Does the price of an engagement ring matter?

Question

My mom got upset at my boyfriend for proposing to me with a cheap ring. It was so much drama we called off the engagement for a while. My mom nagged me about how it didn't even look like an engagement ring( it had a sapphire in the middle instead of a diamond, my boyfriend asked me if I wanted his birthstone and I said yes but I meant on the sides, lol) . Days had passed and my boyfriend asked me for an example of the ring I would want. And I showed him this one

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I showed my mom the same ring and she thought it was pretty until she saw the price and went on nagging about how cheap it was and how I'm selling myself short and if he can't afford better he doesn't deserve me. I'm hurt and confused as to why this little symbol is such a big deal. I'm I selling myself short to not care as much for the ring?

bitesizedonut · Accepted Answer

I want to apologize for every one who has been dissing your mom. Even if they won't. You asked about the ring, not about your mother, and that is the question people should be answering.

Your mom may never understand. My parents never understood why I never dated around, but they are happy to see me married, with a roof over my head, food on my plate, and a loving husband. They may have been wary at first, but seeing me taken care of has alleviated all their fears (and all of their "nagging"). It will be hard to reassure her. Let her know that you love her, that you plan on taking things slow. Even she probably knows that the economy is affecting EVERYONE. Tell her you are aware of the financial commitment and so is he. Let her know that despite this engagement - the marriage won't occur until both of you are sure the financial stability is there. Like I said - it still may not get through to her, but once you get there and you are happy, well fed, and well taken care of, she will rest easier.

This is a scary world for our parents - where they have no say in who we marry. It is completely different from the life older generations have lived. They don't want their children making mistakes, but they also don't want to do anything to sever that parent/child relationship... which happens all too often these days (people moving across the country away from their parents/leaving them completely/never calling regularly/living their own lives and forgetting who bore them into this world). It's a fine balance for them. They want to fight for their children, protect them, give them all the things that they deserve (that they never had)... but sometimes what they think their children deserve doesn't coincide with what their children want. It's hard for them to reconcile that. I know it doesn't change anything, but maybe it helps to know where they come from.

I wish you all the luck with this. I truly think things will work out. Be patient, and stay strong - these are two very important people in your life :)

bitesizedonut · Accepted Answer

It used to be that getting a good engagement ring was a symbol of how well your husband will be able to take care of you (if he was financially well off you would get a pretty good ring). In this economy and today's culture, being so traditional is just not feasible. I never had an engagement ring, and my wedding ring was handed down to me by my mother-in-law (and my mother gave me one as well for use when I am working in the hospital... the ring my mother in law gave me does not meet with infection control standards). My husband doesn't have a ring. We don't have the money for a ring and my dad lost his wedding ring years ago so he didn't have a ring to hand down. Sometimes, you just have to make do. It's the love, not the material symbol of that love, that is important. No matter how expensive your ring is, you can still take it off and cheat on your spouse - it speaks nothing to the dedication of your bond. In fact, I would say the bond between my husband and I is deeper now - instead of a ring telling people we have wonderful spouses and are taken, we can :) It doesn't take a lot of effort to wear a ring - it takes much more effort to reject some one and tell them you have a wonderful loving husband at home waiting for you (although still not a lot of effort... it's easy to say those words when you love some one so much). In any case...

Short answer: No, price does not matter.

jrose · Accepted Answer

I think an engagement ring should reflect your personality, not the contents of your boyfriend's wallet. If you love the ring and he went to the trouble and care of picking out a beautiful ring for you, the price doesn't really matter.

Actually, I'll be honest, it matters a little. I would KILL my boyfriend if I found out he spent a lot of money on an engagement ring because we could use the money so much more wisely for our wedding or honeymoon or house...I don't need a guy to spend $1000's on a ring to show me he's the right guy for me.

