Is It Possible to Buy Quality Engagement Rings Online?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. However, there are a few caveats. When shopping for a ring online, whether it is a stereotypical diamond ring or a ring with alternative gemstones, always exercise due diligence during your research and eventual purchase.
A good rule of thumb is if an online retailer’s special offers or deals seem too good to be true, then there is a high chance that they are. Always opt for reputable jewelers with a wide variety of rings in stock.
The Benefits of Shopping for an Engagement Ring Online
- Saves Time
Instead of physically going to the ring, online shopping essentially brings the ring to you. The days or weeks you would have spent visiting different jewelry stores can instead be spent on better things such as planning your proposal or doing extensive research on the best ring for your significant other.
- A Rich Variety of Options
Taking your ring shopping to the online world helps unlock numerous options that would otherwise be unavailable if you searched physically. The number of rings you can choose online easily surpasses the number of rings you can view in several jewelry stores.
- Saves Money
Typically, online shopping is significantly cheaper than buying items in-store. Many online jewelry retailers do not pay for physical storefronts. Hence, they can afford to pass on such savings to buyers like you.
- Exchanges Are Convenient
So long as you practice due diligence and opt for jewelers with considerate returns policies, you will never have a hard time exchanging rings. Upon delivery at your doorstep, take your time and inspect the ring to confirm that you made the right decision. If something does not seem right, do not hesitate to send the ring back.
- You Can Stand out
Considering the virtually limitless number of options online shopping provides, you can purchase a unique engagement ring if you do your research right. Therefore, rather than restricting yourself to the few stores near your area, shop online, and choose from a global variety of engagement rings.
Tips to Consider When Buying Engagement Rings Online
Decide Who Should Buy the Ring
Before starting the online shopping process, decide whether you should involve your significant other in the ring hunt, or surprise your partner with a beautiful engagement ring when you propose. If you choose to do the ring hunt alone, then keep everything secret by hiding your emails and browsing in incognito mode. The last thing you would want to do is spoil the perfect surprise.
Choose a Reputable Vendor
While this point may seem very obvious, never overlook the importance of buying your ring from a trustworthy online retailer. Besides checking customer reviews, make sure you are satisfied with the details the vendor provides in the FAQ section regarding:
- Their shipping process
- How they handle customer service questions
- Their return policy
- The accuracy of their ring imagery
Also, check what other customers have to say about the vendor from an independent source, if possible.
Set a Budget and Adhere to It
How much are you willing and able to spend on an engagement ring? The answer to this question ultimately depends on the buyer. Decide the amount of money you can spend on an engagement ring without leaving a massive dent in your bank account, or compromising your happiness as a couple. It is easy to get carried away and spend more than you intended, considering the thrill of online shopping and ring hunting
Get the Perfect Sizing
Despite all other differences, one thing we can all agree on regarding engagement rings is that size matters. The inner circumference of rings is measured in millimeters to determine standard ring sizes.
You can print a ring size chart or buy a mandrel set to determine the best ring size for you or your partner. If neither of you has rings to measure against, wrap a string around your finger and compare your findings to a ring size guide you can print out.
Evaluate the Diamond’s Cut
Contrary to what some people may think, a diamond’s cut does not refer to its shape, e.g., pear, oval, or round. Instead, it refers to how good the proportions and angles of the diamond interact with light.
Since diamonds naturally occur as rough stones, their cut grade is the only factor among the four Cs of diamonds that is determined by human processing. This makes it the most significant factor to consider among the four Cs. Essentially, a poor cut grade could devalue an otherwise perfect stone.
When going through the selection of diamonds your vendor has to offer, opt for ideal cut diamonds or excellent cut if your budget allows. If you prefer round cut diamonds, ensure they have a depth and table percentage of less than 62.5% and 60% respectively. Ideally, you should analyze 360° videos (if available) of prospective diamonds to get a better perspective of their sparkle and brilliance.
