How important is an engagement ring to you?

Bingo

Yup.

For me, I have realized that rings really dont mean anything or make a relationship any more or less special.

They hold just about as much significance as YOU give them.

If his family doesnt do engagement rings, its more than okay. My best friend didnt have a ring when she got married…his family didnt do any type of rings at all so no wedding band either! They are the happiest couple I know to date. He got her a diamond and a gorgeous band on year 5…surprised her. SHe complained a bit to me but not much because he was so good to her. MY other best friend had the tiniest tiniest tiniest of all solitaires ever and a simple band…again…another very happy couple Mashallah.

When I compare their rings/their simple beginnings to what I had (2.5 carats) when I got married and how things ended up for me…

Tell your friend that if she has a good man to count her blessings and forget the ring. It means nothing.