an engagement ring. If one makes $60,000, then I think something like $10,000 or so might be more like it.

You won''t get a great 1 carat stone for $4000 either. You''re probably talking around $7000 and up for an ideal cut F-G color, VS clarity one carat stone. I''d really encourage you to look at the sites for WhiteFlash and Good Old Gold as they both carry a fine selection of ideal cut stones in-house, and they both have excellent trade-in policies.

The WF stone posted earlier is lovely, and here is another just a little larger. I personally wouldn''t be comfortable wearing a 2 ct. stone, so I really like 1.5 up to 2 cts. They are also an excellent value as there is a large price increase at 2 carats.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2622/

 

[Gothgrrl]

Where I live it''s anywhere from $2000 to $6000. Around .75 to 1 ct. And most women here have it set in yellow gold. I don''t see too many here with white or platinum. Of course, I''m the exception.

 

[Blinginator]

It''s been a while... summers are usually slow at work for me but picked up a little for the past two weeks. Thank you again for everyone''s advice. Just to answer a few people''s questions:

-We currently live in NYC but plan on moving out to Cali (possibly for business school) or London (for work) in the next few years.

-I''ve always been pretty good at finding my gf the right gifts, and she''s always very happy with everything I give her, especially with the jewelry I''ve given to her (mostly earrings and necklaces, never any stones, bracelets, rings, pendents because she doesn''t really where any of them--she wears rings but mostly those "decorative" type of rings, nothing with a stone).

-Don''t get me wrong, I definitely do not plan on spending the "national" average on an e-ring, but finding out how much people spend on e-rings on average is definitely a great starting point for me to begin comparison shopping. I''m the type of shopper that fully researches and compares before making any purchases, and definitely tries to score the best bang for my buck.

I''ve given myself at least 6 months to plan everything out so hopefully it''ll be enough time. Our potential move to London might throw things off a bit as I had originally planned on proposing in Quebec City on a weekend excursion but may have to figure out whehter to still do it in Quebec City or wait a little bit longer and do it in London or somewhere in Europe... I''ll be sure to keep everyone posted.

On to the Knowledge section for me....

 

[fanboy]

To further complicate things, engagement rings in Europe tend to be much less extravagent. So, a healthy-sized diamond here may seem ostentatious and gaudy in London. Do you know what kind of shape you''re looking for?

 

[surfgirl]

This has been an interesting discussion...But in the end, only YOU can know what budget you are comfortable with. The "two months salary" quote is really just a DeBeers marketing ploy and it seems to have served them well over the years because most men seem to know this "unspoken rule"...But honestly, it depends on both your budget AND what your GF likes/wants. I also dont think you need to take into account what her friends/family have in terms of size of erings. Because if you cant afford what they have, well then, you have to go with something smaller. You say you have good luck with buying your gf jewelry she likes but I would just say that while that''s great, this is a bit of a different jewelry purchase. You say she doesn''t wear jewelry with stones or nice rings usually so it will be important for her to understand what she likes in terms of size AND comfort. Take her shopping and make a day of it! Breakfast, shopping, luncheon out somewhere nice to discuss what you''ve seen so far...It can be a really fun experience at least doing the initial shopping together so that once you know what shape stone she loves and what setting she loves, you can do the rest and be sure that this woman, whom you love, who doesn''t usually wear nice rings with stones in them, will love wearing her ering and feel it''s comfy and perfect for her...Just my two cents...

 

[Stone Hunter]

It sounds like you''ve really listened to everyone''s advice. It was all good advice too. Take your time and don''t let a possible move rush you in picking out the stone. Pick what works for your GF and her lifestyle.

As for Europe many people there have colored stones not diamonds, or small diamonds.

 

[Mr. Eric]

25-35k!!!!!!!! You must be loaded my friend!!!!!!! I just purchased an engagement ring for $5800. I got a tacori 18k white gold with a nice .75ct princess cut. I make a crappy 20,000 a year with 4 college degrees by the way!

(can''t find a teaching job in my area) If you can really afford 25-35k without putting yourself into massive debt I would go ahead and spend about 10k. You could get a hell of a ring, and I don''t think it would be too much overkill. Remember if your girl is pretty tiny than a huge diamond would be a little much in my opinion. I would not go over 10k for a ring. Anymore than that is waaaaaaaaay too much unless you are a millionaire. Just think (from a guys point of view) you are probably going to get a rings that cost $1000 bucks when you get married. It is great to spend a lot of a ring for the one you love, but don''t over do it. Got any job tips? I got a masters degree, 2 bachelors, and an associated.........

 

[kristy_lyn]

Last year, my then finace paid $4100. We were on a budget, since we were also saving for a house and paying for the wedding ourselves.

By D.C. standards, my ring is small (.81 carat) - but, it''s all about your priorities...''

We got a nice G VS2 H&A diamond with a very simple setting.

Personally, I think that with around $15K (if spent well) I could get a rockin'' ring that would pretty much be the ring of my dreams (OK - well, maybe not the ring of my dreams, but, I would definately be the envy of all my friends...).

 

[Mr. Eric]

Maybe if I could spell I would be making more money.....

