A diamond ring is the main symbol of commitment in the US engagement tradition. Though the diamond engagement ring dates back to the 1400s in Rome, a 1947 De Beers ad campaign that declared, “Diamonds are forever,” is what has associated diamonds with marriage for over a century.

Some grooms use the “rock”‘s size to show their wealth or willingness to sacrifice for their bride.

As one man discovered when he tried to upgrade his wife’s engagement ring, some women don’t value diamond size.

A Reddit user posted a photo of a woman’s left ring finger with a minimalist diamond ring.

“7 yrs ago, she said ‘yes’ to me with this $500 fruity pebble of a diamond when I was BROKE-broke,” said the post.
My salary is $200k. After surprising her with an upgrade for Valentine’s Day, she declined, stating that anything else would be a downgrade due to the significance of the dot 🥲.

“So I am returning this $8k upgrade and I’m taking her to Korea and Japan this winter instead for the same price ❤,” said the man.

It’s fine if someone wants a new ring once they can afford one, but the fact that her $500 engagement ring was more valuable to her than a $8,000 diamond is heartbreaking.

“Brother you’ve found a hell of diamond, I ain’t talking about them rocks,” commented.

“I’m with her—the first one’s lovely and meaningful. The second ones are too much for many, but I hate diamonds, so maybe I’m biased. I think memories are worth more than rocks. Enjoy your trip!” added another.

“I’ve got almost the same story,” said another. “When Hubby proposed, we were broke. My ring was chosen together. A wedding bank was included in the $275 set. I’ve married 38 years. I’ve been asked for a different ring several times. I refuse always. The ring is perfect!”

With a story about her late husband, one woman showed the value of a “cheap” ring:

“My husband and I eloped with $80 ‘temp’ rings and planned to renew our vows, get’real’ rings, and have a’real’ wedding on our 5th anniversary.

His 2017 death was unfortunate. I love my silly temp ring. He put it on my finger, and I’ll always love it. Even if the nail tech laughs. Even though the stone is cracked and I can’t fix it. He gave me this ring, and I will love it as much as I did him.

Not the ring, but the giver makes it special.

She values you.”

It’s a reminder that an item’s true value is its meaning, not its price, and that engagement rings don’t have to be fancy to be meaningful.