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The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome, where wives wore rings attached to small keys, symbolizing their husband's ownership. However, the modern tradition began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, sparking a trend among European nobility. The practice gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, particularly after De Beers' famous "A Diamond is Forever" campaign in 1947, which cemented diamonds as the quintessential symbol of eternal love.

The cost of an engagement ring can vary widely, but on average, couples in the United States spend around $5,500. This price can fluctuate based on factors like the size and quality of the diamond, the metal used for the band, and the ring's overall design. That may be more than you're hoping to spend, though, and fortunately many affordable options exist, allowing you to find a ring that suits your budget and style. But, don't worry: the sky's the limit if you're looking for something extraordinary and extravagant too.

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, several criteria can help guide your decision on where to make this important purchase:

• Overall selection. Choose a jeweler that offers a wide variety of styles, settings, and stones. A diverse selection increases your chances of finding the perfect ring that matches your partner's taste and your budget.
• Customization options. If you want a bespoke ring, go with a jeweler that offers customization services. Being able to design a ring from scratch or make adjustments to existing designs ensures the ring is truly one-of-a-kind.
• Return policy. Look for a generous return policy that allows you to return or exchange the engagement ring if it doesn't meet your expectations (...or if you don't get the enthusiastic "YES!” you're hoping for). A flexible return policy provides the peace of mind that you're not stuck with a ring your beloved isn't completely happy with.
• Warranty coverage. Make sure that the jeweler offers a comprehensive warranty that covers manufacturing defects and provides maintenance services like resizing and cleaning. A good warranty protects your investment and helps the engagement ring remain in excellent condition. Some online jewelers offer coverage even against normal wear-and-tear issues, typically within the first year of ownership.
• Reputation. Research the jeweler's reputation by reading customer reviews and checking ratings on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot. A jeweler with a strong reputation is more likely to provide quality engagement rings and excellent customer service.

The ideal engagement ring is out there, waiting to symbolize your unique love story. To help you find it, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular online retailers, including the web storefronts of jewelers with brick-and-mortar locations you probably know. Best wishes for a picture-perfect proposal!