Autumn is probably the best time of the year to visit Arizona. The weather is mild and the crowds are not as bad. This makes it an amazing opportunity for a romantic trip, especially for those who plan to propose. Now, while the location is important, at that very moment, your bride-to-be should focus on two things and two things alone – you, and the ring that’s before her.
While styles make jewelry it’s undeniable that the cost of an engagement ring is more than just an expense. It can mean many things. For instance:
- It’s a promise of a quality of life that you vow to provide.
- A high value of a ring may also be seen as the value that you place in your relationship.
- Lastly, it’s a measure of your certainty that you’re willing to place such a high bet on this proposal.
So, now that we’ve established that a ring is not merely a ring, what does the amount that you’re willing to spend say about you?
Table of Contents
The Salary Rule
The first, and the most popularized, rule about the value of an engagement ring is that it needs to be between one and three salaries. The main reason why this is such a popular rule is that it is:
- Scalable
- Specific
In other words, it doesn’t shame you for buying a less expensive ring than someone else, provided that they have a much higher income. Second, it gives you a clear equation of what your engagement ring budget should be.
Considering Other Priorities
Now, is an engagement ring a priority? Well, it can be. However, you need to weigh the value of this ring against your other plans. Spending three monthly salaries is always a strain on your budget and there are a lot of scenarios in which it may just be too much. If your partner is pragmatic by nature, there’s a realistic chance that she’ll get annoyed by your reckless spending. Sure, it’s supposed to be a surprise, so asking your fiancée about this is out of the question, however, you’re supposed to know her by now. Also, she might have stated her opinion on this subject matter over the course of years.
What Is the Average?
Now, this is a particularly problematic question, seeing as how neither average nor median is a reliable indicator. According to some studies, the average cost of a ring is $5,900. Still, this doesn’t automatically have to be your ring budget. First of all, the location matters quite a bit. This is a national average but if you decide to buy a ring in Arizona, you’re not looking at the same averages as if you were to buy one in California. Also, it’s important to pay attention to your social group. Again, we’re not suggesting that you measure yourself against others but this can be an indicator.
Can You Get a Good Price?
The price that you get often depends on the jeweler that you buy at. Ideally, if you were to buy in your hometown, you would get a recommendation from someone you know and trust. This can even make things a lot easier since there are a couple of renowned spots where you can buy an engagement rings in Scottsdale. This kind of research and planning will give extra value to the ring of your choice, one that the right partner will certainly know to appreciate.
However, even if you are secretly buying a ring on a holiday, you should not despair. After all, we live in a digital era and you can do your research from home or your hotel room. Just make sure that your significant other doesn’t catch a glimpse of your phone in order not to ruin the surprise. Also, don’t be too conspicuous either or she might start suspecting something even worse.
Do You Have an Alternative?
Now, some people have jewelry that’s a part of a family heirloom. This is a two-edged sword, seeing as how it can come off as romantic in some cases but cheap in other scenarios. Once again, it’s all situational and you’re the one who knows your future spouse the best. You see, a family heirloom is a symbol that they’re soon to become a part of your family, a part of your family tree. If you’re afraid of appearing cheap, nonetheless, there’s always an option of buying something to complement the ring. This could truly allow you to get the best of both worlds.
Focus on the Diamond
A pro tip is to focus on the diamond and look at the rest later. What does this mean? Well, you should aim to buy the best diamond that you can afford and then look at the rest of the frame. You see, a complex frame can make a ring with the same diamond type/size far more expensive. Still, it’s always the diamond that gets all the attention and makes the first impression. Also, keep in mind that “diamonds are forever” while patterns go in and out of fashion. A simple design with a stunning ring is always better than a small, plain rock surrounded by exquisite craftsmanship. It’s unfair really but true.
One of the best ways to ensure that you get the best possible rocks is to buy from a specialist. Unlike popular opinion, a specialist is not going to charge you more. On the contrary, seeing as how they have a deeper understanding of what they’re selling, they’re the ones who can get a more accurate price.
Wrap Up
In the end, how much money should an engagement ring cost? The truth is that there’s no straight answer to this question. A national average is $5,900 but this is far too much for a minimum-wage worker and far too little for someone making six figures per year. Also, offering you a fixed price is usually a bad idea, seeing as how going into debt to buy a ring is not an idea that your future spouse will appreciate. Remember, there’s no right or wrong ring. There’s only a right or wrong ring for the occasion.
