Engagement rings?

[Big Dan]

Hi All

As i have decided that my lady is the one i want to spend the rest of my life with. But not sure how much to spend on the ring

A penny for your thoughts

Cheers All
BD(Big Dan)

[chanceyy]

firstly congratulations

in answer to your question .. what you can comfortably afford .. :yes:

[MisterD]

Isn't the traditional guideline about a month's wages? I think I spent a tadge less than that cos a bigger rock would have looked daft on my missus' finger....IMHO the important thing is to have the cojones to go out and buy the ring you thing she'll like.

[Hitcher]

Congratulations!

Take your fiancé out browsing and see what your choices and options are. Once you've got an idea of the sort of thing you'd like, go to a manufacturing jeweller and get something designed and priced for you. You'll save a lot/get more this way than buying at retail. And your ring will be unique!

And while the cost of a ring seems like a big spend in the early stages in a relationship, it will be a drop in a bucket compared with other things you will invest in during your life together.

Ahh. Young love. Good on you both.

[Oakie]

26.5 years ago I shelled out $400 for Mrs Oakie's engagement ring. Never looked at one since but if I guess if I had to buy her another one it'd be between $500 and $1000.

[Mom]

Congratulations! The best days of your life are ahead of you!

The engagement ring is a bit of a bling symbol of what sharing your life with another person is all about. My wedding ring cost much, much less than my engagement ring but is worth a million times more to me than anything money can buy.

Buy a ring that you can actually afford to buy, dont hock yourself for it. You have the rest of your life to buy your lady bling...........make sure you do!

[McJim]

Crickey - I wasn't even aware you could get a decent diamond for under $2,000. I think I spent about GBP2,000 on me missus' ring. Heavy guage Platinum setting (so it doesn't get scuffed up when she's doin' the housework! :rofl:)

[Toaster]

Hey BD!! well done that man! Congrats to you and your good lady. Spend according to your heart dude. Love has no price.

[Nasty]

Isn't the traditional guideline about a month's wages?

Yeah that is what I was thinking .. saw something today taht indicated two months salary ... but the reality is to get something that both you and her will like and appreciate ... its not actually about the money .. but the 'true value' :yes:

[Bekki]

Hi All

As i have decided that my lady is the one i want to spend the rest of my life with. But not sure how much to spend on the ring

A penny for your thoughts

Cheers All
BD(Big Dan)

Congratulations!!!! :D Once you've sussed out the ring you'll have to start thinking about the proposal.....

Ask her friends if they know what kind of ring she'd like?

There are stunningly gorgeous rings for less than $1000 if you shop around.

And if you check out TradeMe.. there are second-hand engagement rings for africa, for about 1/4 of what they would cost you in a store. You'd want to get an independent valuation before you hand over the cash.

It has to be well-made, cause it has to last a zillion years while being knocked into stuff and rubbed against things, but if I were buying a ring, there's no way I'd spend more than $2000, and I'm a ring-crazy girlfriend ;)

Save some money for weddings and houses and babies!

[oldrider]

We just went a Jeweller in Wellington and asked him to make a ring.

She described what she wanted it to look like and he just worked on it until she was pleased with it.

Then he set about making it for us.

The jeweller constructed it to a price I could afford without skinning us out!

Worth every penny 43 years of perfection, best wife I ever had! :love::first:

[enigma51]

You should spend fuck all mate its a piece of jewelry that is useless buy a new pair of boots or something at least you can use and she can clean them for you. Keeps them busy ie less moaning in your ear

[Blackbird]

Well our eldest son is a true romantic! He wanted to propose to his partner as a complete surprise with a ring, but give her the chance to actually choose one later when they could afford a decent one. How did he do this? He made a ring out a piece of copper wire and wound little flowers round it. They had champagne by the water on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne and then he got down on one knee and did it the old-fashioned way. What a smooth operator! They still have the flower ring as a lifetime memory and his fiancee got the ring of her dreams at a later time. And you know what? They both treasure the original one the most.

Be creative and good luck!

[fireliv]

Good on ya for making the commitment, wish ya the best of happiness!

Personally I actually dont care what it cost, more interested in the proposal itself. I would prefer a cheap ring in a style I like rather than a huge rock that looks ugly.

Be romantic and I'm sure she will be happy!

Good luck!

[scrivy]

I always thought woman didn't care about the size of it?......................:lol:

[Big Dan]

Thank you all for your thoughts its been very insightful

Just to clear things up i haven't asked her yet

[NotaGoth]

I remember in Palmerston North my partner and I were "looking" at rings.... I found one that I absolutely LOVED.. What can I say.. It was perfect.. *cough* too perfect...


$30,000 worth of ring... I very quickly gave it back...


