Engagement... so expensive.

[Infernal]

I know how you feel, it sucks how expensive the damn things are - I've been with my girlfriend for 7.5 years now and havnt gotten around to it yet - i am only 24 though, so can wait a bit.

The arrangement with my gf is that if i get her a ring from Boodles or Tiffany, she will get me THIS WATCH

Fake diamond's and stuff wouldnt really cut it for her, and i don't think id be happy buying one either - diamonds are rare, hard to obtain and look nice. Just buy what you can afford, she will be happy with that

If you think of it in terms on Man stuff. You can get an old Civic that will get you around and do the same job as any car, but if you can afford it, you'd go for an Aston Martin because it looks nicer and makes you feel better

[Kuzuri]

Originally Posted by Infernal

If you think of it in terms on Man stuff. You can get an old Civic that will get you around and do the same job as any car, but if you can afford it, you'd go for an Aston Martin because it looks nicer and makes you feel better

come on now... I dont even think you can compare those to diamonds... a diamond just sits on your finger or necklace or earrings or whatever but it doesnt DO anything. now, what could we do with an Aston Martin?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by Fancy

come on now... I dont even think you can compare those to diamonds... a diamond just sits on your finger or necklace or earrings or whatever but it doesnt DO anything. now, what could we do with an Aston Martin?

everything that you could do with a civic, and probably less. Like a road trip with 3 of your best buddies and a trunk full of beer.

[bambbrose]

different strokes for different folks.... my wife loves her ring, and loves it when people compliment her on it, which makes her feel even more loved.

It's all about emotion. When in the history of mankind has something for women not been about emotion? It's about how she feels. If she needs a big rock to feel loved, so be it. Every woman is different.

[WingsofWar]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

It's all about emotion. When in the history of mankind has something for women not been about emotion? It's about how she feels. If she needs a big rock to feel loved, so be it. Every woman is different.

+1

You gotta accurately read your gf/fiance/wife to see what she would appreciate and connect with emotionally. If you don't get it..it really doesn't hurt to ask.

in regards to the ring, there are seasonal sales that you should take advantage of at most jewelry stores. I got my engagement ring for $2000 and wedding ring for $1100 for both of us. They were also discounted nearly 50% retailing around 6k, so if you time it right you can get good deals. This is nice if your under a budget constraint especially if your saving for a house and a wedding.

What ever you do, don't pull out a loan for your ring or the wedding. single worst thing you can do, putting you in debt for a relationship is bad practice.

[keiri]

Originally Posted by WingsofWar

+1

You gotta accurately read your gf/fiance/wife to see what she would appreciate and connect with emotionally. If you don't get it..it really doesn't hurt to ask.

in regards to the ring, there are seasonal sales that you should take advantage of at most jewelry stores. I got my engagement ring for $2000 and wedding ring for $1100 for both of us. They were also discounted nearly 50% retailing around 6k, so if you time it right you can get good deals. This is nice if your under a budget constraint especially if your saving for a house and a wedding.

What ever you do, don't pull out a loan for your ring or the wedding. single worst thing you can do, putting you in debt for a relationship is bad practice.

I'm with Josh on this one; I got engaged last July to my girlfriend of 3+ years and through having her go out with our female friends to jewelry shops and just generally asking questions I was able to find out the type, cut, and color of ring that would make her happiest. Armed with that knowledge, and knowing that she's not really big into flashy, overly expensive items, I was able to find a ring that met her requirements.

She got a 3-stone princess cut, 1ct certified diamond ring the day I proposed and it cost me quite a bit less than the 6 grand retail price.

Shop around and even check some internet shops, which is what I did, and you'll probably find something she'll love at a price you can live with and have money for the next steps: wedding, house, and kids.

Good luck!

[merlin2111]

Well, she loves jewelry and so do the rest of the women in her family. I have pretty much decided that I will get a 1ct solitaire princess cut. I will focus on cut first (hearts and arrows, leo cut ect) and then clarity. This should be around 6-7k. For the wedding band I will get the matching jacket that surrounds the original diamond with 2, 1/2ct diamonds of similar quality. This will be around 2.5k-3k. So, 2cts total for wedding/engagement rings. This is the type of thing that is very important to her and to lesser extent me, so I want to make sure that it will be something that she will love.

Also, I already have the money for a large down payment on a house from investments I made over the last 8 years and once we both start working we should be making a combined income of over 115k-130k and up. At 26 in Florida that is a very comfortable living even with extra savings for college funds and fun vacations. I am a lucky guy, around 75k of that will be coming from her so splurging on a little something special for her is something I am willing to do.

[maxeveland]

shopnbc

[maxeveland]

or any of those other tv sellers. their products are quality, if you get the right size

[DieDriving]

Originally Posted by merlin2111

Well, she loves jewelry and so do the rest of the women in her family. I have pretty much decided that I will get a 1ct solitaire princess cut. I will focus on cut first (hearts and arrows, leo cut ect) and then clarity. This should be around 6-7k. For the wedding band I will get the matching jacket that surrounds the original diamond with 2, 1/2ct diamonds of similar quality. This will be around 2.5k-3k. So, 2cts total for wedding/engagement rings. This is the type of thing that is very important to her and to lesser extent me, so I want to make sure that it will be something that she will love.

Also, I already have the money for a large down payment on a house from investments I made over the last 8 years and once we both start working we should be making a combined income of over 115k-130k and up. At 26 in Florida that is a very comfortable living even with extra savings for college funds and fun vacations. I am a lucky guy, around 75k of that will be coming from her so splurging on a little something special for her is something I am willing to do.

People thought I was nut for getting 10k ring and threw a big wedding.....consider the $$$$$ my wife is racking in, I called that an investment....if she is happy then I get to the $$$$$$.....guess who will be buying the FRS for me?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by DieDriving

People thought I was nut for getting 10k ring and threw a big wedding.....consider the $$$$$ my wife is racking in, I called that an investment....if she is happy then I get to the $$$$$$.....guess who will be buying the FRS for me?

arn't you teh same guy that suggested to another member to fake physical trauma in a car accident to rake in cash from insurance companies?

you seem to have no problems living off of the efforts of others, ehh?

[DieDriving]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

arn't you teh same guy that suggested to another member to fake physical trauma in a car accident to rake in cash from insurance companies?

you seem to have no problems living off of the efforts of others, ehh?

Yea that was my suggestion but dont be so quick jumping to judgement....even if that guy took my suggestion, he is merely getting back what he has been paying for premium all these years.
I wouldn't call that living off others efforts but I never need to....I make good $$$ but sometimes getting around the system to get ahead....
If you have a choice having your wife purchase a car for you I bet you would jump on it so dont sound so righteous....
You seem bitter that you dont have anyone to fall back on

[CSSM]

Originally Posted by Infernal

diamonds are rare, hard to obtain

Actually, they are not rare whatsoever. I am studying to become a geologist and I know they are priced so high for no reason other than the fact that they are overhyped because they are a product. Companies make diamonds seem rare and special, but they are lying to make as much money as possible.

[jurjurson]

U should try Tiffany&Co. they got good rings.