How much to spend on an Engagement Ring?

[~Aveta~]

i chose an antique reproduction with rubies and seed pearls, which is a flat filigree ring i can wear all the time. i wanted bezel-set stones (rubover setting) for the sheer practicality - and i do wear it ALL the time, except for gardening. the pearls had to be replaced and we chose citrines - but i knew that would happen. i also didn't want a conventional ring, or another wedder when we marry. and i'm really happy with my choice, which cost us @ $400.00 from a manufacturing jeweller in Coffs, What Women Want (and yes they have a website, DF designed it!) i didn't want to be worrying about losing an expensive piece, and i didn't want diamonds due to the history of forced labour associated with them. just my quirk...

i think if you assess the "style" of your other jewelry, and choose something fitting in with your personal look, you won't regret it. and it's not the expense, it's the meaning of the gift. take it from me who was married before to a man who "forgot" to organise a ring for our wedding - and never made good on it!! eighteen years later i divorced him and still had never had a ring, lol. and he wonders why i left?