I doubt he'll marry me anytime soon... :sweatdrop haha...

I'd say what your comfortable with, and what you are able to afford.. If she loves you she wouldn't expect anything more... A ring isn't the be all and end all..

[Edbear]

Hey BD!! well done that man! Congrats to you and your good lady. Spend according to your heart dude. Love has no price.



$32.50;):niceone:

[oldrider]

Thank you all for your thoughts its been very insightful

Just to clear things up i haven't asked her yet

Not wanting to rain on your parade but you are not actually on your own in these sorts of decisions, she has to actually be part of it! :doh: John.

[FROSTY]

You mean you're NOT sposed to waunder on into cash converters -look for a ring that fits and say--yep that'll do---aww my bad :baby:

[Edbear]

You mean you're NOT sposed to waunder on into cash converters -look for a ring that fits and say--yep that'll do---aww my bad :baby:


No, but an antique shop is fine, especially if she spies a ring and really, really wants it...:rolleyes:

[Curious_AJ]

congrats!!

and well, i'd say keep it simple... I don't think it's the price that counts anyway. it's quality, beauty, and whatever you think would suit your beloved on a personal level.:niceone:

[Blondini]

You mean you're NOT sposed to waunder on into cash converters -look for a ring that fits and say--yep that'll do---aww my bad :baby::lol::Playnice:All the best Dave:2thumbsup

[ZeroIndex]

Just go on trademe and buy something off the $1 reserve list :killingme

[bobsmith]

Congratulations!!!

Try looking at Bidz.com You can usually pick up very nice rings at less than half the price they go for on trademe. Also they're new. (many sellers you see on trademe actually buy the rings on bidz.com and sell them on trademe for many times profit.

Make sure you do your homework about diamonds etc and figure out exactly how much you want to spend though. Also they will always put the exact price you paid on the customs document so take that into account when you're bidding on a ring. I have bought a couple of rings from them (one for my fiancee and one which I sold on trademe for a very handsome profit) and had both valued from a gem valuer. I rarely buy jewelery elsewhere now.

[Kittyhawk]

Congrats....Im sure what ever you buy she will be happy with. Dont make it too fancy have semi practial so its good for everyday use. A big rock can catch on things.

A burger ring will do if it comes to the worst :headbang:

[Albino]

I'm afraid I just don't get rings. What does a ring do? A symbol of my love does not need to cost thousands, it should be something that I made myself, rather than handing over a house deposit to micheal hill.

And I'd rather spend the money on holiday, maybe somewhere really romantic to pop the question. Something that we'll remember.

To me a ring is just a material something that she can show to all her friends and feel superior or inferfior based on the amount you forked out compared to theirs.

My current woman doesn't see it this way and I'm doubting whether I'll ever find anyone that does.

Just like weddings, fuck the $30,000. I know that I'd have much better memories of a world trip mith my new wife rather than flower arrangements, photographers, dresses etc etc etc :yawn:

Sorry for imposing this counter-viewpoint, it's been the topic of some interesting "discussions" lately - usually followed by no sex :lol:

[NighthawkNZ]

As i have decided that my lady is the one i want to spend the rest of my life with. But not sure how much to spend on the ring


The more you spend on a ring the less you can spend on your bike... Be hardcore about... buy a can of coke, drink the coke, and use the... oh wait that only works in the movies...

Or you could use and old ring off your bike... just make sure it hasn't got too much oil on it...

or go to the 123 dollar shop :D

hmmm the delimema of it all... :slap:

Congrats

[NighthawkNZ]

I'm afraid I just don't get rings. What does a ring do? A symbol of my love does not need to cost thousands, it should be something that I made myself, rather than handing over a house deposit to micheal hill.

And I'd rather spend the money on holiday, maybe somewhere really romantic to pop the question. Something that we'll remember.

To me a ring is just a material something that she can show to all her friends and feel superior or inferfior based on the amount you forked out compared to theirs.

My current woman doesn't see it this way and I'm doubting whether I'll ever find anyone that does.

Just like weddings, fuck the $30,000. I know that I'd have much better memories of a world trip mith my new wife rather than flower arrangements, photographers, dresses etc etc etc :yawn:

Sorry for imposing this counter-viewpoint, it's been the topic of some interesting "discussions" lately - usually followed by no sex :lol:

I actually agree with all that its a waste on hard earned cash and does nothing WTF :scratch:

[Southern man]

Stay away from BIDZ the jewellery is crap. You get what you pay for. If you are interested I am a manuacturing jeweller. I would be happy give you some advice if you would like. Also could do you an excellent deal on hand made KIWI ring. PM me if your interested.

[Sniper]

Congrats mate.