Your mom is putting emphasis on the wrong thing- the price not the amount of thought, time, and sentiment your fiance has spent planning his proposal and picking the ring. I think she needs a reality check- the ring is just that- a symbol of your love, not the lifestyle your fiance is always going to have.

BrettH · Accepted Answer

first off its your relationship not your mothers. second its the engagement ring. that means you can still get a different one for the weeding if you guys choose. ok 2nd that ring is really nice for 600. there's nothing wrong for not spending thousands on a ring because not everyone has the money to go and buy the high end stuff. I know I am broke and want to propose to my girlfriend but I can't because I don't have enough money to buy a ring. and there are a lot other issues at hand and the ring is at the bottom of the list, only cause its a want and not a need. why not accept what he gives you and be grateful? what ever happened to what ever you give me will be great?

also lets see you give him a 600 gift and him say its not good enough. you would murder him because 600 really isn't that cheap.

basically I would like to see people stop caring over the price of things and worry about the symbol at hand. the rings a symbol for you to carry with you while he's not there during the day. the price shouldn't matter cause later in life when you two have some money you can buy a new ring, a bigger better more expensive ring. why should a guy be rejected because a $600 ring isn't enough?

palek · Accepted Answer

You have a good and pure heart, and I'm sorry to say, your mother needs to keep her nose outta this one. The selection of an engagement ring is the exclusive domain of you and your boyfriend. Love isn't to be measured by anything so silly as the cost of the ring. The ring is an outward symbol of your profession of love and fidelity. As you probably already know, it's warn on your left hand, as this hand is closest to your heart. As nicely as possible, tell mom to butt out.

21Cowboy21 · Answer

Ironically - you likely won't live comfortably for the first 10 years if you have a lavish wedding for most couples.

Set a household budget you BOTH contribute to with a percentage of each of your salary first each pay. Or a certain amt each that is sustainable long term.

Of that amt - set the name as "household vacation fund". Break this amount down more as a team together. The less you spend on the wedding, the more you have to spend on the ring. And the less you spend on the ring the more you have to spend on the vacation adventures both of you look forward to in the future. And find the ratios that work best for the two of you. Set the amount of each ahead of time.

Then the cost is set as a tea together - he pays more on the ring for you - perhaps you pay more on the wedding. And both of you enjoy a nice honeymoon vacation with the remainder of the funds.

The ring - both of you pick out the near exact one/style in adv. you love. The timing - will be a surprise he can surprise you with when he pops the question.

Done.

rawr123 · Answer

no offense but that's incredibly shallow of your mom to tell you he doesn't deserve you cause he got you a cheap ring.  Its the thought that counts.  One of my friends got engaged and he has a ring that was "cheap" compared to most engagement rings.  But his girlfriend knew he had been working on saving up for it for almost a year.  Its the thought that counts, that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you and no other woman.  Whether its a ring that cost 25 cents or a million dollars, its the love behind the ring that counts.

xxangel1990xx · Answer

I voted yes because it matters to me (now I seem like a shallow bitch) lol. But I wouldn't exactly class that ring as cheap! And it looks really nice btw! Your boyfriend sounds really sweet lol and I think your mum should keep her nose out tbh-it's your engagement, your relationship and your life, not hers. If you don't feel he should pay thousands for a ring then that's ok because at the end of the day it's up to you. But for me, the ring is a huge part and I would want my boyfriend to be happy and to actually want to spend a lot of money on it lol.

EnlightenMe · Answer

Your boyfriend may not be able to afford a really expensive ring, but he wanted to give you something to symbolize the extent of his love for you, and the commitment he's willing to make, and that has so much more worth than, say, the most expensive diamond ring in the world, given to a woman from a man who doesn't love her. It isn't just a little symbol, for it symbolizes something meaningful, however, it's financial value shouldn't matter if you're truly in love, unconditionally, and care about each other. It wasn't very nice for your mother to nag like that, in my opinion, especially since her opinion probably matters a great deal to you. Sometimes, though, we have to do what's best for us, and live our lives, not the one's our parents want us to live. This man loves you so deeply that he wants to make you his wife. That is of incredible value.

