I have friends who are dating and pretty much going to get married eventually. I remember when he was saying that if he had to spend over a thousand on a ring, he wanted some king of present in return

It certainly doesn't make too much sense to me. I know why it's important to the recipient, but the cost shouldn't matter. I hope women aren't putting stock in the cost on the diamond over the symbolism. If that's how you prove the standing of your groom, that's a tad depressing.

That said, I know some guys who got other arrangements. The first had a girlfriend who loved rubees. I don't know how much they cost, but aren't they a little less, at least?

The other guy I know had an odd arrangement. Since the girl knew he couldn't afford a ring, she made him do 100 hours of community service instead.