From experience, I had my ring made. Cost me $3500 but is valued at $9260. Get a ring made, it means more and you can change the ring to the style she likes. Good luck

[Bass]

She proposed to me and I didn't get an engagement ring at all.

Should I be offended about that?

[007XX]

Hi Big Dave,

Good on you for being ready to take your relationship to the next level.
I don't personally think the cost of the ring is that important, as long as the said "token of love" doesn't look like something you'd find in a cereal box as Booby prize...

I don't know how much my hubby spent on mine, and I never asked nor tried to find out...He just presented it to me and I said "yes"...It shouldn't be about the dollar value, but for reasonnably good quality jewellery, I'd say you'd have to look at between $1000 and $2000.

And all the best to both of you. :sunny:

[avgas]

$32.50;):niceone:
Per hour or Kg?

[scrivy]

Sorry for imposing this counter-viewpoint, it's been the topic of some interesting "discussions" lately - usually followed by no sex :lol:

That can lead us on to a whole new topic........
After you're married, just how much sex do you get??
Does the woman always say 'no', and does she ever initiate sex again?? :innocent:
What's the old saying about pigs and rings.......... :shutup:

[Goblin]

I'm afraid I just don't get rings. What does a ring do? A symbol of my love does not need to cost thousands, it should be something that I made myself, rather than handing over a house deposit to micheal hill.

And I'd rather spend the money on holiday, maybe somewhere really romantic to pop the question. Something that we'll remember.

To me a ring is just a material something that she can show to all her friends and feel superior or inferfior based on the amount you forked out compared to theirs.

My current woman doesn't see it this way and I'm doubting whether I'll ever find anyone that does.

Just like weddings, fuck the $30,000. I know that I'd have much better memories of a world trip mith my new wife rather than flower arrangements, photographers, dresses etc etc etc :yawn:

Sorry for imposing this counter-viewpoint, it's been the topic of some interesting "discussions" lately - usually followed by no sex :lol:OMG!!! I thought I was the only one in the world who thinks like this! I just dont get the ring thing either...or the wedding. What is it with women want to dress up like a giant cream puff for a walk down the church???? All the "my rock is bigger than your rock!" :girlfight: Bugga that!

[dnos]

Good on ya man.
I got engaged at the start of the year, after much deliberation and telling myself i really was ready to have a grown up relationship.

As for how much to spend on a ring, the bling i got for my girl cost about $1400 and its bloody shiny as. But yeah, whatever you can afford bud.

[sidecar bob]

That can lead us on to a whole new topic........
After you're married, just how much sex do you get??
Does the woman always say 'no', and does she ever initiate sex again?? :innocent:
What's the old saying about pigs and rings.......... :shutup:

Well, for you buddy, by what ive heard, the answers are None, Yes & No in that order.
Dont worry mate, I know a hot blonde that wants to blow you.

[scrivy]

My wedding had 15,000 spectators, the mayor of Wanganui was my celebrant, the event was prime time news on national tv, the cake & photograher and venue was put on by Barbara Lett and the Wanganui M/C club........ and my rings cost......... NAF ALL!!

Was I a cheap skate??? Could anyone top that day?? What would all that have been worth?? Would my wife ever forget that day?? Friggin priceless I would say!! Value of the rings??? Who cares!! :niceone::woohoo:

[Sanx]

There's certainly a law of diminishing returns the more one spends on an engagement ring ... but remember it's something she has to be happy with as she's the one going to be wearing it, hopefully for the rest of her life.

I was always told that the 'accepted' amount to spend was two months wages. Of course, this figure probably comes from jewellers, so they're somewhat biased. There is a huge difference in quality and price between some of the items you see in the run of the mill High St shops and what you can get a manufacturing jeweller to make for you. I know that the ring I got for my other half ended up being officially valued at twice the price it cost us to buy (I still don't really understand this) and my other half's 100% happy with it; well, she should be - she picked the rock and designed the setting.

If you are going for a diamond, consider the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat-weight. Of the four, cut is probably the most important as it defines how sparkly the rock is going to end up. When assessed properly, the cuts range from 'Excellent' through to 'Poor'. 'Good' is about average and the lowest you should consider going for. Next on the list, arguably, is colour. Colour ranges from the colourless 'D' through to 'Z', which is a piss-yellow colour. Diamonds rated as high as 'H' will have a distinct yellow tinge when compared to a 'D'-'F' rock.

