Saturday, September 14th
2024 Engagement Ring Reviews
Blue Nile
- Selection includes over 150,000 loose diamonds, 300 settings, and 100 ready-to-ship engagement rings
- Free virtual and showroom appointments
- Free shipping on all engagement rings
- Free returns within 30 days of shipment
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty on all rings
- "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
- In business since 1999
Founded in 1999 by Mark Vadon, Blue Nile revolutionized the engagement ring shopping experience. Vadon's frustrating experience purchasing an engagement ring in a store inspired him to create a better way. Blue Nile offers an impressive selection of high-quality, conflict-free diamonds and ring settings that you can explore online with detailed images and comprehensive information. Renowned for competitive prices and a transparent buying process, Blue Nile makes it easy for you to find the ideal engagement ring from the comfort of your home.
You choose the stone and the setting
Be prepared for a bit of a do-it-yourself feel to the engagement ring shopping at Blue Nile. Unlike most of this jeweler's rivals, who tend to provide tons of ready-made rings and leave customization options as an add-on, Blue Nile only has a little over 100 complete rings to choose from. That may sound like a downside, until you realize that Blue Nile specializes in putting the choice in your hands (or on them, if we're being punny!). Here, customers usually start by shopping for the perfect setting (over 300) or the ideal diamond (over 150,000 to choose from).
They'll guide you as much as needed
Does that make you feel a bit panicky? Don't stress. Blue Nile offers free virtual appointments. These appointments provide one-on-one help to pick out a diamond, view settings up close, or answer any questions you may have. If you prefer an in-person experience, you can schedule a showroom appointment at one of Blue Nile's physical locations.
Some quick-delivery options
Blue Nile understands the importance of timing when it comes to proposing. You can set the "shipping date by” option (on settings or ready-to-ship rings, but not on diamonds) to ensure your ring arrives on time for your special moment. The "Ready to Ship” selection of engagement rings is your best bet if you don't feel comfortable putting together a diamond and a setting or you're eager to get that "Yes!” sooner rather than later.
Check out the customer reviews
We also like that lots of reviews are available on many settings and rings at Blue Nile. For example, the Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold, at a starting price of just $530 for the setting, had over 1,100 ratings at the time of our visit (though we did notice that the reviews were often duplicated, making it more like 300-400 in total). You can also filter those reviews to display only the ones with images or videos, which we love.
Exclusive discounts and free shipping
Looking to save on your engagement ring purchase? Blue Nile offers a "Save $50” promotion when you provide your email address, giving you $50 off an order of $500 or more. Plus, enjoy free shipping on all orders. And, if you're concerned about the surprise being spoiled by a delivery to your home, you can opt for the "hold for pickup” option at secure locations during checkout.
Hassle-free returns in 30 days
Blue Nile offers a 30-day return period with free return shipping and insurance, providing more peace of mind with your purchase. Note that the jeweler allows two complimentary returns per customer per year.
Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Every engagement ring from Blue Nile comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty. If there's a defect due to manufacturing, Blue Nile will repair or replace the ring. For regular wear-and-tear, they'll provide a repair quote when possible. To help you take care of your ring, this jeweler gives you free cleaning and inspections every six months, though you'll have to cover the cost of sending it in (Blue Nile pays for the return shipping). Additionally, you can insure your ring through Blue Nile's partnership with Jewelers Mutual, a reputable insurance company. That's smart to consider, because the lifetime warranty doesn't cover stones that fall out through normal wear and tear or other damage.
"A+” rating from the BBB
Blue Nile maintains an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction. Although there have been over 100 complaints in the past three years, each one received a timely and appropriate response from Blue Nile.
Addressing recent complaints
However, we noticed that the number of complaints has increased recently, leading us to adjust Blue Nile's rating a bit. While many customers praise the excellent customer service and quality of their engagement rings, negative reviews on Trustpilot have become more common. Issues such as discount codes not applying correctly and rings arriving in less-than-perfect condition have been noted. However, Blue Nile consistently addresses these concerns promptly.
Still a recommended ring retailer
Despite a few bumps, Blue Nile remains a reliable and reputable choice for purchasing engagement rings. The customer perks, like free shipping and lifetime warranty, along with the extensive selection of beautiful settings, diamonds, and ready-made rings, make Blue Nile a compelling option. We remain hopeful that the recent negative reviews are an anomaly and still give Blue Nile an enthusiastic recommendation.
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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.
Engagement Ring FAQ
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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