All the above may be right for some people, but there is no substitute for a good wife. And if you've got one of those the boats, the dogs etc. are that much more enjoyable. Unfortunatelly, only time can tell if you've got one of those. In between you work your tail off to make a good relationship.
It's not until Later that you realize that it's not about the price of the ring or its material.
Our wedding bands were given to us as a gift from a close friend. Just a simple gold band. I can't immagine that they cost more than a couple of houndred for both. But we've been married for 9 years now and it just keeps getting better.
Of course if you buy yourself a brand new shiny boat at the same time that you give your fiancee a twine ring the message youre giving may not be the right one.

Anyway, Doesn't anyone out there have a cheap (or free) comptip for Maugan?