The clarity defines how many defects are present inside the diamond. The range goes from the (extremely expensive and rare) F/IF (Flawless / Internally Flawless) through to I3, which is essentially a bit of gravel with a surface coating of diamond. However, unless you're going to be spending lots of time examing the rock though a magnifying glass, it doesn't matter about clarity that much provided you don't go too far down the scale. VVSI (Very very small inclusion) and VSI (Very small inclusion) diamonds have flaws, but you're be hard pressed to spot them under 10x magnification unless you've got proper training. SI (Significant inclusion) diamonds may have flaws you can see with the naked eye, but they'll be small (in the grand scheme of things) and shouldn't detract too much from the overall beauty of the rock itself.

Carat weight should be pretty obvious; the larger the rock, the higher the number.

A good jeweller can make all the difference, as they can advise on various aspects of design and come up with ideas (or just show you stuff in catalogues) you hadn't thought of. I know it's not as romantic, but your other half is the best person to pick the ring. PM me if you want details of where we went; the woman's good to deal with and very helpful. We've even gone back to get a wedding band made (I'm just getting some cheap piece of crap off the shelf, as I'm not going to wear it anyway).

[BuFfY]

I agree with the get it made idea.

Yet I think that spending a bit on it is important. She will be wearing it every day for the rest of her life! And in order for you to get something timeless and beautiful it is going to cost a bit more, but it is so worth it! Quality is the key, and she is so worth it!
And how the hell to you expect to get a ring for $500? My god!!

My mum got married at the start of the year and they spent around $5000 on the ring. And it is BEAUTIFUL!

Best of luck with the proposal!!

[007XX]

OMG!!! I thought I was the only one in the world who thinks like this! I just dont get the ring thing either...or the wedding. What is it with women want to dress up like a giant cream puff for a walk down the church???? All the "my rock is bigger than your rock!" :girlfight: Bugga that!

Hell no! You are not alone...
:2thumbsup

I think there are more of us "lucidly thinking women" out there than it might appear.

We just don't feel the need to be some gawdarn loud about OUR needs, that's all!

Never let s forget the KISS principle...(Keep It Simple Sausage):clap:

[Albino]

She will be wearing it every day for the rest of her life!

That's arse about face.

When you get engaged you're saying you are going to get married. It's basically just signalling your intent. So why does this neccessitate a ring that is even more expensive than a wedding ring? Why is this ring still even worn after the wedding? I don't go and buy a bike to signal that I've decided to buy a bike!?? Hmmm wait there's an idea.....

Surely if anything the wedding ring should be the important one.

The fact that it isn't suggest to me that it really is about materialism. The bride to be has months before the wedding day to say 'look at me'.

[madbikeboy]

Get it handmade, I got my ex's one done by a manufacturing jeweller and got exactly what I wanted. Happy with the ring, less happy with her, so I upgraded to a better model... LOL!

[rphenix]

That's arse about face.
I don't go and buy a bike to signal that I've decided to buy a bike!?? Hmmm wait there's an idea.....


What about those on 250's? thats sorta buying a bike to signal that your going to buy a bike once you get ur full license :)

[Blondini]

Surely she would appreciate a motorbike better dave...Much more practical:ride:

[Indiana_Jones]

That's arse about face.

When you get engaged you're saying you are going to get married. It's basically just signalling your intent. So why does this neccessitate a ring that is even more expensive than a wedding ring? Why is this ring still even worn after the wedding? I don't go and buy a bike to signal that I've decided to buy a bike!?? Hmmm wait there's an idea.....

Surely if anything the wedding ring should be the important one.



lol good to see I'm not the only one who thinks that way

Like most people have said, get what you can afford, be it $500 or even $50,000

And does it have to be diamond?

-Indy

[Kflasher]

Hi All

As i have decided that my lady is the one i want to spend the rest of my life with. But not sure how much to spend on the ring

A penny for your thoughts

Cheers All
BD(Big Dan)

Hey dude the wife is in the business and I have heard her mention about a months wages as a minimum, but it all up to you of course... bulls@#t who are we kidding she will want what she wants and this what she usually gets.

But congrats anyways

[Goblin]

That's arse about face.

When you get engaged you're saying you are going to get married. It's basically just signalling your intent. So why does this neccessitate a ring that is even more expensive than a wedding ring? Why is this ring still even worn after the wedding? I don't go and buy a bike to signal that I've decided to buy a bike!?? Hmmm wait there's an idea.....

Surely if anything the wedding ring should be the important one.

The fact that it isn't suggest to me that it really is about materialism. The bride to be has months before the wedding day to say 'look at me'.Oh it doesn't end with the wedding ring....after a few years of marital bliss you'll have to buy her a suffer ring for all the suffering you've put her through while trying to pay off the rings, the wedding, the honeymoon as well as trying to pay the mortgage and utilities on one wage because she was busy popping out babies. Then when you're all used up she will divorce you and take everything including the kids, house, car etc. and you will have to pay child support for the rest of your days while she shacks up with some rich little upstart who earns 5 times more than you! You'll only get to see your kids every other weekend if you pay a lawyer squillions of dollars.
Yup! Weddings are great!

