With this Ring . . .

I was recently at this fabulous fête hosted by L.M. when the conversation turned to weddings. Naturally as I have never met a wedding conversation I didn't like, was delighted at the course of events. Our group of evenly mixed guys and gals began discussing the all important engagement ring.

One thing that came up was the cost of the ring - how much does your guy spend? For us ladies, it was at least 3X the monthly income, before taxes, or more if he'd like. And for the guys, well . . . let's just say they were more worried about how their college football team was faring.

So it was the sweetest thing when our guy friend C. told us he puts aside a portion of his pay check every month for his engagement ring fund. Now C. is young and he's probably not going to get married any time soon, but he's saving money for a ring he hopes his future fiancé will love, a symbol of a promise to give his whole heart to a girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

So C., how much do you think you need to spend? As our mutual friend L.M. said, any girl would be lucky enough to have you!

But in any case, here's some sparklers that will be sure to please!

Van Cleef & Arpels: Diamond solitare held in place by the wings of two butterflies. What a delightful design and so unique!

Tiffany & Co.: what engagement would be complete without at least a trip down Tiffany Lane? Tiffany Legacy, Tiffany Novo, and Tiffany Lucida.

The last four are all from Asprey London, makers of some of the most beautiful, vintage inspired engagement rings: Edwardian cluster ring with blue diamonds, Majestic Collection yellow heart diamond, 1640 Ring - Pink, Pink Cushion ring.

Images via www.vancleef-arpels.com, www.tiffany.com, www.asprey.com.