Saturday, January 28th
2023 Engagement Ring Reviews
Blue Nile
- Over 700 engagement rings to choose from
- In business for over 20 years
- "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
- Free shipping on all orders in the US, including complimentary overnight on orders over $1,000
- 30-day returns, no charge for return shipping
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Complimentary cleaning and inspection on diamond rings
Blue Nile stands out as one of the original jewelry stores with no retail store presence, just an online storefront. Since 1999, more than two million people have shopped here! Because Blue Nile has much less overhead than a traditional jewelry store, they can pass along major savings to you - while still offering gorgeous engagement rings in a wide range of styles.
Respectable selection
While you won't find engagement rings here that are quite as extravagant as their non-bridal styles (check out the Extraordinary Collection Pear Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold if you want to see what we mean), you've still got styles ranging from a simple solitaire for $250 up to a Gallery Collection Emerald-Cut Three-Stone Halo in Platinum for just under $15,000. There are about 750 engagement rings to choose from with Blue Nile, unless you go the custom route and design your own.
Take advantage of alllllll the details
There's zero chance that Blue Nile will miss an important detail on the engagement ring you want. They've got some of the most thorough product descriptions we've ever seen! These details tell you exactly when you can expect your jewelry to arrive, give you every possible customization (like side stone shape or metal), and multiple views of how the ring looks by itself and on someone's hand. The only part that was tricky to find was financing, and all we could tell is that shoppers can get a Blue Nile Credit Card. This store doesn't seem to offer much beyond that.
Free shipping and 30-day returns
Blue Nile has one of the most generous shipping policies: not only is it free on all orders in the US, but if your order is over $1,000 you'll get complimentary overnight delivery. Of course, that only applies for items that are ready-to-ship; many of the higher-end rings here have longer production and shipment timeframes that won't get it to you that fast. You've also got 30 days to return your jewelry for a refund, and Blue Nile will pay for your mailing costs back to them.
Great coverage post-sale
Blue Nile hopes you'll be happy with your engagement ring for a lifetime, and yours will come with forever coverage of any manufacturing defects. They'll also clean and inspect your ring at no charge: you're on the hook for the shipping there, and they've got you covered for the return delivery. While Blue Nile doesn't offer its own extended warranty protection for damage or normal wear and tear, they've partnered with Jewelers Mutual and can help you connect with them to get a quote on a policy if you wish.
So close to first place
Blue Nile almost took the prize among retailers of engagement rings, and the Better Business Bureau gives them a vote of confidence with an "A+" rating and accreditation. However, we weren't 100% thrilled with the customer comments we saw recently: they're still mostly positive, but there were just enough complaints about jewelry quality and customer service to keep Blue Nile from getting our highest rating.
Highly recommended for engagement rings
You've got many reasons to choose Blue Nile for your engagement ring, from selection to shipping and then some. And, if you love the idea of an online-only jewelry store - especially if you don't have brick-and-mortar options nearby - this is definitely the way to go. It would only take a slight increase in customer satisfaction to move Blue Nile into a tie for our highest-recommended retailer of engagement rings.
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Where's the Best Place to Get an Engagement Ring Online?
That's not a question anyone would have asked twenty years ago, but it's a really smart one to ask now! Sure, many ring shoppers still buy their rings from a local jeweler - often at the first place they visit - but they're missing out on a lot.
Starting your search for the perfect "Will you marry me?" bling on the internet puts the world's best selection within reach. This is a piece of jewelry that could be handed down in your new family for generations, and you want it to be as unique and beautiful as your relationship. Whether your intended has already dreamed up exactly what she wants to see on her finger or you're going by the hope that you'll know it when you see it, online engagement ring retailers have you covered.
Engagement Ring FAQ
Continued from above...
The other big reason to buy the ring online is price. Local jewelry stores have to pass on their overhead costs to you, but internet stores aren't spending money on rent, face-to-face salespeople, or utilities at brick-and-mortar locations. You could save as much as 50% for an engagement ring of the same quality, carat weight and clarity - or better!
Best of all, there's no pressure to buy it right now when you use an online jeweler: you get all the time you need to compare different styles, design your own one-of-a-kind piece, or maybe even send some contenders to your future fiancee to see if you're on the right track! (And, ladies, that works in reverse too: why not drop a few hints with links to the rings you love and make it easier on your beloved?)
Afraid that it might not be safe to have your ring delivered? Fear not. If you choose an online jewelry store that does have a location near you, it's easy to order the engagement ring online and have it shipped there. It's a clever way to keep it out of the hands of porch pirates - and to keep it a surprise until you're ready to pop the question! Most stores will hold it for up to 30 days. For online-only jewelers, rest assured that they'll send your ring with plenty of insurance in the event of loss or damage during transit.
And, you've got nothing to worry about with sizing or returns either. 30 days is the standard window for sending back your purchase for a refund or exchange, and many jewelers offer complimentary resizing - often for up to a full year. Plus, if your engagement ring comes from a retailer with a brick-and-mortar presence, you've got the convenience of in-store returns and resizing on top of that.
Ready to begin your search? You might feel a little overwhelmed: this is a big deal, after all, and you want to get it right the first time. As you consider which jewelry store should earn your business, here are some criteria that can help you judge for yourself:
- Selection. More styles, settings, and even loose diamonds to choose from will translate into a better shopping experience and a higher likelihood that you'll find an engagement ring (or several!) that will be the perfect centerpiece for your proposal.
- Value. Whether your budget is $600 or $60,000, you want a high-quality ring that's worth what you're spending. Check to see if there are customer ratings for any jewelry you're considering, to see how it looks in reality vs. the stock photos displayed online.
- Financing. Not everyone has a big chunk of cash on the ready. Does the jeweler offer payment plans with reasonable terms?
- Return Policy. Most online jewelry stores give you 30 days to send back your items as long as they're in the original condition. Some stores extend that to 60 days, and you may find longer-than-average timeframes for engagement rings purchased during the holidays.
- Reputation. None of the previous factors matter if you buy your ring from an unreliable retailer. Make sure that a store has a strong history of customer satisfaction before you commit to your purchase: a good grade from the Better Business Bureau and lots of five-star customer ratings are both signs of a trustworthy jeweler.
You need an engagement ring that really stands out, and we can help! TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's best options for buying a ring online, and we hope this information makes your shopping effortless and your proposal a moment to remember forever!
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