He’s in college and is paying for that himself and we’re trying to save for a house. (Don’t even start yelling about age. He has 1.5 years left, and we may not even get engaged until after he graduates. Definitely won’t marry until we have enough for a wedding and a house. But he has enough saved for engagement, if we wanted to now) So I wanted to choose a ring that wouldn’t burden him with the cost. Even if he had enough to buy me a $10k ring, I wouldn’t want to buy a pricy one. That’s just how I am. I would feel guilty. I noticed that most people have solitaires, and the cost of those are really expensive. But, I really don’t like them and I hate being like everyone else 
So I was looking at less expensive rings. But really couldn’t find any I liked, until I came across this ring:
http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1|10101|10001|-1|990544708|15051|15051.15057.15108
And I just fell in love with it. Everywhere we have been, I cannot find any ring to top this one. Not even the REALLY expensive rings. Well it’s $700 at Kay’s, as you can see. But we went to Jared’s and they have the same exact ring for $580. I would have posted a link, but Jared’s doesn’t have princess cut posted.
And I like something like this for a band:
http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1|10101|10001|-1|80164724|15051|15051.15058.15111
At first, I thought it might "too flashy" paired with the ring. But when I tried them on together it was just beautiful.
So that is 580 and 280. That’s $860 for both rings. Does that seem like a lot? After tax and insurance, it will cost over $1,000. That seems like A LOT of money. And I don’t want to be a spoiled b*tch and make him get this ring since it’s the only one I really love. So if that is too much for the typical costs, I will keep searching for a smaller ring. But honestly, I feel like it is pretty decent compared to most people. I mean, a 1/2 carat solitaire would cost double the price.
So what do you think? Is $1,000 too much for an engagement ring and wedding ring, after tax and insurance?
And we’re not interested in buying smaller now and "upgrading" in a couple years for a more flashy ring. My boyfriend is very bent on the fact that THAT is the ring we will be married with. So if we take that away and buy another one, even adding bigger stones or put the old stones in other jewelry, it just wouldn’t be right. I feel the same way.
Oh, and he said just let him know which ring I like, and not to worry so much about the price. So the price scare is all from me, not him. Lol.
But my thinking is, why spend a few thousand on a ring, when you can save some of that towards a better house or car, you know? Same will go with the wedding. I’m going to find every way possible to save money so that’s more towards a house!
Thanks for the answers so far.
I personally think that not only are those rings beautiful, but that you are a very intelligent person and that you two will do fine. I applaud you for understanding that marriage is about love and not getting the biggest ring around. The price that you are going to spend on your ring can only be decided by you and your boo, but I think that you are fine with what you have chosen. Good Luck!
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
My ring was 10k, but he could afford it (he’s in a professional field)
The ring that you chose is lovely and $1000 is not expensive at all. That’s affordable on any budget.
Good luck
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No that is what my fiance spent on my engagement ring and wedding band. It was a two for one deal. He may have spent a little more for the insurance but i am not sure. I just know when we went to look at my ring i feel in love with it and then they said that plus my band was on sale for 999 so no that is no bad at all. And i really like the ring you picked out. Its really pretty
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My engagement ring was just under $5k. I found out when we had it insured. I’ve kept my mouth shut but I think that my fiance was crazy to spend so much. Its beautiful and appraised at more than he paid – so I know he didn’t get ripped off or anythign – but I was still shocked.
We are 30-somethings with savings, careers, and homes (both of us) so I was showing him rings from $1000-$2000 that I liked.
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I personally think that not only are those rings beautiful, but that you are a very intelligent person and that you two will do fine. I applaud you for understanding that marriage is about love and not getting the biggest ring around. The price that you are going to spend on your ring can only be decided by you and your boo, but I think that you are fine with what you have chosen. Good Luck!
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My ring is 2 carats and cost about $28,000. But he can afford it! But the price doesn’t matter as long as your happy!! Get what you want!
I had my eye and a Tiffany’s ring, and I slightly hinted at it, but not to much, and next thing I knew it was on my finger! And I love it. Its totally worth it!
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1/2 carat is a good sized ring and generally isn’t flashy. We have been customers at Kay’s for over 20 yrs. A few yrs ago my husband did trade my original diamond for the one I have now. Both rings are gorgeous, I was upset at first then realized that in both instances the rings symbolizes our love.
