Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Tuesday, February 18th
Helzberg's story began with the founders' love story back in 1915, with their first store opening in Kansas City, Kansas. This love story was further celebrated in 1967 when Barnett Helzberg Jr. started giving out buttons that read "I am loved,” inspired by his own proposal experience. He encouraged people to "Buy her a diamond or give her a button, but in any case, tell her she's loved!” You can still pick up one of these iconic buttons for free at any Helzberg location today. Naturally, Helzberg hopes that when you stop by, you'll be drawn to their dazzling collection of engagement rings to even better express your affection and commitment.
Your proposal headquarters
Helzberg goes the extra mile when it comes to engagements. Not only will they give you access to plenty of rings to choose from, but they'll also walk you through important topics like "Popping the Question 101”, "How to Save, Budget and Pay for an Engagement Ring”, and everything you need to know about "The 4 C's” of color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. If you're brand-new to the whole engagement ring world, Helzberg's got you covered.
Look for the pop-up and other savings
As you browse the Helzberg site, you'll probably get a pop-up asking for your name and email address. In exchange, they'll give you $50 off your purchase of $199.99+. Every penny counts! Also check out the offers at the top of the site: during our most recent visit, there was a storewide discount of 20% on moissanite (in case you're not shopping for natural or lab-created diamonds but still want the sparkle).
Over 400 ring styles
Let's say you want a ring that's ready-to-order. Helzberg has over 400 to choose from, priced from $149.99 for a moissanite twist ring in sterling silver (which looks more like a promise ring than a traditional engagement style, for what it's worth) to nearly $15,000 for a Signature Collection Solitaire (round or princess-cut). The big time-saver is using the filters to get to the engagement rings you're picturing more quickly, whether that's designs at a certain price point, ones that are in stock at your local Helzberg so you can order online and pick up in person soon, the overall style or diamond type, and so on. We wish that reviews from previous buyers were more useful, but most of the rings we browsed only had one or two ratings, if any.
Design or ready-made, it's up to you
Like most of the best retailers of engagement rings, Helzberg has options you can order for quick delivery or design from scratch. If the latter is what's on your mind, though, you might be a little disappointed: unlike some places that give you access to actual designers who can incorporate all of the little elements you're picturing, Helzberg shows you just 6 styles (like twist, split, and three-stone). You then decide if you want a natural or lab-grown diamond, its shape and size, the clarity/quality, crown style, and so on. It felt a little more like playing with Legos, mixing-and-matching among some pretty standard elements and combining them, rather than truly designing a one-of-a-kind engagement ring.
Free consultation available
Still need some help selecting the perfect engagement ring? Helzberg offers free expert consultations, available virtually or in-store, and you can also get assistance via live chat. This service is particularly helpful since many rings on the website lack customer reviews, making expert advice invaluable for your decision-making process.
Say "I do" at Helzberg
One unique feature at Helzberg is their ordained in-store associates, allowing you to get married right at the store. Since 2019, over 100 couples have chosen this "elope here” option. Just remember, if you want to take advantage of this quirky perk, you'll need to pick up your rings in-store as we're pretty certain that they don't offer Zoom weddings.
Limited shopper benefits
Compared to some competitors, Helzberg's benefits are somewhat limited. Their 30-day return and exchange policy is shorter than some, and not all items qualify for in-store pickup. Free shipping only applies to orders over $99, which easily covers engagement rings, but it isn't as generous as some rivals who offer free worldwide shipping.
"A+” from the BBB
Helzberg holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to addressing customer complaints promptly. With over 200 locations, having just 110 complaints in three years is commendable. Many customers find beautiful jewelry (including engagement rings) within their budget and are pleased with their purchases.
High number of 1-star reviews
However, the customer reviews are a mixed bag, with many 1-star ratings alongside the positive ones. Common complaints include issues with jewelry repairs and quality post-purchase. Some diamond experts also critique Helzberg's stones as being overpriced for their quality. Given that the majority of engagement rings have at least one diamond (if not several), that's not an area where we're comfortable with such shortcomings.
A mid-tier option
Overall, Helzberg offers an average shopping experience for engagement rings. Their selection and service are decent, but nothing stands out as exceptional. Customer reviews average out to a middle-of-the-road rating, and that's the score we give Helzberg too. It's a reasonable place to shop for your engagement ring, but you might want to explore other stores that rank higher on our list first.
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