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Saturday, January 28th
Our first place "winner" for "most underwhelming online jeweler for buying engagement rings" goes to Diamonds USA. They proudly advertise that they've been offering "safe and secure online shopping since 1997" - and their outdated-looking, somewhat odd website feels like it hasn't changed much since then.
Business is legit, website is lame
Be assured that Diamonds USA is an actual business: there's no scam involved, and the owner and founder of the company, David Braverman, brings a lifetime of experience as a diamond cutter to the table. However, this wealth of expertise doesn't necessarily make for an intuitive shopping process with his online store.
Disappointing shopping experience
The selection of engagement rings is fairly basic, with around 500 to choose from. You can also use Diamonds USA's design-your-own service to come up with a piece that is uniquely yours (or hers!). Prices go from $250 to $5,000 on ready-made rings; custom items will vary, of course. Finding the right ring, however, can be an ordeal.
Shopping is not easy
You can start by choosing a category - maybe avoid the "Cheap Engagement Rings" section unless budget is a limiting factor? - but even then there's no easy way to sort through the possibilities. And even if you already have an idea of what to search for, Diamonds USA has a lot of spelling mistakes that would stop you from finding it (like "wheet motif" instead of "wheat" and "bayby" instead of "baby" ).
Engagement ring buying that feels amateurish
Have you ever been to a rummage sale, where the assortment of items is haphazard at best and the price tags are all over the place? That's how we felt when shopping here. Compared with rival jewelers, Diamonds USA is disorganized and even a little puzzling. The prices feel like they were converted to dollars from another currency: there's no $599.99 or $1,000.49 like you'd see elsewhere, but odd amounts like $1,116 or $704.
30-day returns
If we were pressed to point out something positive about Diamonds USA, we'd highlight their 30-day return policy. You can get a full refund on any non-custom items as long as you let them know within 30 days from when you received your engagement ring. It's also a good sign that there were no complaints registered against Diamonds USA on their BBB listing - there's not much feedback about this store anywhere, really.
Don't shop here until there's an upgrade
At the end of the day, though, it's hard to find a reason why anyone would choose to get an engagement ring from Diamonds USA when there are so many easy-to-shop retailers out there. If this store were to make some significant upgrades to their online storefront to be more in line with the competition - helpful filters, no typos, quicker to find what you're looking for - it would probably wind up with a much higher ranking. In the meanwhile, we recommend that you shop for your engagement ring with an online jeweler with a stronger presence.
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.
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:
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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