Know that your ring doesn’t have to be purchased right away the one you have chosen is a classic design and shouldn’t go out of style. We waited until he was graduated and I was in my final year before our engagement. Sounds like your boyfriend is very independent and good with finances.
If it were me I would feel uncomfortable receiving a ring at this point in time with him still in school and has yet to find employment. Hang in there all good things come at the appropriate time.
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Appraised at $3400. My fiance designed it himself with what stones his mother had and then went and had a jeweler make it. So, he didn’t PAY $3400, that’s how much the ring was worth 1 year ago.
Maybe you guys could do that. Buy the stone(s) where you can or see if family has any they wouldn’t mind parting with and have it designed. It’s a bit more affordable, has a special meaning and is different from anyone elses who buys from jewelry store. Everytime someone sees my ring (especially different jewelers) they are pretty impressed with it
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I actually think that is super cheap. If you think that is alot, just wait until you start planning your wedding! Holy Cow–you’re going to have heart failure.
My husband chose my ring-I had nothing to do with his choice–he spent $7,600. My wedding band which is totally plain gold (exactly what I wanted) was about $675.
I hear you saying you don’t want to seem like a spoiled brat, etc, but make sure you don’t worry too much about the price to the point where you’re selecting that ring just because its inexpensive. This is the ring you will wear for the rest of your life, and there is always more money to be made.
It is a beautiful ring, IMO, just make sure you do truly adore it on its own, rather than just for its price.
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I "accidentally" found out my now-hubby spent close to $3,500 between the engagement ring and the band.
Seeing as I asked him for a $350 engagement ring (even though I really wanted one that cost $750) and a plain gold wedding band, I almost died of a heart attack when he found out what he actually spent.
I think $1000 is about average for people who voluntatily choose not to go over the top. I didn’t want him to spend so much on a little piece of jewelry!!!!
But what was I supposed to do when he gives me this amazingly beautiful ring with a stone 3 times bigger than I expected?!!!
So, no, I think $1,000 is just right for BOTH the band and e-ring
PS.- I applaud your choice to save for the house…
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$860 for two rings is a very good deal indeed. I agree with you about putting money towards more practical things than jewelry, especially if you happen to love the less expensive rings. My engagement ring was about $700, and my wedding ring was originally $750, but they were having a huge going-out-of-business sale, so we got that one for like $550. The engagement ring is an elegant little 1/3 ct. solitaire, round-cut, set in 14K white gold, and the wedding band has three small round diamonds totaling 1/3 ct. set in 14K white gold. They’re not supposed to be a matching set, but they go together really well. I’m impressed that you were able to find such a nice set for less than $1000- and here I thought I was a bargain-hunter! Good for you. Congratulations on your upcoming engagement.
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Well I have to say that if you know of any good local jewlers they are a MUCH better value then the chains like Zales and Kay. My ring and wedding band have been appraised at $10,000+, but the actauly cost was more like $6,100. I did have two engagement rings though…Same diamond but two bands. The first I got while I was prego with our daughter and the Jewler (good family friend) gave my fiance a crappy band for free with my diamond, just a totally plain white gold band, that they set the diamond into. When we went to pick out our wedding bands a few months ago, I also pickd out a new setting for my engagement ring. While I was prego I was super huge and didnt feel like looking for bands, hense the free one. My new band is platnium with 1ct tw of VS1 D color diamonds set into the band and it also has profile diamonds. Then I have my main diamond which is the 1.2ct tw VVS1 D color. My wedding band is 1ct tw VVS1 and D color also. That is just a platnium diamond eternity band. Honestly I would just go in show him what ones you really love and not ask about cost. Let him go back when your not with him and decide if its too much. And if he cant afford the one you want yet, some places do like layaway until he can pay it off, or at least maybe hell save a bit more to get it for you later. But if this is the ONLY one you’ll ever have, then deff. get what you love (within reason)
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My engagement ring was just under 4k (appraised for 10K+) and my wedding band is only $400. We decided that since we’re military and get BAH to live off base and already both have newer cars, that we’d spend a little more on rings. We had both been saving for the wedding and the rings so we spent what we could afford.
