Ring Size or Ring Price: Thoughts on getting married

What ring would you buy your fiancé / wife-to-be?

I just had teh-tarik with a friend who will be getting married in a couple of months. They are now at the mist of their preparation. In our conversation, the topic of the size of the diamond ring came up. When my friend got engaged recently, he bought for his fiancé a small diamond ring which cost less then RM 1000. However, because of peer and relative pressure, he had to fork out close to RM 2000 for a wedding ring – an amount a little off budget based on the salary he is currently earning. Along with this ring of course comes with other items such as designer apparels, accessories and even a house! My friend lamented and expressed the feared that romance and love is gradually being transformed into a financial battle – even before marriage! He is concern that financial matters will be a stumbling block to a happy marriage.

I am just wondering, if this is a common problem with the people of the younger generation. I remembered that my own parents when they were married, they lived in a rented room that called “home”. It was only until my sister was born (three years after me), that my parents moved into their first house. It was not a bad thing during those days. I was not that different as well, my wife and I got our own house 12 years after our marriage – three kids later. My parents and to some similar extent, just lived according to their means and were happy.

Of course, at that time they did not have credit cards that allowed them to spend first, pay [interest] later. There were no minimum payment required too. I guess at that time, it was okay to start small, lead a simple life and gradually take in more complexity when we are able to take their challenge. Reflecting this with my friend, he also related the stories of is friends in the same predicament. Sometimes I wonder if our younger generation knows or is able to live simple lives and within their means.

Would you buy your fiancé / wife-to-be a bigger wedding ring (bigger then you budget)? Perhaps the bigger question is that you your spouse allow you to get a smaller one? If this question arises, I guess one needs to relook at one’s relationship and see where the priority lies.