How much to spend on an engagement ring is the question of the century. There was a time when the amount of money you spent on an engagement ring didn’t matter. People would fancy passing down heirloom rings through generations of their family. Sentimental value was tied to the item one’s grandmother’s mother’s mother was gifted. In the last hundred years, monetary value started to matter more and more. Slowly, humans decided it was more important to get a unique piece of jewelry for the special soulmate we’d chosen to spend our lives with. It wasn’t always diamonds either, not that it explicitly is today, but some form of gem has always been customary. At some point, humanity decided that there was a direct correlation between the amount of money spent on a ring and how much we love the individual that will (hopefully) wear the ring.
But How Much is Too Much?
Since we’ve created this insane pressure for ourselves, most people spend too much. More often than not, the person you love will be happy with whatever you get them. The engagement ring, though undeniably important to the propose as an agreed upon symbol of lifelong companionship and devotion, is usually more important to the proposer. Proposing is expected to be a once-in-a-lifetime event and getting it right is of utmost importance. The ring is a big piece of that.
There are a lot of rules of thumb out there. We’ve even heard about individuals that spend a full year’s salary on a ring! That’s probably not necessary. Here are a few of the more common schools of thought:
- “You should spend as much as you comfortably can.”
- “Try to spend 3 months of paychecks on your soulmate.”
- “You think nothing about making 5 years of payments on a vehicle. This is your betrothed!”
- “Try to ask the one you want to propose to what he/she is comfortable with.”
- “Spend less on the ring and more on the wedding and honeymoon.”
- “10% of your annual salary, minimum.”
- “Spend more if it’s your second than you did on your first.”
- “Use an ‘official’ engagement ring calculator!” (No, seriously.)
We’ve heard them all!
What’s Best for You?
There is no right answer. A lot of different variables affect the final decision. It’s perfectly reasonable to want to “prove” the worth of a loved one through a ring, but there are plenty of variables unique to each relationship that may dictate the final price tag. Is this a first marriage? Are there more important things, like children, to spend money on? Are you financially stable? Do you have a good bit saved up for such an occasion already? What type of ring does your significant other even want? Does clarity, cut, or color matter? All these need to be considered.
Whatever you decide, Sylvie Collection is there to help you through the process and provide the best options for you at affordable prices. If you have no idea where to begin, try starting with Sylvie Collection’s Engagement Ring Guide. Should you want something truly unique, customize it! Try visiting one of their stores, or feel free to give them a call if you have questions or wish to discuss a product. Whatever you do, don’t overthink pricing. Spend whatever will make you both happy because that’s what is most important.
Founded in 2007, the Sylvie Collection is made by a woman, for a woman, by three-time national award winning jewelry designer, Sylvie.