I think the way you’ve gone about it is perfect! I don’t think you should be worried about anything, you’ve been doing your researching and have found something that fits YOUR taste and HIS budget! Great job!!! That’s more than I can say for some women!
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Congratualtions, on your engagement, and on the good taste I think your rings are beautiful.
Well I gotta say.. that the price really doesn’t matter, all it matters is that he decided to pop the question, and that you like the ring… if you get to pick it, i didn’t get to pick mine, but didn’t matter. i’m sure he will buy you the best one ( that he can afford)
My engagement ring was about 30K almost 4 carats all together, he designed it himself, but he can afford that and then some. Self employed for the last 32 yrs and also he’s a grown man. 25 yrs older than me, i’m just turning 27, and we’ve been married for 3 yrs already.. but then againg our wedding was on a thur, we went to thte court house with our 2 witnesses and said our vows, sign the papers, took 4-6 pictures and we were out of there, went to lunch, with our witnesses, then went home changed our clothes drove ourself to the airport and jumped in a plane to NY for the weekend. come back to work the next monday. lol it was very very US, you know just him & I. nobody knew we were getting married here. my family of course but they all live outside the country and don’t count with a Visa to come.What I did get to pick was my wedding band, and i love it, i think is different and of course beautiful, i should post a picture of it.
Good luck with your wedding.
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Thats almost identical to my set! Were both in college too, and no I dont think its too much, you can always upgrade later but I think your being very smart about the rings. Their beautiful, and I think you deserve them if you love them. Good luck to you both!
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i got mine at kay’s to this is what he bought me
we got our rings at Kay’s on clearance.
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http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1|10101|10001|-1|940125900|15051|15051.15057.15107
This is my ring, bought from Kays as well. My fiance checked out quite a few other stores, and went back for this one, and yes, I love it.
http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1%7C10101%7C10001%7C-1%7C80181516%7C15051%7C15051.15057.15107
I only have the engagement ring for now, but the "set" is shown at the bottom, and is $999 i believe. Close to the same price as the set you are looking at …
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What is "a lot" to YOU really depends on what you can realistically afford. I don’t think 1K is a huge amount of money to spend on something special – I just bought a DSLR camera that came up to almost $2K with the lens and accessories – but neither my husband nor I are college students; we both work, and between the two of us, we make a pretty good living.
If you have the money to spend (even if it might put you in a tight spot for a month or two), then definitely go for it. It’s a (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and you will wear these rings for years to come. Try and find the way to buy the rings you like – maybe you could borrow money from your parents and pay them back after the wedding – I don’t know. Unless you truly can’t make the ends meet, you should get the rings you want; the price is not unreasonable.
My engagement ring cost around $350 (blue topaz/white gold), and my wedding band was $100 (plain gold band). I didn’t see much of a reason to spend a ton of money on jewelry, and I don’t wear diamonds anyway – so I was very happy with this less-expensive alternative.
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The original engagement ring that I was looking at was only $400 and I was sure that I didn’t want my man to spend any more than that. That is until I found the ring that I have now, when I seen it apparently my face changed and he knew it was the one that he had to get me. The engagement ring came to $1100 after tax and insurance, and the band we got made for $450. All together it was a lot more than I had expected to spend, but I LOVE my rings!
Wait until you start to budget a wededing, if you thought $1000 was a bit much for a ring you are going to be shocked!
Just remember that it’s not how much the ring costs, it’s about the love that you share with your partner. I was happy when he proposed to me with a banana peel!
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I don’t think $1000 is too much for an engagement ring… On average, most probably spend about that…
My fiancee spent about $4000 (after taxes..) but this includes the wedding band as well. It was a set.
I absolutetly love your ring.. It’s darling!!
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I don’t think 1000 is too expensive overall, but it is too expensive for me. my engagement ring was 213, and our bands are heirlooms, so we are way below your 1000. that said, I was engaged before and that ring was 1400 (i was there when he bought it…no surprise there ) but he was a douchebag and I’m way happier with my current inexpensive ring!! I would suggest just finding one you like with a price you are both comfortable with (not too cheap for him, not too pricey to suit you)
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Well my ring cost a whopping $150.00. I know that’s really cheap. Basically we went to Kohl’s, and the store was having a deal so they marked down a lot of the rings originally mine is priced for 550.00 dollars with real black and white 1/3 karats. As to the quality, the clarity isn’t particularity high, but they are beautiful for me and in a great setting. I am in the same boat you are and didn’t want my man to pay huge prices for a ring. We decided on on the smaller cut diamonds at a slightly lower clarity and when we reach our 5 yr anniversary we can upgrade.
