Posted 10 December 2010 - 07:14 PM
Married here, but it's interesting in that my answers have changed over time. In my first marriage, everything had to be traditional. The center stone in my engagement ring I received was almost 1C and the wedding band formed around the ring (so I couldn't wear it by itself). I actually had comments from people asking if I was concerned for my safety wearing the ring I did. No, I didn't. But there were times when I chose not to wear the rings during vacations, charity work, etc. And I couldn't wear my wedding band by itself because it looked too weird by itself. The rings were a set.
With my second (and current) marriage, I actually have a cubic zirconia in my engagement ring! I realized that it wasn't about the engagement as it was about the marriage. I actually wanted a wedding band with no stones in it, but my husband bought a ring with 5 small diamonds (to represent me, him, and our combined 3 children). I wear my wedding band all the time, and seldom wear the engagement ring with the band....only on special occasions. I LOVE being comfortable to wear my wedding band whatever place we are visiting. My husband's band is a handsome band with crosses on it (no stones). If they had it in a female version, I suspect we would have gotten matching sets.
So...long answer to your question, but an alternative for you, is to find matching bands. And find a ring (or rings) that fit your budget. Buy an anniversary ring later, if you like.