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 7/19/2007 7:02:40 PM
Author: Arcam
''(House prices are insane where I live. I cannot imagine them going down any time soon!)''

where do you live? Prices are dropping in most of the country. With the sub-prime and alt-a loans just resetting (something like 50B in 10/07 alone), it looks like its just the beginning (assuming you ask anyone aside from NAR)

Seattle. House prices are pretty high here! I''m not sure if they''re going down much thus far. Guess I''ll find out when my husband and I get our house reappraised this fall.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 8/2/2007 3:21:44 PM
Author: MC

Date: 7/19/2007 7:02:40 PM
Author: Arcam
''(House prices are insane where I live. I cannot imagine them going down any time soon!)''

where do you live? Prices are dropping in most of the country. With the sub-prime and alt-a loans just resetting (something like 50B in 10/07 alone), it looks like its just the beginning (assuming you ask anyone aside from NAR)

Seattle. House prices are pretty high here! I''m not sure if they''re going down much thus far. Guess I''ll find out when my husband and I get our house reappraised this fall.

Sales here all the way diagonally across the country (FLA) have slowed but prices have not dropped much yet. If sales don''t pick up in a couple of months then prices might drop.

 

[Pandora II]

If you are thinking of moving to London, anything over a carat will be regarded as huge!

One of my friends got engaged recently and we all admired her ring which was 1.04ct but faced up quite big. When she had left a few of the other girls were talking about her ring and how it was so big that it looked fake

. All of us are mid-30's and most on 6 figure GBP salaries just to add some perspective. Another friend who is a merchant banker got engaged to a City lawyer in February and her e-ring was a 0.30ct solitaire.

I've been round PS long enough that I didn't see it as too big - it was in proportion for her finger.

I have a 1.42 cushion tsavorite and people comment all the time on my 'enormous emerald'

 

[Blinginator]

Right now I''m leaning towards a round cut.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 8/6/2007 12:10:12 PM
Author: Blinginator
Right now I''m leaning towards a round cut.

Not to be a complete label whore, but if you''ve got that kind of money, I think you should maybe get as high a quality stone as you can get at Tiffany, in their Tiffany setting. If over 1ct is seen as disgustingly huge in the UK (where I''m heading in about a month too, actually), then get her the most perfect 1ct stone (or maybe 1ct and change) you can afford in a beautiful, elegant setting that''s designed to show off the beauty of the stone.

Of course, please feel free to completely and totally ignore me, as I am also just trying to live vicariously through your girlfriend... *sighs wistfully*

 

[Pandora II]

Personally I wouldn''t go to Tiffany''s but that''s because I don''t care to have an e-ring that other people have.

I also think the premium for the name is not worth the $$$ unless you want to resell the item in a few years.

My personal favourite with your budget would be a top 1ct stone set in a simple setting and the opportunity to design the setting of my dreams with a maestro like Leon Mege. Then pop a pretty coloured stone in the original setting.

Bingo - two rings, a unique and gorgeous setting that she has chosen and some bling to stick on her finger for the proposal...

 

[gwendolyn]

Yeah, it would depend on your girl in particular if she wants something unique or if she wants something classic. Different strokes, blah blah...

Most of the drool I''ve let loose for diamond rings have been of the Tiffany style, but there is DEFINITELY something to be said for beautiful, one-of-a-kind types of settings. One by Mark Morrell that I found due to this sight literally caught my breath, it is so gorgeous. So depending on your lady and her tastes, that''s definitely something to consider too--having a brilliant designer like Mark Morrell create your perfect ring for her.

Here''s the link to the thread here with the MM 3-prong ring. *drools*

And here''s a pic, to give you an idea (other pics can be found in that link):

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I recently went through this and my fiance and I did end up talking about his price range vs. my price range. I think that if you take her ring shopping you might find that she doesn''t want anything in that price range or she might not feel comfortable with that ring. In our case his price range was over 20k and mine was about 4- 5k. I think men do get caught up in the whole "two months salary" marketing ploy, which in many cases is not what the woman wants. I asked him to cut his budget in half and he ended up finding a ring I love for under $8,000, then took me to Paris for the proposal and still stayed within the budget that we created.

I know it''s taboo, but if you talk about it at least you can come up with something that makes you both happy. I''m actually happier knowing that the money is in savings where I like it instead of on my hand. I know the ring is about what she wants, but you might find that what she wants isn''t what you thought she''d want.

 

[Harleigh]

Oh my word that is an exquisite ring! Gwendolyn, you have fantastic taste!

And "label whore!" That was just classic!!!

 

[ursulawrite]

My husband is an attorney in NYC, and spent $5k on my engagement ring five years ago (a 1.3 VVS1 E stone, which he got dirt cheap through a friend). I was envious of the two- and three-carat stones his friends'' partners were receiving at the time, but, several years on, and speaking as a homeowner/possessing zero debt, I would have been horrified had he gone into serious debt while starting out his career. Fair enough if you''re making upwards of $300k but spending $30k on an engagement ring makes my stomach flip a little. (I guess I''m getting older and have become much too sensible

)