ENGAGEMENT DIAMOND RING - what size?

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Kevlar281

Down Payment on a House > Obnoxious Engagement Ring

Agreed.

Also: Money in savings > HUGE engagement ring

If a guy can swing for a huge engagement ring, and STILL be able to afford to provide money for a home and such, then by all means more power to him. But I find that with 90% of the couples out there, this isn't the case. Alot of times, girl will want a huge ring, and the guy will overspend to provide it.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

If a guy can swing for a huge engagement ring, and STILL be able to afford to provide money for a home and such, then by all means more power to him. But I find that with 90% of the couples out there, this isn't the case. Alot of times, girl will want a huge ring, and the guy will overspend to provide it.

Uh uh uh! That depends a lot of on the age of the couple. Sure, if you're 22-24 or so, your career is just starting up, and you really shouldn't spend that kind of money on something that's really about showing off when you haven't been working long enough to build up real savings.

But, most of the couples I know who are getting married now are in their late 20s-early 30s, their careers are thriving, some even own apartments, and they've got the stocks and bonds. The rings I see in that group are big, and I doubt any of the men overspent.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

But, most of the couples I know who are getting married now are in their late 20s-early 30s, their careers are thriving, some even own apartments, and they've got the stocks and bonds. The rings I see in that group are big, and I doubt any of the men overspent.

Right, and I think these couples more likely fall into the "more power to him" category.

I think I was more speaking of couples who are in the 20-24 age range, are either still in college, recent grads, or just starting out their first professional jobs. Very few of them have the means to spend on huge rings, but get them anyway.

Now the couples I know who are late 20s/early 30s are much like you described. They're established financially and investing in a 3 ctw ring is not a huge deal because it's well with their means. That's not the case with the younger crowd.