does the size of a diamond engagement ring really matter on girls?

Alright - I'll admit it... I did compare ring sizes with those around me.

For about a week. Then, I got over it. I have a 1 carat solitaire (well, just under). It was what my fiance could afford at the time, and I did give him the stipulation that he had to have the ring PAID IN FULL by the wedding date (at that point - his debt was my debt, and I did not want to start off our married life with a silly Ring Payment). So, classic size, classic shape, and we've said that if I really, truly suffer from Ring Envy, we could get a larger anniversary band later.

Besides, the first time she walks into a grocery store under those fluorescent lights, it will look like the largest stone in the world. It's sentimental because it symbolizes where we were at that time, and the promise for the future. Not, banking on where we assumed we'd be to afford a ring of that size.

(If you want to buy a larger ring for your money... skip the mall, find a wholesaler. That's what we did for our bands - 1/3 the price of the mall jeweler for the same style and brand of ring. Or... pawn shop, antique shop, consignment store. We got ours from the Outlet Mall - we were told that traditional settings and stones were "out", so we found a Canadian diamond (complete with polar bear... we're both human rights conscious, so bypassing the De Boers was a priority over the size).

The size does not matter if she really loves you, whether or not a big ring was "asked" for. It is the meaning behind the ring. If you are going to go in debt or have to sell a lot of your things just to afford it, you are better off getting a ring with a gorgeous band and a smaller diamond. You can always get a bigger and better diamond put in it, but the band will always stay the same.

From personal experience, my ring is only about 1/2 a carat and I get SO many compliments on how beautiful it is. I personally went with my fiance to pick the ring out because it is a symbol of OUR love and we both wanted to be involved, so he proposed with no ring. My band is very unique and the way the stone is set in there, it makes it seem like it is a 1 carat diamond. We already know that the diamond will be replaced later on when we can afford it.

For me at least, a more unique ring was more important than the size. I see a lot of women with a simple band and a solitaire diamond, those rings are so boring to me! A great way to find a gorgeous ring is to ask around in yours or her family to see if their is a relative that has passed away or something to use a family heirloom. A lot of people will use the band and upgrade the stone right away when they get the band free like this. I think something like this has more meaning to it because there is a family history there.

It does really matter on the type of girlfriend you have. Have you discussed marriage or anything yet? Maybe ask her if she wants to be involved in picking the ring out. Or if you still want the element of surprise you can take her to the jewelry store and have her pick her top 5 or something, that way you get an idea of what she is "expecting" or would like.

Good luck to you!

That's a tough one- I love and adore my ring and it's not even one with a large center stone or solitaire- when I look at it- I remember my husbands proposal and our wedding, and how much I love our life that we've built together! To be perfeclty honest-I also see some gorgeous rings on other women once in a while and think- "that's nice- I like that- maybe someday an upgrade?!" but I am very happy with what I have.

do you think your girl would feel strange showing off a ring under 2 carats in her circle of friends? If so- is that more about them? We all sometimes want the biggest best and most glamorous- but it's not in the cards- are you saving for a house? would buying a ring that size put you debt? You should be her best friend- not a ring- no matter how special and beautiful it is- Good luck-

Wow... two carats is actually very large! I'm in an upper middle class situation as well and I left ot up to him. I was surprised and pleased to receive a .75 carat emerald cut diamond. The size matter less to me than the promise that came along with it. As far as ring goes, i did want to make sure he got a good price and it was a higher quality setting and stone. I was happy he picked a style that was very me and very timeless. But I didnt care about the size.

If she is disappointed or embarrassed by a small stone then she is not a classy girl. Get what you can afford (I've heard a monthes paycheck is what you should pay for a ring). She should be more excited about the engagment and upcomming marraige than about the ring itself.

i never cared how much diamond i got. I love the one i have, and honestly i have no idea what size it is. I never asked.

If i had to guess i suppose it's around 1 carat- it is certainly not my best friend, but it is gorgeous.

The other thing that i thought was fabulous, was that my fiance picked out the ring. I don't get it when girls pick out their own ring or have it designed...it's about the love, not the thing on your hand. My ring and it's symbolism means SO much more to me, knowing that he picked it out. It happens to be that he knows my taste well enough that it's something that fits my personality...just a side note!

well I think personally, that it does not matter, I would prefer my fiance buy me something else, or save that money... I think that it depends on the girl and how she was brought up. Or even the way they think...Such as a woman who has always been wealthy will obviously want a great diamond and a nice carat size, but a girl who hasn't been that fortunate will be happy with whatever her man can afford. Just the part of knowing that he loves her and wants to spend the rest of his life with her will be enough... As for me I'm happily married and I actually don't have a engagement ring... I do have a wedding ring though, it's nice it matches with my husbands ring.... we have each others name in graved and they are 14KY no diamonds though.

Also my father is a jewelry designer and I work with him...I always see girls that come to custom design their rings and want the best of everything.. They want to be able to show them off and don't even care about the price the guy is going to spend. I think that it's kind of selfish, but hey if he's got the money then okay, well I would prefer him save it and use it for a better cause like a down payment on a House or something like that...That's my opinion... Good Luck...If you like, here's my dad's # 619-237-4518... He can help you get a nice ring...Fancy or not. and for a great price... Take care...

The size of the ring doesnt really matter. Its what the ring symbolizes that matters most. Id focus more on getting her the style ring she likes and worry less about the size of the diamond. If she is only focused on the size, then maybe she isnt really as serious about what the ring symbolizes (love and commitment) but more about impressing her friends and family. Best of luck to you!

I agree with someone up there earlier...sounds like you got in with a group of greedy women. I just went with my man and helped him pick out a bridal set, and got exactly what I wanted for less than he thought. He assumed all women want huge diamonds, but a big gaudy ring just isn't my style at all.

Get your girl what she's comfortable with, and likes. If you can't afford it right now, talk to her and be up front about it. Don't go into debt to get a ring when you can only upgrade later, like for your one year anniversary after saving up.

A big ring doesn't mean you love her more or anything. It's just a personal preference.

I have a beautiful ring - it's just over one half carat...I LOVE this ring because the diamond is virtually colorless, and almost flawless. It is more beautiful than the 2 carat yellow diamond rings that I've seen...

For some women it matters and others it doesn't. I know I wanted 1 carat. I don't like huge diamons so getting anything beyond 2.5 was ridiculous and why in the heck would you want to wear the cost of a car on your hand??? There's so much more to marriage than the ring.