From The Straits Times    |

Image by Cover Media

It’s the first thing people ask when you share the happy news of your engagement: ‘Can I see the ring?’ And while it might feel impressive to show off a huge diamond, a big rock could mean you’re more likely to get divorced.

A study by America’s Emory University’s department of economics claims spending more on the ring could actually mean you’re less likely to stay together.

The research featured 3,000 American adults, who had once been married for more than 13 years. It was found the generous men who splurged between $2,000 and $4,000 on an engagement ring were 1.3 times more likely to get divorced that those who spent between $500 and $2,000. Although, don’t hit the bargain basement just yet – those who spent less than $500 upped the chance of divorce again.

“If wedding expenditures are indeed associated with debt stress, then it is possible that wedding expenses raise the likelihood of marital dissolution given that prior literature suggests a link between economic stress and marital dissolution,” the researchers reasoned.

And of course the ring isn’t the only expensive thing about getting hitched – the ceremony, dress, flowers, food and drink all need to be accounted for. And those who spend more than $20,000 on the big day also faced higher divorce rates than those who only parted with $5,000-$10,000 cash. And the super-savers who spent less than $1,000 had the lowest divorce risk.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – things such as having a baby, inviting a lot of people to the nuptials and splashing out on a honeymoon were all linked to longer marriages.

So all that cash you’ll save on the ring and ceremony can go towards that 5-star, all-inclusive break, right?!

© Cover Media