Want to know how you compare to other ring shoppers? We can tell you thanks to this survey collaboration with SWNS.
Half of Americans in a relationship knew they wanted to marry their partner the moment they met. In fact, that statistic holds up across genders! 46% of women and 47% of men immediately knew that their partner was the one.
What about those who are skeptical of marriage? A third of respondents say that their current partner made them want to get married – that’s a quarter of women and half of men.
What does this mean for you? Well, there doesn’t seem to be much of a correlation between how long a couple dates and the strength of their marriage. Whatever feels right is right for you. It doesn’t particularly matter whether it takes months or years for you two to arrive at the altar. Your journey is your own, but the destination is the same for each married couple.
If you’re asking yourself, “How should I wear my wedding ring set?” then we’ve got news for you: there are no absolute rules regarding how to wear your rings! After the wedding, most Americans wear their wedding ring closest to their knuckle, paired with their engagement ring just over it.
Other ring options:
If you like your wedding ring best, or if your engagement ring tends to get in the way in your day-to-day life, then you may want to wear your wedding ring exclusively.
Do you like your engagement ring more than your wedding band? Then leave your wedding band at home! You’re still celebrating your relationship, just with more emphasis on your sparkling center stone.
This can be a great choice for those whose wedding ring and engagement ring don’t sit flush. Or, on the other hand, your local tradition may dictate this. In Spain, for instance, the engagement ring usually goes on the left hand, while the wedding ring usually goes on the right.
Other than for style reasons, this choice is common for those whose fingers have changed size, particularly post-pregnancy. If this strikes a chord, remember that James Allen offers free ring resizing either via mail or in select Jared jewelry stores.
In some cultures, right > left. In fact, Catholic and eastern European tradition dictates that the wedding and engagement ring both be worn on the right hand. All in all, only about half of respondents constantly wear their wedding rings and engagement rings together. The other half either wear only one ring or forgo wearing rings altogether.
This is totally up to you. A quarter of Americans say they don’t believe there’s a set amount of time, while 65% of Americans believe you should save up for a year at maximum.
However, there’s no majority consensus. How do people determine how much a ring should cost?
The time necessary to save up money is heavily dependent on both your budget and the price of your desired ring. And if your budget is inflexible, here are some options for lowering the overall cost of your ring!
Important: James Allen offers special financing options if you can’t fully afford your ring right now, but still want to get engaged ASAP!
Just 15% of Americans believe an engagement ring should cost over $5,000. Why is this important? It means you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy an expensive ring. If you want to splurge on an impressive ring, go for it! You can always add more diamonds to the basket and shank, upgrade to a more pricey diamond, or choose platinum as your ring metal.
On the other hand, you should know that smaller budgets are extremely common. Additionally, many people’s dream rings fall well within their ring budgets! If you’re operating within a smaller budget, have a look at our favorite affordable engagement rings. You and your wallet will fall in love!
71% of Americans don’t really care about the cost of the engagement ring. What seems to be most important is that the ring suits the recipient. If your dream ring is priced higher than your current budget allows, there are plenty of ways to adjust your ring’s cost without compromising on appearance.
Ways to reduce the cost of your engagement ring:
4 out of 10 couples share the cost of their engagement ring. An engagement ring is a big purchase! Not only can sharing the cost be a practical decision (and perhaps one that would allow for a more expensive ring), but taking this important journey together can bring a couple closer to one another.
Whether or not you share the cost of an engagement ring, here’s why we recommend designing your ring together.
36% of ring shoppers prefer a customized engagement ring, while 26% would rather go with a pre-set ring. Any of James Allen’s rings can be customized with your unique gemstone and jewelry metal. For additional customization with unique baskets, halos, and shanks, visit the Ring Studio.
Ring in the champagne glass? “Will You Marry Me?” written in the sky? An impromptu proposal at home?
71% of Americans prefer a traditional proposal, in which a partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. It’s traditional, but there are a thousand and one ways to do it! Customize your proposal to your hearts’ content.
Which proposal will suit the two of you?
Absolutely! Many jewelers- like JamesAllen.com, offer customization options, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. From selecting a specific diamond shape and size to choosing a unique band design or engraving a personal message, customization adds a special touch to your ring.
While diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings, they are not the only option. You can explore alternative gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies, or even consider lab grown diamonds a more budget-friendly option.
The amount you spend on an engagement ring is a personal decision. It’s important to set a budget that aligns with your financial situation and comfort level. Remember, the value of the ring lies in its symbolism and the love it represents rather than its price tag.
Ethical sourcing and sustainability are important factors to consider. Look for jewelers that adhere to responsible practices, such as using conflict-free diamonds and supporting fair labor standards. You can also explore options like recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds, which have a lower environmental impact.
