Questions re engagement ring and wedding bands ?
Q.I'm new to this board and to the whole concept of marriage. I know NOTHING about buying engagement rings. Never planned to get married, but now that I've found the right woman I find myself researching wedding-related topics! 1) I'd like to know, what is the AVERAGE a guy is supposed to spend on an engagement ring and on wedding bands? I've heard the "2 months' salary" rule, but I'm sure that was created by the DeBeers diamond industry! You've GOT to be kidding... Unless you make so much money that 2 months' salary is NO problem, you'd have to be nuts to spend that much on a ring! Just my opinion... So, what is the average that a guy who only makes $45k/year (not much, living in L.A.!) should spend on a wedding ring? My fiancee' would prefer a diamond solitaire type ring. I want to get something that looks good to the naked eye, and won't break, but it doesn't have to be real big or "perfect" under a microscope! 2) How much will I need to spend on gold wedding bands? Again, I don't want to buy "cheap" stuff - I want the rings to be nice. But on the other hand I don't want to go hogwild... Since I'm getting married in Mexico, (to a Mexican woman), would I save money buy buying a ring in Mexico, or would I sacrifice quality by doing so? What is best - buying from a small jewelry store or from a big "Jewelry Exchange" or "Jewelry Mart" type super-store? What quality/grade diamond will I be looking for? How do I know it's a good one? Any advice will be appreciated.
A.Check some of the online shoppes for ideas (try www.tradeshop.com - they have a whole array of different settings etc.). If you go with something that has some decoration in the band, it adds interest. You can still get solitaires with stylized bands and for less than you'd think! Did she specify what type of solitaire? There are all sorts of different cuts available. You certainly needn't spend two months salary on an e-ring. Buy something you know she'll love and save the rest for a nice honeymoon. She's going to love it just because it's from you... and if she makes a big deal out of the size (well) then perhaps you should re-think your decision. Most brides to be would take a twist-tie in exchange for such incredible love and commitment.
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