Getting engaged is such an exciting time! But let's be real, the whole engagement ring process can feel overwhelming, especially when you start thinking about the cost. I recently went through this myself, and it felt like navigating a minefield of opinions and expectations. From the "three months' salary" rule to countless online articles, it's hard to know where to even begin. So, I wanted to share my personal experience and some practical tips I picked up along the way, hoping it'll help you find the perfect ring without completely emptying your bank account.
When my partner and I started talking about getting engaged, the first thing that popped into my head was, "How much are we really going to spend on this ring?" I had no clue where to start. I saw some rings I liked online that were ridiculously expensive, and I started to panic. I felt pressured to spend a ton of money, but it just didn't feel right. I wanted something beautiful and meaningful, but also something practical and within our budget. I was caught between wanting to make my partner happy and not wanting to start our married life in debt.
I dove headfirst into research. I started by trying to find a "typical" price range, but quickly realized there isn't one! Everyone's situation is different, and what's comfortable for one couple might be impossible for another. The most important thing, I realized, was to have open and honest conversations with my partner about our budget and what they truly wanted. We talked about ring styles, stone preferences, and what felt like a reasonable amount to spend. This was a game-changer! It took so much pressure off and allowed us to focus on finding something we both loved.
One friend told me that $10,000 was the bare minimum for an engagement ring. Meanwhile, I felt anything over $4,000 was unnecessary. This just highlighted that everyone has different expectations and priorities. The key is to align your spending with your partner’s comfort level and expectations.
After talking with my partner, I felt more confident in my ability to start shopping. I began visiting numerous jewelry stores. I was surprised to find how much prices can vary from store to store. Many times, the same vendor supplies multiple jewelry stores! I also learned that haggling is often possible. I started low when offering a price. This gave the salespeople room to "talk to the boss" and get me a better deal.
Here are some things I learned:
I also found a beautiful sterling silver necklace on Sumsfashion that reminded me of the engagement ring journey. It's a round photo frame pendant, and I thought it would be a perfect way to keep a picture of us close to my heart during this special time. I loved the idea of having a piece of jewelry that was both sentimental and stylish. I can add a photo from our engagement shoot. The 925 sterling silver gives it a timeless look. You can shop this item at Sumsfashion.
It's a great way to express love. I chose the 40cm chain. I think it will look great with most outfits.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps I took, which might help you too: