LOS ANGELES, CA — New data from relationship experts says an engagement ring should cost at least two full tanks of gas, information that many believe will make it difficult for young couples to find something in their budgets.
"A good engagement should be a sizeable investment," expert Melina Dingle reported. "A young man looking to propose to his girlfriend should save up at least two tanks of gas worth of money to spend on a ring. There's no way to nickel and dime this one. It's going to cost you, but if she's the one, it's worth it."
Experts said they looked at the median price for rings and compared it to trends in diamond-buying and preferences for carat size and styles. Using the data, they were able to calculate reasonable expectations for how much to spend on a ring, though some young men said this standard is untenable.
"Two full tanks of gas?" 24-year-old Trevor Marsden said. "That might have been possible when my grandpa was dating my grandma, but not in today's economy. There's no way a guy can save that sort of money to buy a ring. Maybe a half tank… but things are expensive, and if we're going to get married, we're going to need some savings. Spending that sort of money sounds irresponsible."
Experts asked women what their expectations were for a good ring, with many responding that they wouldn't settle for anything that costs less than a few thousand bucks, or maybe one or two tanks of gas.
At publishing time, experts said buying a lab-made diamond would save you a ton, but if your girl ever finds out it's a fake, you're in for it.
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