Getting engaged is such an exciting time! But let's be real, the whole engagement ring process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out the budget. I remember feeling completely lost when my partner and I started talking about it. There's so much pressure to get it "right," and everyone seems to have a different opinion on how much you should spend. I want to share my experience and what I learned to hopefully make the process a little easier for you.
Initially, I had no idea where to even begin. I knew I wanted something beautiful and lasting, but the price tags I was seeing were enough to make my head spin. I started researching online, and the information was all over the place. Some people said you should spend three months' salary, others said it was a completely outdated idea. It was so confusing! I even started worrying about whether my partner would think I was being unreasonable if I had specific preferences.
One of the first things I realized was that there's no "typical" range for an engagement ring. It truly depends on your individual budget and, most importantly, what your partner wants. I had a heart-to-heart with my partner, and it was such a relief! We talked about what kind of ring I envisioned, what was important to me (durability, ethical sourcing, etc.), and what we were both comfortable spending. This conversation was the most important step in the whole process.
I also learned that some people have very strong opinions on what constitutes an "acceptable" amount to spend. One of my friends told me that she expected her fiancé to spend at least $10,000, while I personally felt that anything over $4,000 was unnecessary. Everyone is different, and what matters is that the ring reflects your love and commitment without putting undue financial strain on your relationship.
After our conversation, I started exploring different options. I knew I wanted a gold ring that I could wear every day for the rest of my life. Durability was key, so I learned that 14k gold is a great choice. I also discovered that gold prices are pretty high right now, so I started looking at pre-owned options. I even checked out some pawn shops, and I was surprised at the selection and the potential for finding a good deal. A great place to start your jewelry journey is the homepage of Sumsfashion.
Then came the question of the stone. I was open to different options, and that's when I learned about lab-grown diamonds. They're a fantastic value compared to mined diamonds, and they look identical! I also considered moissanite, which is another beautiful and affordable alternative. The size of the stone also makes a big difference in price. A 2-carat moissanite is significantly less expensive than a 1-carat mined diamond.
I also took some time to visit a bunch of jewelry stores – I think I went to around 25! I quickly realized that prices can vary wildly, and many stores are willing to negotiate. I even tried lowballing my "expected" range to see if they would "talk to the boss" and offer a better price. It worked a few times!
During this search, I also realized I needed a cute necklace to wear while looking at rings! I tried the Rhinestone Heart Collar Choker Necklace from Sumsfashion. It's so simple and elegant, and it really added a touch of sparkle to my outfits. I felt so much more confident walking into those stores.
The Rhinestone Heart Collar Choker Necklace for Women Simple Open Collar Necklace Torques Jewelry Accessories Gold, found at Sumsfashion, is a great affordable jewelry option. It's a simple open collar necklace and the quality is great for the price. It's definitely something I'll wear often.
Based on my experience, here are some tips to help you navigate the engagement ring process: