I read this heartwarming story on Reddit about a woman (34F) planning to propose to her boyfriend (27M) this Valentine’s Day. She’s excited about the idea, but she’s struggling with whether the ring she can afford is acceptable.
She’s found the perfect signet ring, a stunning, elegant design with a large aquamarine center stone, just like her boyfriend always wanted. The only issue? It’s gold-plated and costs $200. She contacted the Etsy seller to see if they could make it in 10k or 14k gold, but the price jumped to $1,700 for the 10k version. While she’d love to spend that much on him, there’s no way she can afford it before Valentine’s Day.
Now, she’s considering proposing with the $200 ring and saving up together for the $1,700 version to use as his wedding band. She likes the idea of having the cheaper ring as a backup for vacations or everyday wear, but she’s unsure if proposing with an inexpensive ring would feel inappropriate.
“It’s not about the price tag. The love and thought you’ve put into choosing something he’ll adore is what matters most. If he’s the right person, he’ll see the gesture and not the cost.”
“Propose with the $200 ring, it’s gorgeous and meaningful. Let him know your plan to save for the upgraded version as a wedding band. He’ll likely appreciate the thoughtfulness and practicality.”
“My spouse proposed with a simple ring, and we upgraded later. It’s the love and intent behind the proposal that counts.”
This story is such a sweet reminder that the value of a proposal isn’t tied to the cost of the ring, it’s about the love, thought, and commitment it represents. What do you think? Should she stick to her plan or wait to afford the more expensive ring?