curious Quite different from the U.S. I think, where the focus is on getting as big a diamond as one can afford.
Not for a wedding ring. And I think most couples I know who have married have been together for years and there is no need to announce their partnership with an engagement ring, which indeed in some cases is huge, albeit not a particularly good investment. Starting your married life by spending $15,000 (€13,700) on a ring, given housing prices, is thought to be sub-optimal.
