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"If you don't know jewelry, know the jeweler." -- Warren Buffett

When my wife and I were married, second marriage each, I suggested we go shop for rings. We could afford anything we wanted, no problem. She didn't want to spend money on jewelry, and we have no rings even now, 25 years later. I had a very expensive Rolex watch, and offered to buy a matching one for her; she refused. The Casio solar powered one she had was more than good enough.

Some years ago, we were somewhere, I don't now recall. We saw an enormous "diamond" in a ring, Zirconium I think they are called, for $25. I did talk her into that, and all the ladies at the Yacht Club were bowled over with envy. Silly, silly, silly! Some women have the sense to prefer an account with good stocks to rings and a diamond.

Frankly it is unwise to go into debt for expensive rings, fancy weddings and elaborate honeymoons, after which you are a slave to your credit cards for a long time, and God help you if some unforeseen situation arises to knock you off schedule.

I've learned that if the relationship is right, rings add nothing, and if it isn't, rings won't save it.