MrWizard · Answer

The purchase price should not matter, but I think he should get you the best he can afford. For example, I wouldn't fault a guy in school trying to make ends meet for buying at the lower end, but if he has a decent job, cash in the bank and is being cheap, that is a different story. In the end, if you are happy with him and the way he treats you, the price tag should not matter.

Dekin · Answer

Does the price of an engagement ring matter? No it doesn't

Your the one that's getting married, not your mother. Your boyfriend/fiance most likely spent months planning the whole thing. Your mother is really superficial sorry to say, it's about you and your boyfriend/fiance and all your mother says about the engagement ring is that's its CHEAP? just by a glance? Your decision is what is important. Honestly speaking, it's not your mother's choice. Realistically if you think about it, your mother wants you to marry for money. Imagine that you have the exact same conversation for the rest of your life, (and it will) with every person that bring up the topic.

It's the symbol of love and commitment.

Who in this world puts a price on love? Really?

helms_girl · Answer

My boyfriend could propose to me with those little plastic rings you get in those gum ball machines, and I would be perfectly happy.

What ever happened to "It's the thought that counts." When it comes to proposing, that's a HUGE step. Most guys are absolutely sure and ready when the ask this question. They've probably been thinking about it a lot, and want everything to be perfect. So if he gave you that ring, and it was cheap, it was probably the best he could do. He even put sweet thought into it when he asked if you wanted his birth stone in the ring. Wear the ring. Don't complain. Don't let your mum complain in front of him. That's your man, and he's marrying you. Not her.

Anonymous · Answer

that ring costs more than 500$ if my eyesight is still okay, and I think I read your mother thinks it's cheap? I feel like I want to kill myself right now because I can hardly afford a ring that costs 100$, but that doesn't mean my girl doesn't mean the world to me... pardon me are you a millionaire or a princess or something, your age doesn't even say you have to be that wealthy or have a wealthy fiancé, you're just starting your lives, a man that you love should never be pushed that hard especially in such occasions.

just a question here, do you all people think a ring should cost all that much?

Anonymous · Answer

I know a lot of men who would refuse to marry a woman who made a big deal about it the way your mom did.  (Seriously.)  What matters is that he loves you and wants to marry you.  I think it would be cruel (and materialistic) to be anything but complimentary of the ring he chose.  A woman who would gripe about the price tag doesn't deserve HIM!  You are in the right to let the issue go.  (And it would be wise to keep mom out of the mix from now on if you can.  You don't need anyone undermining your marriage or being disrespectful to your husband.)

mizmykel · Answer

i think it is a gorgeous ring and I would be happy with a ring like that I think 500 dollars is a reasonable price for an engagement ring but just think the less the ring costs the more you save! you can use the money for other things! my boyfriend isn't very wealthy either and works like a slave and that would be about the price he would pay for a ring and I would be pleased because he loves me enough to spend his life with me and that's enough for me who cares what your mom thinks she is vapid and shallow if you love this guy go for it!

jacquesvol · Answer

We choose and bought our two rings together. We were students then, thus no question of x times a paycheck, no expensive rings. Two simple silver rings. We wore them until we replaced them by wedding rings, then put them away in a box.

When our son saw them at about an identical age, he asked if he could have them, my wife laughed and next thing that happened, his girlfriend and he were wearing them. (until they replaced them by wedding rings)

Nor my mother in law nor his mother in law had negative comments about the rings and their price

Blankname1 · Answer

It's not the ring,it's about how much you care for each other(I hope that doesn't sound lame).

I feel it has some connection to ur mom's past life and ,so she is taking this on u.It's a belief thing,but I do know one thing and that is it's ur LIFE!

U decide what ur gonna do.

