Spending Guidelines

[Looking]

I have heard over and over again about the "two month salary" guideline for purchasing a diamond. Is this a good rule to go by, is this what most people use? I hate to sound like I want to "keep up with the Joneses" but most of my friends have bought rings that I know are way in excess of two months salary.On the DeBeers site they have a calculator where you plug in your yearly salary and then they come up with a number. I did that and that way it came out to like 4 months salary.

 

[lawmax]

That's marketing hype...spend what is comfortable for you.

 

[oldminer]

I imagine that about two months salary is probably a researched average range of what people do spend on engagement rings. There is no reason to overdo the spending,but you want to give a gift that will be appreciated and appropriate.If you research the kinds and sizes of diamonds that will make her happy, then calculate with PriceScope what kind of job you need to find to spend only two months salary. Go get the new job and do the deed. Couldn't be simpler, could it?

------------------
David Atlas
Accredited Gem Appraisers

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I like that Dave.But who will pay me 6 million a year?
garry

 

[oldminer]

Garry;If you can earn 12 million a year for me, I'd be pleased to hire you for a 6 million figure

I wouldn't want to be a pig and take more than that...------------------
David Atlas
Accredited Gem Appraisers

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

then i could afford 2 wives?
I will gladly pay you 6M Dave if you can earn me 12m.
One condition, i just keep Drena, could not handle another.PS Definition of wealthy man....
....
.
.
.
.. One who earns more then his wife can spend. (Sorry feminists)

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

PS the De Beers advice was based on a bit of logical greed.
The survey's found avg spending was about 1X months salary - so they reasoned - tell'm 2 and they will spend more.
Personally i find the concept offensive.
Spend as much as you want, or buy the diamond your lady wants, or compromise in between, its your lives

 

[lawmax]

Garry!
(and I'm not a feminist!)

 

[sma1213]

LOL, Cut Nut!Two months salary is crap - get the best you can with what you can afford to spend. What good is it to have a huge, expensive rock if you are stressed beyond belief trying to pay for the thing?------------------

 

[hawkjr]

I agree with most posters that the sensible amount to spend is what you are comfortable with. I am however curious as to exactly what the two months guideline was intended to cover. Is it just the engagement ring/stone or the e-ring/stone AND the wedding ring?

 

[LadyJ]

I don't think any woman would be happy with her ring if she knew her beloved was losing sleep over how he was going to pay for it. She could not enjoy it. It really does come down to what you can afford and are comfortable spending. Don't forget you can always upgrade later!

 

[Hest88]

Spend as much as you can afford without going into debt, without having to eat Ramen for six months, and leaving enough in savings for your wedding/honeymoon/downpayment for your house.

If you really can't get a decent ring that way, then save up until you've got that money.

 

[Mara]

I am sure the original 2 months was only e-ring (ring and stone)...the w-ring is probably another month or something in DeBeers language!

haha.