Examine the Diamond’s Color
Structurally perfect diamonds are white and have no hue. Jewelers determine the extent of a diamond’s colorlessness under controlled lighting and grade it on a scale ranging from D-Z, with D being colorless and Z light yellow. The closer a diamond is to grade D, the more valuable it is.
Diamonds within the G-I range typically appear colorless while costing a fraction of the price of diamonds within the D-F range. Therefore, always take a closer look at the images your vendor provides to spot any yellow or brown hue.
Look for Blemishes
Zoom into the 3D videos or images provided by the vendor to assess the clarity of the diamond you wish to purchase. Keenly lookout for blemishes/external flaws or inclusions/internal flaws. Remember, if you can spot blemishes or inclusions online, then you will definitely notice them in person.
Determine Your Preferred Carat Weight
A carat is a unit of measurement used to express the weight of precious metals and stones like diamonds. A general rule of thumb is the greater the size of the carat, the higher the price tag and rarity. Even though the size of the diamond matters, most people consider carat weight the least significant factor among the 4C’s of diamonds, i.e., cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
Ideally, you should first pick a properly cut diamond, then proceed to check if it looks white enough and has no noticeable inclusions and blemishes. After confirming these two factors, you can splurge your remaining budgetary allocation on carat weight if you wish.
Verify the Certificate
All diamond rings should be accompanied with independent lab certificates to confirm they are the exact quality stated by the jeweler. However, labs and the certificates they provide differ significantly. To get the most reliable and accurate diamond grading system, choose AGS or GIA certified diamonds.
Understand the Vendor’s Return Policy
Before you decide what ring to purchase and proceed to checkout, read, and understand the return policy of your vendor since return policies differ from one vendor to another. Some factors to consider regarding return policy include:
- How long the vendor takes to complete an exchange or return
- The cost of the returns (if any) and who should cover them
- Whether it is possible to get a full refund after returning a ring or they only give credit
- The warranty period of a ring, e.g., ten years, 30 years, lifetime, etc
- Whether they will charge a fee for resizing the ring if it does not fit, or they will do it free of charge
Always find out the answers to such questions and more before proceeding to checkout. Avoid purchasing from online retailers who do not provide clear written policies.
Consider Shipping
After finally finding the right engagement ring and paying for it, you want to ensure it gets to you quickly and safely. Most reliable online retailers cover the cost of shipping and insure any packages they send. Find out how your vendor packages rings similar to yours.
If it is not possible to sign for the ring, ensure the vendor sends it to a UPS, USPS, or FedEx pickup destination. Also, if the presentation matters to you, confirm whether your retailer includes a gift card or gift-wrapping.
Do Not Rush
Always take your time when conducting research and making comparisons online. Even if you are short on time, do not rush into making uninformed decisions.
Consult the Experts
Particularly if it is your first purchase, do not fear having an expert weigh in on your diamond purchase. If need be, reach out to a reputable vendor’s customer service for advice on the best ring to buy, considering your budget and preferences.
Overcoming Online Shopping Worries
About a decade ago, the online shopping world felt like murky territory for many people. Nowadays, it has become a norm even for high-ticket commodities like engagement rings. However, it is perfectly understandable if you still have some worries concerning purchasing your engagement ring online. Here are some ideas to help you overcome such worries.
- Dishonest Sellers
Just like buying from sellers with physical storefronts, there is a likelihood of encountering online retailers perfect at masking their dishonesty with flawless facades. To avoid falling for such retailers, only work with reputable vendors or buy from popular vendor marketplaces.
- The Ring Not Meeting Your Expectations
You can avoid the shock of getting a ring that does not meet your expectations by only trusting retailers who provide high quality 360° videos or photos of their rings. However, even after practicing due diligence, you may still receive a ring that falls short of your expectations. Therefore, always confirm whether the retailer’s return policy is reasonable before placing your order.
- A Wrongly Sized Ring
Even after taking the necessary precautions, there is still a possibility of receiving a wrongly sized ring. Most reputable jewelers recognize this, and have an exchange policy should it occur. Auction sites and some online jewelers may not allow exchanges; therefore, it is upon you to understand their purchase policy before buying a ring.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