Peace!

joinup · Answer

It depends how much money he has. If he comes from a wealthy family, I would expect him to get something more costly. I wouldn't want him to spend more than $1,500 though -- regardless. I would think any more than that amount would be a sin to waste on a ring, in the face of people who live in poverty.

If your mother won't leave you alone about the price tag, keep the information on how much it cost away from her if possible. Nobody needs to know.

seregiel · Answer

Even if it was cheap, so what? The point is the commitment it symbolizes.

Any money not spent on the ring is less economic stress as newly weds anyways: more money towards loan payment, school, health coverage, house, new car, kids etc. If more people spent less money on rings and weddings and more on the furniture inside their new houses the first few years together might be a whole lot less stressful!

HopeIessRomantik · Answer

You know that phrase, "Diamonds are forever"? It was a slogan invented by the diamond/jewelery companies to get people to buy their product, because before, a guy proposing to a girl did not even involve a ring.

Price doesn't mean anything, its really the intention behind the ring, right? So don't worry about it! Your mom just has a more conservative view, but it is YOUR life, so trust your own judgment, and congratulations! :)

Cool-Relax · Answer

An engagement ring is only important because of what it symbolizes--your commitment to each other. It's not more important than the relationship itself though. It's just a piece of jewelery. That's no reason to question whether or not your boyfriend deserves you. You don't even have to have a ring in order to be engaged or get married.

luvLloyd · Answer

Love doesn't come with a cost. The ring is just a representation of your commitment, not how rich your fiance is. I think you and your boyfriend should find a ring that you both like because it signifies who you are. The price tag doesn't matter at all.

Dekin · Answer

What if...?

it may seem that he has little to offer (according to mother's eyes)

in the end he comes out to be filthy rich (a good possibility)

I've seen guys buy a ring that they can afford at the moment (THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK) and comes to be a millionarie in the end.

WHAT HAPPENED to the girls that believe in this?, "I'll accept any ring from you as long as long as it's from you."

ggazelles · Answer

The engagement ring is traditionally supposed to cost three months' salary.  So, if he's spending $600 on a ring, that theoretically means that he only makes $200 a month, which is only $2400 a year.  This is what your mother is talking about in terms of the ring cost and quality being a predictor of your future together.  She just wants the best for you.  You're still young; why don't you wait until you're both financially stable enough to get married?

mormongirlmichl · Answer

quite honestly, I don't want a big fancy right... I want something cute and small that will last (when I get to getting married that is...not ready yet...lol)

I think your mom is being a "diva" and that's really dumb because it's YOUR engagement and YOUR ring... not hers!

(no offense to you about your mom)

OK and marriage and love isn't about money...it's about you two...and it's especially NOT about your mom! Cheese!

BTW, that's a really pretty ring and it's not that expensive. =)

stktder · Answer

I know this will sound horrible but your Mother was raised during a time when money meant everything. She was brought up when women must whore themselves even in marriage so she would have enough money for her children. This has caused a lot of problems with men over the years and is a leading reason why men do not want to pay child support.

emzy-89 · Answer

this is just ridiculous! you shouldn't base your relationship on your partners financial status! a engagement/wedding ring is a symbol of your love and devotion to one another. if he loves you enough to ask you to marry him then that should be all you need.

WeaponZero · Answer

Your mom sounds like a gold digger.  Wow.  I'd totally ignore everything she says.

Anonymous · Answer

Not really! Feelings matter and nothing more. You can buy a cheap engagement in a pawn shop (
) and live happily together. by the way, you may find a wider variety of styles that suit your taste in a pawn shop as their collection is made up of a much larger sampling of jewelry from both major outlets like those you see in the mall, and smaller jewelry stores that do custom work.

Anonymous · Answer

forget the ring, anything in the fashion world, jewelry, makeup, whatever- price/brand personally never matters to me, if I love it, I have to have it and that's all that matters. Whether the item is from a 99cent store or Tiffany and Co., it all just depends on taste and what looks good, no one asks me hey how much was that for, or what brand are you wearing?

who caressssssssssssss!

