That was my sentiment too... before marriage! :bsmilie:
As men, we may never quite understand the woman's point of view, but I'm guessing the quality and impressiveness of the darn rock means a lot to them.
Citing the instance of my wife; she doesn't buy expensive, branded or luxurious things for herself (her only hobbies and things she does when she's free are bake, and garden). But when it came to the issue of the rock after engagement years ago, while she made it very clear she was happy with whatever I could afford (then), there was no mistaking in her eyes the occasional envy when she compared the rock to her friends / sisters-in-laws etc.
So there you have it. While it's nice to be unwavering in our principles of love, I think there's a very realistic dimension in this regard here. Or that's what my experience has told me anyway.