Speaking, again, as a girl... (Score 1)

... I can't understand why some people marry such dumb women. :) (This is summing up quite a lot of posts here, not just this one.)

I suppose it's also that I'm much, much poorer than most employed people who frequent slashdot. My husband has no job at all, and I don't earn much. Any expensive jewelry purchase *would* be paid for by me. (Although if you're marrying the girl, her money is your money, right? So essentially, you're both buying it, as long as she doesn't dump you before the wedding, in which case The Rules obligate her to give the ring back.)

I can't imagine spending two months' salary on anything. I earn just about exactly enough to break even, month-to-month. How are people in my situation expected to afford a diamond according to the "traditional" rules of engagement? Run up nice big credit debts? Gee, that's forward-thinking.

People who have savings and/or earn enough to put some aside are in a slightly different position, but still... two months? Who pays the rent for those two months?

If you -can- spare the money and it -does- really matter to your girlfriend... then yes! Give her the ring she dreams of! Make her happy. You want to make her happy, don't you?

If you don't have the money, and she gives you some line about how much her love is "worth" based on the ring, then why are you putting up with this girl? Clearly, she doesn't give a damn about you or your relationship. There are better women out there.