I spent $1,200 on the ring (still in college), since I bought the ring, I did not have enough money for a new Beretta Shotgun that I had been wanting...she in return gave me the gun!
For our 20th wedding anniversary, I "upgraded" her diamond ring but that was only to a nice $5k ring (I also have a friend that owns a jewelry store
)...FWIW, if I did the 3 month salary thing now it would far exceed your friends $50k ring.
Its not about keeping up with the Jones...