The engagement ring is a present from him to you. I would suggest to let him decide how much he wants to spend on it. After my boyfriend decided to get married to me, he said my job was to tell him what kind/style I like. We went to a few stores in Boston downtown to see what fit me and what I like. We were both very shy when we came in the first store. After I decided why style I liked best, he did some research, and bought it from Blue Nile. I know quite a few friends (guys) bought engagement rings for their girlfriends from Blue Nile.