[jrandom]

Oh it doesn't end with the wedding ring...

Hang on. You're a girl; you're not supposed to be that realistic about it.

[Cajun]

Yeah the old term was ring shoulc cost 1 months wages, i was lucky at the time i was on a student allowance, so 4 x fuck all is, not a great deal.

I acutally brought motogirls ring when we were in aussie, We she had it valued it was worth over double what we had paided, With its uquine shape/design, we had to get a wedding ring made to fit, while we were at it made the enitiy ring with it, so have some what a custom set.

But really like anythings its what oyu can afford, or if you both know you are want to do this, might be worth finding out if she wants something custom or wants something mass producted from normal jeweller.

[Mutley]

With its uquine shape/design...

Does this mean it's in the shape of a unicorn:cool:

[SimJen]

My fathers a jeweller and I worked at his shop in Cambridge for a little while after school. Plus I got my wife's engagement ring made by him too.....among other things!
Get a good jeweller to make you something.
A sketch from you and your lady can be taken to a decent manufacturing jeweller, they can then produce a wax cast ring for your viewing pleasure.
If you are happy then they can make the gold version, go for 18ct as its just nicer :)
As for diamonds, I got a nice princess cut from my father in a deal he did with a supplier, and also a couple of smaller ones for the sides. Looks very impressive with almost a Carat of diamonds total on her hand.
The main diamond has good clarity and is above the average for brightness/clarity.
Cost me considerably less than retail obviously, but only because Im lucky enough to know someone in the business.
Still if you shop around you can save a heap.

[Goblin]

I acutally brought motogirls ring when we were in aussie, We she had it valued it was worth over double what we had paided, With its uquine shape/design, we had to get a wedding ring made to fit, while we were at it made the enitiy ring with it, so have some what a custom set.
Can you tell me why people get their rings valued after buying them? Is it for insurance purposes incase you lose it or get robbed? Or is so you can say "My ring's worth bla bla bla"? Please enlighten me.
And...what pleasure does one get from a ring?

[SimJen]

yep its for valuation for insurance generally. My father usually does them at the time they get the ring made.

[Cajun]

Well it was for insurance really. and it was valued when the other two rings were made for it,
Since it didn't cost us anything to do since where getting the other two made for it. and valued those.

[Maha]

And...what pleasure does one get from a ring?


Ever heard that song by Soloman King...'She wears my ring'?
Goes like this....She wears my ring, to show the world the she, belongs to me....:shutup:
Now what kind of man would ever think that like that...:confused:
Not me not me not me....:nono:

[DrWills]

I agree with the other ladies ...the cost is really not important ..it's the delivery that matters! The copper and flower idea is really cute.

My husband got the real thing and proposed at the beach over a cup of coffee (usual saturday morning ritual ..the coffee that is) then we went for a walk and lo and behold a chef was waiting with breakfast on the beach ..was very lovely.

You just need to remember that if you make it special enough, it doesn't matter what the ring looks like ...she'll be too busy crying to focus.

[Beemer]

I'd make one comment - don't buy a second-hand ring unless you know for a fact your intended wants one. I know it's silly, but I wouldn't feel happy wearing an engagement ring that someone else had worn and the relationship hadn't worked out. Antique rings or ones handed down through the family are one thing, rejects are another!

And although I have what you guys would consider an expensive engagement ring (over half a carat, princess cut), its value to me is more than monetary, it is priceless. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and my darling bought it for me. However, if I had fallen in love with a $500 ring, that is what I would have wanted. I saw some stunning rings while we were looking, ranging in price from $900 to more than $20,000 (don't worry, I wasn't seriously looking at them!) and mine was in a half-price sale. I haven't had it valued since (we bought it in 2004) but even if it's worth less than what we paid for it (unlikely), its value won't have diminished in my eyes.

Propose, but take her with you when buying the ring. She may surprise you and go for something fairly plain or inexpensive - but don't let yourself be talked into spending more than you can afford in any case. Good luck!

[SimJen]

Yeah never buy second hand, especially antique rings. The diamonds are usually crap and the cut is less sparkly than the newer types, also if going for a claw setting they can usually be worn, sometimes to the point of stones almost falling out.
Antique rings are never worth what the antique dealers tell you they are, buy new and be done with it.

[Reckless]

I always thought woman didn't care about the size of it?......................:lol:

ye right!! until its in front of them (ring or the other) lol lol

Humor over now.
Its one of them few things a blokes just gotta do right. You'll thank me for this in 20 years time! Its about intention and commitment. If you fuck it up she'll never let you forget it or forgive you, even if she doesn't say it.
By the way I did it right but I get reminded frequently about the things I didn't. Like the new bike stuff that just appears.