Any way, Kohl’s had a large variety. They even had wonderful 850.00 princess cut 2 karat diamond rings on sale at the time for 350.00 and so forth. I think you should definitely look around. You can probably go to a place similar to Kohl’s, or amazon.com, which had reasonable rings as well. Not to sound like an advertisement for them but they also had wedding bands at affordable prices, with their sale I could get a sterling silver band for $80.00.
Also, pay attention to the time of year you buy the ring. Right now Kohl’s have 1000.00 rings on sale for 800.00, way more than when I bought mine in the fall. if you wait until September or October you can probably have an astonishing deal because retailers want to cut loose their old merchandise.
Last bit of advice, you can try for a non-traditional engagement ring. My ring has white and black diamonds, you can go for a colored gem like the amethyst or emerald, which you can find at reasonable prices. And this is becoming a very popular option for soon to be brides. CONGRATS and good luck!
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http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/jewelry/bridalspecialoccasion
Both my engagement and wedding rings were fairly expensive…but my husband and I were older when we got engaged. I was 25, he was 33 at the time.
Together, both rings cost $8,000. My engagement ring was something over $6500 and the wedding band cost $1,700.
I think $1,000 is very reasonable for an engagement ring.
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You, my dear, are an absolute sweetheart for not letting the materialistic thoughts that most of us deal with, get into your head.
I think if you found the ring you love, you should get it. The fact that it’s fairly inexpensive is just a bonus. Just think, with the amount of $$ you saved, that is just more equity in your future home.
Good for you and congratulations!
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My engagement ring was £6,000 – 1.05 princess cut solitaire on platinum and our wedding bands will be costing £4,000 for the two. Mine is £3,000 and his is £1,000. They are to be hand made and are platinum with a slim 18ct gold band in the middle and mine will have 5 diamonds in the gold band.
I think whatever you can afford is what you should go with, its not all about money its about love – remember that and be happy.
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My engagement ring was $2000 and my wedding band was $400 – so a total of $2400. They were appraised at $3600 so I know that he wasn’t ripped off. I love my rings and, like you, and not interested in "upgrading". My husband was 21 when he bought the rings – he paid cash by saving up money from his job (he graduated college a year early) and selling his old motorcycle.
I don’t think $1000 is too much for a bridal set, but then again my husband and I can afford that and I know others cannot. However, get the ring you love. You will be wearing it for the rest of your life.
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My engagement ring was $8000, my wedding band will be about $2000 and his wedding band will be just under $1000. We’ll be 29 and 30 when we get married so while it’s expensive, it’s not anything that we can’t afford.
In retrospect, that money probably could’ve been spent on a house but neither of us want to buy a house right now and are perfectly find renting. Our wedding is being done fairly economically (I’m a pretty stingy person by nature) and these are symbols we’ll have for the rest of our lives. You leave houses, and cars stop working – but hopefully someday this ring will go to my granddaughter.
I’ve had my heart set on a Tiffany ring forever and that’s what he gave me. Would I have said yes if it had been a ring pop? Of course. I consider it an insurance policy – if we’re ever really strapped for cash I can always just hock my ring.
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I have no idea…I didn’t buy it! And I don’t care enough to ask.
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I think the e-ring is lovely, tho I’m not a fan of princess cut.
I’d go with a plain band for the wedding band, though.
My rings were modest – my husband chose them, they are absolutely beautiful and suit me totally! My e-ring is a solitaire with shoulder stones and the wedding band has three of the smaller stones. I didn’t know til much later, but the e-ring was around 700, wedding band just under 400.
I like that the rings are delicate and pretty, and I’ve worn them ALL the time. My sister got fancy dancy really expensive rings – and ended up buying herself a plain band because they were too flashy!
I agree with your bf too – is that the rings you are married with should be the ones you keep. After all, you can get an anniversary ring at your 10th – which is what my husband did for me!
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