I always used to tell my ex-boyfriend (when he was my boyfriend, of course), that if we got to that point, and he gave me a Cracker Jack ring, that would be enough... just because it was from him. (Also, it's SO Breakfast at Tiffany's...) But, alas, looks like we didn't get to that point.

So, money-wise, I don't see a huge problem with this situation. I work, and I know $40,000 is not that much money. However, I agree that it is a problem that he is buying something that is so obviously not her style... Marriage is a HUGE step, and it should be something that you have discussed at length, and that you know you both want. So, if this couple is serious enough to discuss marriage, I would think the topic of the ring could casually come up.

Maybe she should admit she was SNOOPING (Naughty!) and they can talk about it... just kidding.

This can't be true - the first part, that is.

She most certainly had to see a description of some sort, then click on the link/email/history block/etc to get to the ring. While she may not have been 'snooping' per se (which I'm not sure either way), but she definitely decided to pursue the link once found.

For that very reason, I'll agree with the second part above - these people have stuff to work out . . .

Really . . . if your ex-bf had the charisma of a young George Peppard I could see that . . . othewise, well, no!

Food for thought...
 

I just read a wedding announcement in the Times yesterday that made me think of this thread. A couple who had been together for 17 years had gotten married Saturday, and the Times likes to have a long story on one or two weddings that pique their interests. So...these people, both successful architects, had been together for 17 years when they decided that for insurance reasons, they might as well go on and get married. The engagement ring? An $8 ring from the flea market. She loves it, or at least claims to. I guess after 17 years, he was familiar with what she wanted. They eventually upgraded to a 1/2 carat, but for a few years, she wore the flea market special.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who would rather have a $10 ring that reflected my style and that my partner spent some time looking at than ANY ring that didn't reflect my style and what we've discussed.

I work in a jewelry store, one that prides itself on being "The Value Leader". Our original owner went into business because he believed that EVERYONE should be able to own a nice piece of jewelry at an affordable price.

So, I can honestly say that $650 will buy more of a ring than you all think. We sell several two piece sets with 1/2 ctw total for $499... and although it wouldn't be MY choice, they serve the purpose just fine and don't look "cheap". Also keep in mind, many women with smaller hands prefer smaller carat weights because one carat or above overwhelms their finger.

Men are often EXTREMELY clueless about diamonds. They have no clue what's popular right now, or what the woman might want. It can be very difficult to sell a diamond to a man when he doesn't even know if she prefers princess, round, marquis, yellow gold, white gold, platinum.

BUT regardless of how much the ring costs, if you don't LIKE it, you don't like it. And I would honestly be bothered by the fact that my soon-to-be fiancee would pick a ring for me that I hated.

Damn, if she's that bothered, tell her to end it or make him write her a blank check . . . sheez.

I don't even understand why she wants anyones opinion or why she is embarrassing her Finacee and herself with this line of reasoning. Its such a no-brainer.

Okay- so granted this depends ont he area but straight up-

My brother has over 40,000 in student loans, a brand new car, all kinds of bills from insurance to paying for his girlfriend's car, insurance, etc. SO... he is basically paying the bills for two people cause her parents have NO MONEY!!!! And he went to get her engagement ring. He paid it off in two months, and he makes $43,000 a year- her ring cost $3,500. He budgeted a few months before hand and knew what he wanted and she wanted. She is a small person like me so a FULL CARAT would look horrible and gawdy so we chose the .75 with .34 baguettes.

SO! It can be done-
Now that is just for logistics... meanwhile if she loves him and wants to marry him what the hell does it matter? You don't marry a ring.

You know, as I continue to read this thread I sit and wonder how many other people this girl could have talked to about this situation. Perhaps without even knowing the slightest (except for coming acroos a link that she shouldn't have been looking at/for in the first place). She could be seriously embarrassing this guy.

You know the more people she talks to about this, it will end up getting back to him, it always does.

i did a double take when i read this....what a %*#@ B$*&$.

OK, on the snooping topic, the girl may not have been poking around in the bookmarks. This summer I was over at GPBoy's using his computer quick between classes and I went to type in www.google.com, but since he has AutoComplete turned on, when I typed "www.g" the pop-down bar came down and showed www.giftsfromireland.com (I wanted a claddagh for my birthday) as well as www.gap.com, www.greekchat.com, and a bunch of other www.g-----.com sites. While she probably shouldn't have clicked on www.engagementrings.com or whatever, give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that it could have popped up like that.

On the ring topic, I don't care how much GPBoy spends, I will probably be in law school when we get engaged and broke off my ass anyways, but I would hope he keeps basic things in mind - that I hate yellow gold, don't like square stones, have small hands, that kind of stuff.

The way I've seen things, she's more likely to cheat on him because "he's working all the time , and he never makes time for me and my needs"

Sooo true. Its fun to meet women in this category in bars. They are so lonely and starved for attention;).

God this is awful.

It's not like the guy is giving her an onion ring.

That's the only thing that you needed to say. One more time for the kids playing along at home:

While she may not have started with ill intent, she most certainly was snooping around by the end - no doubt about it, do not pass go, do not get hit by a big ass PBR truck

LOL...I was just thinking that.

Man, bottom line, that chick was nosy so she deserves an ugly ring.

This story reminds me of the Sex and the City episode when Carrie accidentally finds the ring that Aidan bought. She hated it and Samantha helped him pick out a better ring. Of course, in real life that SATC ring would cost a lot more than the ring this woman spied on the internet. That relationship ended anyway despite that gorgeous ring.