So bite the bullet forget second hand, tardeme etc. Take her to a jeweler or manufacturer of fine rings. Set a budget she knows you've got to make a bit of "effort to achieve" with some sacrifice(but not stupid). Buy it or get it made and be proud of yourself and her forever.

My 2 cents

P.S. the copper/flower ring thing was quite good though!
PSS I haven't voted on price you should know this after reading the above.

[NotaGoth]

OMG!!! I thought I was the only one in the world who thinks like this! I just dont get the ring thing either...or the wedding. What is it with women want to dress up like a giant cream puff for a walk down the church???? All the "my rock is bigger than your rock!" :girlfight: Bugga that!

Stuff being a cream puff... I wanna be a burnt something or rather.. Though they do say you SHOULDN'T get married in black...

So..

Black and red my dress shall be... :yes:

Guys do the whole "my cocks bigger than yours" why can't us ladies do the "my rocks bigger than yours??" j/k
:shutup:

[imdying]

Dykes are the luckiest, they don't have to bother with rings and weddings at all!

[Reckless]

Dykes are the luckiest, they don't have to bother with rings and weddings at all!

Thats cause they have a partner with a ring?? that already fits their finger!!!!

[Paul in NZ]

Its horses for courses.... the money spent is in relation to your resources.

If you have little money then spend less... Its about a commitment - if you have to do without a flash bike or mag wheels to buy that ring then fair enough - thats as it should be - if you have to pay it off over 20 years - you have gone too far!

I sold a highly collectable bike to purchase Vickis ring - by todays standards it's never going to have much bling factor but to us it was everything and it meant something - yes i ate baked beans for a couple of months! Its still the BEST investment i ever made....

The ring is a bit of fluff - it's a symbol and thats all it is... If its size or worth is a deal breaker - don't get married - live together and don't breed ;-)

[fireball]

Dykes are the luckiest, they don't have to bother with rings and weddings at all!

that is not true, we just dont have to wear that stupid dress that all brides "must have", it will be shirt and shorts at my wedding buddy

[Paul in NZ]

that is not true, we just dont have to wear that stupid dress that all brides "must have", it will be shirt and shorts at my wedding buddy

No one HAS to wear that dress... I didn't when we got married and Vickis mum made hers - simple affair it but fetching all the same... The ceremony and stuff bored me witless... Nice feed after though!

[LilSel]

that is not true, we just dont have to wear that stupid dress that all brides "must have", it will be shirt and shorts at my wedding buddy

:Oi: shirt and shorts???... & when was I to be consulted on this... its my wedding too ya ginga!! :p :lol:

I thought you'd look just the part in a powder puff dress honey!!

[LilSel]

Dykes are the luckiest, they don't have to bother with rings and weddings at all!

???... :no:not true... we bother lol

[imdying]

Thats cause they have a partner with a ring?? that already fits their finger!!!!I was thinking more along the lines of it (homosexual marriage) being disgusting, unnatural, and illegal, but your one is funnier :D

[BMW]

up to her to choose. Never put a price on something!

[Goblin]

And does it have to be diamond?
-IndyAgreed! There a much prettier precious stones than diamonds. I reckon it was from the big marketing ploy from the 50s with Marilyn Munroe and the "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" that made diamonds "THE" rock to have. I always thought diamonds were rather plain and boring looking.


Well it was for insurance really. and it was valued when the other two rings were made for it,
Since it didn't cost us anything to do since where getting the other two made for it. and valued those.So in effect, it's the set of rings you keep paying for, for the rest of your days via insurance. Hmmm...'kay.


Ever heard that song by Soloman King...'She wears my ring'?
Goes like this....She wears my ring, to show the world the she, belongs to me....
Now what kind of man would ever think that like that...
Not me not me not me....:nono::laugh: I'm not even going to go there...:shutup:


Stuff being a cream puff... I wanna be a burnt something or rather.. Though they do say you SHOULDN'T get married in black...

So..

Black and red my dress shall be... :yes:

Guys do the whole "my cocks bigger than yours" why can't us ladies do the "my rocks bigger than yours??" j/k
You'd make a beautiful Bleck 'n Red Bride too.:love: To hell with convention eh!

What's the bet the women with the biggest rocks have the men with the smallest cocks! :laugh:


Thats cause they have a partner with a ring?? that already fits their finger!!!!Hey, straight men have a "ring" too ya know. S'pose it all depends if she is willing to put a finger in it or not.