=p

lollipopgirl23 · Answer

who cares what your mom thinks. you and him are in love. the price of the ring doesn't matter. tell your mom thanks for her opinion but its not important to you about price. tell her you rather him spend the money on the honeymoon.

svon25 · Answer

Granted the rule is 2 months worth of salary for an engagement ring, but honestly it shouldn't matter. As long as you love each other and want to get married...it doesn't matter how much the ring costs.

cjwright79 · Answer

'course it matters lovie!

If yer fellow ain't poneying up for a nice rock, well than what does that say about his commitment to you? He needs to spend a good year's salary for this whole wedding business for it to be worth your time.

justeve · Answer

Seriously, you can ignore your mom's nagging because that is your marriage and not hers. It's want you want and there's no need for you to succumb to mom's-nagging-pressure whatever. You love him that's why you are getting married with him isn't it?

kellyann · Answer

It's not the actual price.  It's the fact that if he can't afford a nice ring, then how can he take care of you?  Maybe you are too young?  I am not sure but those are some thoughts.  For me its not about the money,  it's the idea behind the money.

HayleyStern · Answer

I personally don’t think it does… you can have an engagement ring that looks expensive without spending too much. I found that a clever way of doing that is by designing my own engagement ring, that way I could play around with the setting and the diamonds and see how much they cost and create an engagement ring that looked amazing and did not bankrupt me… I used this site: zoara.com But you can pretty much find design your own engagement ring sites all over the web…

ILoveCefalu · Answer

The price of the ring doesn't matter, the thought behind it does.  In hypothetical land, my ideal ring is something that's been in his family.

nikral · Answer

the price doesn't matter at all, the ring is a symbol. by the way that is a really nice ring

rachael · Answer

sorry but your moms a bitch. tell her to let you make your own decisions. and if you really love him you won't let cost get in the way. wow

kailar · Answer

It shouldn't matter the price of the ring as long as it will last and won't tarnish and it doesn't come out of the gum ball dispenser! :)

rudybooty · Answer

That's a BEAU-TI-FUL ring...price doesn't matter...it's just the thought he had to purpose that matter...

xplaya · Answer

Follow your heart and know your mom is right too. If your heart follows him still maybe you too are not ready to get married but work your career to make a comfort level not a struggle. Money doesn't bring happiness but shows how your living

nymphoman · Answer

Your mother is a disgrace. Nothing to else to add but it doesn't matter if it was a rusty washer.

SARAH18 · Answer

If the price of an engagment ring matters you probably shouldn' t be getting married.

twilightfan123 · Answer

Your mom is being a gold digging hag.  Accept the ring and move on.

Anonymous · Answer

the price doesn't bother me, it being from Walmart does!

SaucieMaMa · Answer

hmmm it sounds MORE than the price and the ring... does she even like him? I mean TRUELY like him?

Marie09-803 · Answer

I honestly don't think it matters. Long as you both love each other, then that's all that matters.

Anonymous · Answer

I personally think that if it is a good quality ring that has a good style and just happens to not be expensive the price shouldn't matter. All that matters is that you know that your future wife will love it and keep loving it for the rest of her life.

shuba · Answer

Sorry to say ITs not the ring which is Cheap. Its your Mother who is Cheap. Sorry  !

Anonymous · Answer

Its a nice ring! =] you shouldnt worry about the price,what matters is that it came from his heart and he wants to spen the rest of his life with you.

exoticlatina · Answer

i think an engagement ring should be whatever you can afford!

ashleyynicholee · Answer

Well I don't think that what your mom says should matter. You are marrying him she isn't, so it should just matter what you think not her.

livia135 · Answer

god. who cares what ur mom says ur moms shallow. its the thought that counts. best luck to you guys! ( ;

obscene · Answer

only to a gold digger

Does the price of an engagement ring matter?

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