
One of the first questions the newly engaged has to field is how the proposal played out, and then there is always the inevitable, "Well, show us the ring!" The engagement ring is just the first of many expenses that come with matrimony, and people spend varying amounts on it. The price of the ring should depend on how big your budget is and how your finances are. Guess how much the average person spent on an engagement ring in 2011?
"He Won't Buy Me an Engagement Ring"
This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

My boyfriend had been hinting to me about getting married and starting a family. He has been divorced before but no kids. I don't know if he's joking or not but I think he's trying to tell me that he won't get a diamond ring for me. He told me he thinks a diamond ring is pointless because it's expensive and there's no meaning behind it. He would rather use the money for something else. My boyfriend is not cheap. He's generous and spoils me. We love each other very much but this is bothering the hell out of me. I have told him that a diamond ring is something that symbolizes marriage, eternity, and I like jewelry and diamonds!
I am 25 and he is 35 and this will be my first marriage if we do tie the knot. I know the ring isn't the most important thing in this relationship but it's part of tradition and I like jewelry.
Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.
Hint, Hint: 17 Stunning Engagement Rings
With the season of love in the air, we're showing you some of the best engagement rings currently out on the market. It doesn't matter whether or not you have a beau in your life, these gorgeous rings are worth everyone's undivided attention. From a stunning classic diamond setting to a unique emerald confection, we promise there's a style out there for every personality. Click the slideshow to see, and maybe bookmark, 16 stunning engagement rings.
See the White by Vera Wang Spring '12 Collection — Plus Her New Engagement Ring Line For Zales
Blair Waldorf is among the lucky ladies who get to wear Vera Wang on her wedding day, but if Wang's signature line is too heavy on the purse strings, there's no need to fret. The designer's White by Vera Wang line, exclusively designed for David's Bridal, is quite amazing, offering up a bevy of trademark Vera Wang style — without the signature price tag. The new Spring '12 collection was designed for every bride in mind, ranging from minimally modern gowns to frothy strapless confections. But there's more: Vera Wang also recently launched a diamond engagement and wedding ring collaboration named Vera Wang LOVE, with Zales. Like her bridal collection, the dazzling collection, priced from $700 to $16,000, varies from simple wedding bands to more intricate designs. Ready to plan your special day? Ready below for our top picks, then just click the slideshow to see more wedding dresses and engagement rings.
- This short wedding dress is too adorable and perfect for the nontraditional bride.
- We love the idea of finishing off a wedding day looks with this jeweled encrusted hair clip — so romantic.
- We cant forget the ring; this simple, yet dazzling cut is our top choice from the line.
Colossal Engagement Rings: Too Much or to Each Her Own?

I'll admit that I'm a bit of a magpie and a sparkly diamond can make me smile. But when I saw Kim Kardashian's 20.5-carat engagement ring, I wondered if there's such a thing as too much bling. Celebrities have boatloads of cash, we all know that, so is flaunting your assets with such an ostentatious accessory really necessary?
And Kim isn't the only one with a ginormous rock. Back in 2005, Paris wore a whopping 24 carats on her ring finger, and she wasn't shy about reminding us all that her $5 million piece of jewelry trumped Kim's $2 million diamond. We've been discussing the bodacious bling with friends and co-workers, and while some may think "hey, if they have the cash, why not?" others argue that it's just wrong to put that much money on daily display when it could be put to use helping others or bettering the world. What do you think?
Guess How Much the Most Expensive Diamond Ring at Costco Costs?
The discount wholesaler is known for its affordable prices, so customers always expect the best deal possible when they're shopping at Costco. I mean there's a reason why you go to Tiffany's to buy a ring, and there's a whole other reason why you would buy one from Costco, right? Costco recently announced the sale of this 6.77 carat diamond ring, which its gemologists have claimed to be internally flawless and colorless cut. The cut of the diamond is apparently excellent as well.
Although the diamond ring sounds perfect, let's see if it is the perfect deal as well. Take my quick quiz to find out how much the priciest diamond ring at Costco costs!
5 Reasons Not to Get Your Engagement Ring Online
Although buying your engagement ring online can definitely get you a better price, you might be losing out in other ways. Renee Newman, author of the Diamond Ring Buying Guide and the Diamond Handbook, explains the downsides of buying your ring from an online website.
- Trying It On: You can’t try the ring on before you buy it to see if it's flattering and comfortable on you.
- Difficult Evaluation of Craftsmanship: It’s difficult to evaluate the craftsmanship of the ring from a photo and often impossible because the photo may just be a generic photo of a ring like what you are buying. If a ring is not well made and the diamonds are not well set, you could have problems losing stones and have an uncomfortable ring that snags your clothes.
- Repair Service: Internet sellers normally don't offer free repair service if there is a problem with your ring, whereas many brick and mortar stores will back up the quality of their craftsmanship and even sometimes replace stones if they fall out.
- Can't View It Under Lighting: You can’t view the diamonds and other stones under a variety of lighting and under magnification before you buy them online. Lab documents do not tell you everything you need to know about a diamond. In addition, color and clarity grades can vary significantly from one lab to another. One lab's SI stones may look better than another lab's VS stones. Even when the stones are graded by the same lab, you can't rely solely on a grade to determine its beauty. Lighting can have a significant effect on the color and general appearance of a gemstone. You need to view a diamond in person and under various lighting conditions to fully appreciate it.
- Losing the Experience: The experience of buying wedding and engagement rings online is not as romantic and heartwarming as lovingly trying on rings with your fiancé.
However, don't rule out buying your engagement ring online — there are many benefits such as being able to comparison shop easily, and you really can't beat the selection. The costs are lower if you're buying a ring online as well because e-tailers have fewer overhead costs. Have you considered buying a ring online?
Gorgeous Engagement Rings Under $1,000
There's the heady joy of being in love and getting engaged, but then reality sets in over and over again: that costs what?! Weddings are an investment; but, for those watching their finances, it's important to make smart investments. We found 10 gorgeous, incredibly special rings that will not break the bank as far as engagement rings go. Check out our slideshow.
Ring Etiquette: Tacky or Tasteful?
Once you've found out a friend has been engaged, the first thing you want to ask them is, "Can I see the ring?" But is that being presumptuous? And if you're the one who said yes to a proposal, how do you approach those inevitable inquiries on Facebook? Is it OK to put photos up online? And then there's always the issue of what you should do if the engagement is called off. I have these and more ring etiquette scenarios that you may face as either a bride-to-be or an acquaintance of one, and I want to know if you think they are tacky or tasteful.
10 Engagement Rings For the Eternally Classic Type
When it comes to wedding and engagement rings, most of us here fall on the nontraditional side, but we always leave a little room for the classic at heart. Contrary to popular belief, traditional bling doesn't have to be boring. Let us show you what we mean with our top 10 picks, ranging from a standout Tiffany Bezet yellow diamond ring to a diminutive-yet-chic, slim single-diamond band from Satomi Kawakita. Believe us, to have and to hold never looked so good.