:Oi: shirt and shorts???... & when was I to be consulted on this... its my wedding too ya ginga!!

I thought you'd look just the part in a powder puff dress honey!!Now now ladies...let's not have a :girlfight: online ok? :mellow:

[Mom]

Agreed! There a much prettier precious stones than diamonds. I always thought diamonds were rather plain and boring looking.



I wanted something a bit different when I first got engaged, so chose rubies (my birth stone). The rings I received from my then hubby all had rubies in them. With a bit of maturity (read money) I wanted to buy a ring that I had seen in the local jewellers window. Hubby bought a Harley, I bought the ring to match. Except it didn't by value. It is Emeralds! One of the nicest precious stones IMHO. I love that ring.

When we got engaged last year, I wanted, and Mark bought me diamonds!

No mortgage required for this gorgeous ring, like I said before a symbol of a promise to come is all.

Diamonds are traditional, they sparkle and are pretty :yawn:

For me my plain wedding band means more and is worth more than any bling, bling, ring.

[Edbear]

Yeah never buy second hand, especially antique rings. The diamonds are usually crap and the cut is less sparkly than the newer types, also if going for a claw setting they can usually be worn, sometimes to the point of stones almost falling out.
Antique rings are never worth what the antique dealers tell you they are, buy new and be done with it.



Like $32.50 over 30 years ago! Had it's claws rebuilt a couple times since then but she wanted it and still loves it. Naturally she now has her Eternity ring, ('cause she reckons it seems like an eternity...:pinch:).

Not sure how much it's worth now.

[phantom]

Sarah and I chose her ring on a dirty weekend in Wellington, can't remember how much it was , somewhere around the $1500 mark five years ago I think, the only stipulation she had was that i wasn't allowed to pay it off - I had to haver the money. Still not married, probably never will , more fun " living in sin ":woohoo:

[jafar]

only 3 kinds of ring:
Engagement ring :love:
Wedding ring :woohoo:
Suffer ring :shutup:

Don't go overboard on the price of the ring, it is a symbol & the monetary value doesn't matter. You will have a lot of expenses once you put that ring on her finger

[slowpoke]

Sorry man, I'm gonna be a bit of a wet blanket here. This is one of those things you have to sort out for yourself. The bottom line is you have to do what you feel comfortable with....ya can't do it by committee. You want the excitement/emotion to be generated by your decision making alone, not someone elses. You've just got to be a man and do what you think is the right thing, because hopefully you'll be living with the results for the rest of your life.
Show a bit of thought, some taste and front up with something that is 100% your choice.

[RantyDave]

not sure how much to spend on the ring
As little as humanly possible.

"As a token of my hope for our life together, I've put us in a couple of grand debt"

I don't see it myself. You're going to need that money, man. You are.

Dave

[orangeback]

do some proding to find out what see thinks you'r going to spend, what she expects. Or you will find you self riding you bike more often than riding her.
I had to sell my Hayabusa and spend 2/3 of the money on the Miss's ring about 18 months ago, it was worth it and then after that i bought a new bike (GSXR xk5)

http://www.contemporaryjeweller.co.nz/item.aspx
:clap::clap::clap::hug::hug::clap::clap:

[sidecar bob]

do some proding to find out what see thinks you'r going to spend, what she expects. Or you will find you self riding you bike more often than riding her.
I had to sell my Hayabusa and spend 2/3 of the money on the Miss's ring about 18 months ago, it was worth it and then after that i bought a new bike (GSXR xk5)

http://www.contemporaryjeweller.co.nz/item.aspx
:clap::clap::clap::hug::hug::clap::clap:

You sold your bike to buy her a ring? any woman that would happliy stand by & let me me do that, i wouldnt want.
Youre showing her you think the world of her by bying her a ring, but shes happy to wave goodbye to youre favourite toy to get it.

[scrivy]

You could buy alot of slappers for that sort of coin!!
:laugh::bleh::msn-wink:

[Lane]

Personally I think it's selfish of a woman to expect a certain monetary amount to be spent on an engagement ring.

My suggestion would be to let her choose her own ring but give her a rough estimate on what your budget is. Know in your mind however your absolute top price you can afford.
If she decides on a ring which costs more than her budget, then in my opinion, she should front the difference.

When I chose my ring, it was completely different to what I first had in mind, and in the end I chose a ring which was small, convenient for my lifestyle and 'just me'....and to top it off as it turns out, it came in considerably under budget.

Congrats though! :P An exciting time for you both.:niceone:

[Jorja]

The amount doesn't really matter. It is like alot of things. You can go and get the flashest ring that costs a fortune or you can get something that looks stunning but costs half the price. Shop around and you will find something you like that is affordable.

