The 12 Best Engagement Rings
Where's the Best Place to Get an Engagement Ring Online?
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.
Monday, October 14th
2024 Engagement Ring Reviews
James Allen
James Allen is a primarily-online jewelry store founded in 2006, specializing in high-quality engagement rings. They revolutionized the market with their extensive selection of diamonds and 360° HD images, allowing you to check out your potential purchase closely in a real-time virtual inspection. They offer thousands of ready-made rings, a Ring Studio for custom designs, free worldwide shipping, and a lifetime warranty. And, with a 30-day return policy, 24/7 customer service, and thousands of 5-star reviews, James Allen continues to be the best choice for your engagement ring purchase.
Reeds Jewelers
REEDS has been in business for more than 75 years, with retail locations in 13 states and a fantastic online shopping experience. With over 1,000 engagement rings to choose from and a customer service team that is dedicated to your satisfaction, this jeweler earns one of our highest recommendations for engagement rings. It's easy to see why thousands of people have trusted REEDS for so long, and you can too.
Blue Nile
Founded in 1999, Blue Nile revolutionized the engagement ring shopping experience by offering an impressive selection of high-quality, conflict-free diamonds and ring settings online. With over 150,000 loose diamonds and 300 settings, Blue Nile puts the choice in your hands. You can easily find the perfect ring with detailed images, free virtual and showroom appointments, and competitive prices. They offer free shipping, a lifetime manufacturer warranty, and a 30-day return period with free return shipping. Rated "A+” by the BBB, Blue Nile addresses customer complaints promptly, though recent negative reviews have slightly affected its rating here. Despite this, Blue Nile remains a terrific choice for engagement rings.
Super Jeweler
At first glance, Super Jeweler might look like an online store to avoid, but don't let that get in your way. Since 1999, Super Jeweler has offered an incredible selection of over 4,000 engagement rings at impressive prices, with engagement rings ranging from $129.99 to almost $90,000, all made in-house from ethical, conflict-free suppliers. The site is easy to navigate, and customer reviews can give you insights into specific rings you might be considering. You get free worldwide shipping, complimentary upscale gift packaging, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and a lifetime guarantee on all jewelry (including 1 year of coverage on the center diamond). Despite a "B+” BBB rating due to some shipping and service complaints, over 1,000 5-star reviews highlight Super Jeweler's quality and customer satisfaction. With its improved reputation and competitive prices, Super Jeweler is a terrific choice for engagement rings, earning a newly-upgraded rating.
Jewlr
Founded in 2009, Jewlr revolutionizes jewelry shopping by offering a fast, easy, and fun online experience, eliminating the traditional hassles of pushy salespeople and limited choices. With over 600 engagement ring styles, including lab-grown and natural diamonds, moissanite, cubic zirconia, and non-diamond gemstones, you can choose and personalize your perfect ring. Handmade in the USA and Canada, Jewlr's rings are shipped for free and come with a 99-day return window, free resizing, and a one-year warranty. With over 1.5 million happy customers and an "A+” rating from the BBB, Jewlr stands out for its quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction.
Ross-Simons
Ross-Simons, established in 1952 and based in Warwick, Rhode Island, offers a reliable option for engagement ring shopping, primarily through its print catalog and online store. While their selection of around 150 engagement rings is considerably smaller compared to other retailers, ranging from under $1,000 to $20,000, the quality and service compensate for the limited inventory. In addition to offering free shipping, a 30-day return policy, and a one-year warranty, Ross-Simons maintains a solid reputation with an "A+” BBB rating and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. Though it may not offer as many choices as larger retailers, Ross-Simons remains a trustworthy option for finding the perfect engagement ring.
Helzberg
In business for over a century, Helzberg offers over 400 engagement ring styles, priced from $149.99 to $14,999, and free virtual and in-store consultations to help you find the perfect ring. They provide a 1-year guarantee on all jewelry, free shipping on orders over $99, and a 30-day return policy. They offer helpful resources on proposing, budgeting, and understanding diamond quality too, if you need some extra guidance. While Helzberg has a decent variety of ready-to-order and customizable rings, some customers find the design options limited, and the reviews are mixed, with some complaints about quality and repairs despite an "A+” rating from the BBB. Overall, Helzberg is a decent choice for engagement rings, but you might want to explore higher-rated stores first.
Gabriel & Co
Gabriel & Co, founded by brothers Jack and Dominick Gabriel, has been crafting fine jewelry since 1989. They offer a wide range of engagement ring settings, from affordable options to high-end designs. When you shop with Gabriel & Co, you'll select your ring style online and preview it at a local partner jeweler, where you can also choose the center stone and request customizations. They provide one free exchange and wear-and-tear coverage within the first year, and a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects if you register the ring. However, the process here can be more complicated than other jewelers, as you need to visit a local partner to buy the center stone and finalize the design. While the engagement ring designs are beautiful and we appreciate the perks, Gabriel & Co is considered "just average” due to the extra steps involved in the purchasing process.
Szul
Based in Manhattan's Diamond District, Szul carries a decent range of engagement rings designed to save you money by cutting out the middleman. They have over 600 engagement ring styles priced between $219 and $4,529, with free shipping, free gift packaging, a 30-day return policy, and a 60-day warranty. Szul provides budget-friendly options but lacks high-end, unique designs, offering only basic styles and no platinum settings. While Szul has an "A+” BBB rating and minimal complaints, customer feedback is sparse and often outdated, and most engagement rings lack detailed reviews. Despite some improvements, Szul's short warranty and potential shipping issues mean they still have room to grow.
Zales
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
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.
Jared
Jared, owned by Signet Jewelers, is known for its engagement rings offered through over 200 stores and an extensive online shop. While it offers a wide variety of more than 3,000 rings and provides free consultations, Jared's prices can be high even with discounts. But, Jared's filters help you find what you need quickly, delivery options are flexible, and returns are easy with a 30-day policy. Unfortunately, the warranty coverage here is limited, and quality issues are common, with many customers reporting rings breaking and poor craftsmanship in general. Despite Signet's high BBB rating, Jared's own reputation is significantly marred by negative reviews. If (s)he goes to Jared like the commercials say, you might wind up regretting it.
Continued from above...
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!
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