Does an engagement ring have to have a diamond in it?

Your friend should be happy with what she got even if it didn't have any diamonds in it at all, she should be happy that she got one at all and happy because she has someone that loves her enough to ask her to marry him. Maybe that's all he could afford at the time or maybe he didn't want to take anymore time saving. I'm not dainty and my engagement ring (I picked it out) only has a very tiny chip in the center. I would loose the stone anyway!! Tell your friend congrats and be happy with what she has, other people have alot less!

Nope, mine doesn't. It is a saphire.

Over the years we have been brainwashed by the diamond cartels and their TV commercials that you HAVE to have a diamond engagement ring, the bigger the better, or you might as well not bother getting engaged. Personally I think that's a crock. Getting engaged comes out of love from the heart and so should the symbol of that love. It shouldn't matter if it's a diamond ring or a piece of paper that says "I love you, will you marry me". Value shouldn't matter and if it does then maybe your friend is marrying for the wrong reason. If she really wants to marry Mr. Bigbucks then maybe she should call it off now and move on. Mr. Chips doesn't seem to have enough money to make her happy. Sorry if that sounds a little harsh but love has always mattered more to me than money, you can't buy real love.