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Sunday, November 10th
Zales, celebrating its 100th anniversary with over 400 stores nationwide, is part of the Signet Jewelers group. They offer over 5,000 engagement rings ranging from under $100 to nearly $49,000, including branded collections like Enchanted Disney and Vera Wang. Free consultations are available online or in-store, and you can often find discounts and special sales. Despite this, Zales starts to fall short due to a lack of customer reviews on its engagement rings, which makes it hard to rely on feedback. And, while Zales has an "A+" rating from the BBB, nearly 600 complaints over three years and numerous negative reviews highlight issues with service and unhonored warranties. Overall, Zales earns a mediocre rating due to poor post-purchase service and numerous complaints, making it less appealing for buying engagement rings.
Kay, part of Signet Jewelers, has been a major player in engagement rings for over 100 years, with over 1,000 stores in the US and an easy-to-navigate website. They offer a vast selection of over 4,300 rings, ranging from under $50 to nearly $70,000, and provide free consultations and customization options. Despite their catchy tagline ("Every kiss begins with Kay”) and user-friendly shopping filters, you should be cautious about the ring's quality and warranties (or lack thereof). Many customers report issues with appraisals, customer service, and warranty claims, making the lifetime protection plan a necessity to even try to have a good experience with your engagement ring post-purchase. Overall, Kay suffers from the numerous complaints it has received in recent months and over the years.
Engagement rings are more than just a piece of jewelry; they symbolize love, commitment, and the promise of a shared future. In recent years, the trend of buying engagement rings online has grown significantly. According to a study by The Knot, around 39% of couples now purchase their engagement rings online.
It's true that online shopping offers a vast selection of rings from numerous jewelers worldwide, letting you to find unique designs that might not be available locally. Additionally, internet-based retailers often provide competitive pricing due to lower overhead costs, potentially saving you money. Many online jewelers also offer detailed information and educational resources to help you understand diamond quality and ring design, empowering you to make an informed decision from the comfort of your home.
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:
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!
Select any 2 Engagement Rings to compare them head to head