Trust me when you ask a woman to marry you, if she loves you, the last thing on her mind will be 'how much did he spend?'

Besides, have you looked at prices for the wedding yet? Average for a reception venue is $100 per person. You think deciding on a ring is hard? Wait till you have to decide WHERE to get married. lol

[mbazza]

We just went a Jeweller in Wellington and asked him to make a ring.

She described what she wanted it to look like and he just worked on it until she was pleased with it.

Then he set about making it for us.

The jeweller constructed it to a price I could afford without skinning us out!

Worth every penny 43 years of perfection, best wife I ever had! :love::first:

Did the same thing in Dunners, great ring, has lasted for years and the potatoe peelings don't build up under the stones. :laugh: Cheers.

[disenfranchised]

I just proposed to my partner last night :2thumbsup

Took me quite a while to sort the ring out because most of the jewellers out there seemed just a tad expensive, or wouldn't do what I wanted.

In the end I think I got lucky because I found a small local jeweller who could work with me to make sure I got what I wanted at a price that I could afford.

I definitely recommend finding an independent jeweller. I reckon you'll always get a better deal.

[chanceyy]

I just proposed to my partner last night :2thumbsup

Took me quite a while to sort the ring out because most of the jewellers out there seemed just a tad expensive, or wouldn't do what I wanted.

In the end I think I got lucky because I found a small local jeweller who could work with me to make sure I got what I wanted at a price that I could afford.

I definitely recommend finding an independent jeweller. I reckon you'll always get a better deal.

Congrats there dude .. all the best for the future :D :niceone: :2thumbsup

[Lane]

Congrats!

10 chars

[jewelry-fan]

Tradition dictates that engagement rings (http://www.sylviasantiques.com) should cost a man two months' worth of his salary. Personally, I think you should buy what you can afford.

[Storm]

Well done mate. Heres to many happy years together :D

[vifferman]

Huh... didn't see this thread earlier.

The size of the ring is unimportant - it's what it represents that counts. In any case, you can always supplement it with other bling (like a matching eternity ring) later on.

When we got engaged (some 25+ years ago), all I could afford was a small, cheapish ring, AND I had to cash in my life insurance to buy it. For our 25th Weedding Anniversarararary, our household income had increased slightly, so we had the four tiny diamonds in the ring incorporated into a new ring, with a much larger diamond in the centre. This cost (not allowing for inflation) around 25 times as much as the original.

[WarlockNZ]

Trust the WIKI .. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_money_should_you_spend_on_an_engagement_r ing

[scumdog]

:psst:, just to be sure wait until oooh about a couple of hours before the wedding before ya buy the ring - that way you can be sure it is not likely to be a wasted effort.:yes:

Well that's what I did in 'Vegas in '01.... and CB is still with me:niceone::woohoo:

[scumdog]

You could buy alot of slappers for that sort of coin!!
:laugh::bleh::msn-wink:

AND pay a lot of pox-doctors bills too!!!:lol:

[scrivy]

AND pay a lot of pox-doctors bills too!!!:lol:

Gotta love condoms eh...... :clap:

I wouldn't wanna go bareback with any slappers!!:innocent:

[scumdog]

Gotta love condoms eh...... :clap:

Hmm, it disturbs me that you have the 'clap' emoticom at the end of that sentence....:confused:

[scrivy]

Hmm, it disturbs me that you have the 'clap' emoticom at the end of that sentence....:confused:

Yeah, it was on purpose..........:buggerd:

[Swoop]

No one HAS to wear that dress... I didn't when we got married...
:scratch:

Have I got this right? You were going to wear a dress but decided not to? Nothing to fit your figure?

:scratch:





[p/t]:rofl:

[Finn]

I've purchased a few engagement rings in the past. Not that I wanted to get married or anything, it just bought me some time until I found someone better.

[Fub@r]

I know this is late but........it all comes to the person you are getting engaged to. For example.

My ex from years ago when we were looking at heading down that road the price was everything to her. She basically indicated to me if it was worth less than $3000 she wouldn't accept it. Now she was all about being trendy etc and a bit of a Paris Hilton so to speak

My wife who I got married to earlier this year couldn't give a stuff what it is worth. In the end she picked out a two ring set at a cost of $600. She is the reverse of my ex. To her it came down to why spend $3000 or so on a ring when it can be put aside for something like a house deposit etc. But I was the same for my wedding ring, I chose a titanium one at a cost of $300.

Besides if money is tight get what you can afford. In the future as life gets a bit easier financially you can always upgrade it to one you would have liked to buy.

[Krusti]

Of course you will use your initiative and make the decision on your own based on what she tells you to spend....

From experiance you will know if you have spent enough......trust me, you will know! :msn-wink: