Getting Engaged on a Budget Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Getting Engaged on a Budget
Posted: Feb. 8, 2010
Any good woman – including those who end up carrying more carats than their age – knows that the depth of her man’s love and commitment has far more to do with the size of his heart and the quality of his character than the size and quality of the rock he plunks on her finger. But even on a practical note, going into debt for a big sparkly stone isn’t smart financial planning, especially at the moment when the two of you are just starting your life together and may have bigger expenses on the horizon, such as the wedding, a car, a house or a baby.
Still, many men have heard murky rumors about how an engagement ring has to be a certain percentage of their income – is this true?
“Oh, that old two-months’-salary myth ... A more realistic approach is to set your own budget, as each financial situation is different,” says Heather Levine, fashion editor for TheKnot.com. “For some men, the percentage rule fits into that budget, and for others it doesn’t.”
Luckily for the latter, there are lots of options for acquiring resplendent rings at reasonable prices.
Go Vintage
First of all, the most affordable option of all is using a (free) family heirloom – and don’t think you are only limited to rings. “Consider using a family stone, such as a diamond from a grandmother’s necklace, and have a jeweler set it for you,” says Levine.