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Friday, February 3rd
Want to get your engagement ring from the diamond experts? Helzberg Diamonds could compete for that title, having been in business since 1915 and with over 200 brick-and-mortar stores throughout the United States.
Small-ish selection, easy to navigate online store
We were a little surprised by the somewhat meager selection of just under 500 engagement rings on Helzberg's online store, priced from $400 to $23,000. But, your options go through the roof if you consider that this jeweler also offers a Create-Your-Own service where you can start with a specific diamond (or other gemstone!) or a setting that you like. Either way, you'll have no troubles finding engagement rings that catch your eye. Use the filters on the side to narrow down the possibilities by price, metal, stone shape or any other feature you have in mind. And, if you see a ring that's "close but not quite" , click on the "Shop similar styles" icon to see what Helzberg has that might better fit the bill.
Lots of financing choices
Speaking of bills, Helzberg Diamonds offers many more financing options than we've seen with most of their rivals. While you may only see the Helzberg credit card offered on individual engagement ring product pages, you can click on the link towards the bottom of the site to see all of the choices. These include a revolving line of credit through Genesis, lease-to-own through Progressive Leasing, up to 24 months of financing through Affirm, or even a four-payment, no-interest plan through PayPal. Your specific options may vary based on the amount of your purchase and your credit history.
Here's a hint
Looking at the pages for specific engagement rings, you'll find ample information about the jewelry itself, from dimensions to carats. Some of the pieces have customer reviews, but you're not going to find comments from hundreds of people on any particular ring. A couple of features we really like are Helzberg's "Drop a Hint" (you'll find that under the dropdown for choosing a ring size) and the estimated delivery box that lets you know how quickly your engagement ring could be delivered. Standard ground shipping is free on all orders over $99 (which includes everything in the engagement ring collection), expedited options are available for an extra fee, and you can always choose to have your jewelry shipped to a local Helzberg Diamonds location near you.
Are you opposed to pre-owned?
If you're looking for an engagement ring or bridal set at a significant discount, be sure to check out the Sale and Clearance section on the Helzberg online store. This is the only jeweler we reviewed that offered pre-owned pieces, and there were about two dozen rings on offer at the time of this evaluation. (And no one has to know that you weren't the first person to buy it...)
Could be more customer-centric with their shipping and returns
While at first glance Helzberg Diamonds doesn't have the most generous shipping policy, with a minimum spend of $99 to get free delivery, that really doesn't apply when buying an engagement ring (since they're all well over that amount). However, paired with the fact that this store used to have a 60-day return policy and they've downgraded it to just the standard 30 days, we're not sure we like how this is trending.
One-year warranty covers manufacturer defects
And yet, this jewelry store guarantees the workmanship and materials of your engagement ring for up to a year after you buy it. It's not going to cover accidental damage or wear and tear, but Helzberg will make it right if any problems result from manufacturer defects.
Customer feedback is a little sparse
Reputation is certainly no concern with Helzberg Diamonds. They've easily earned an "A+" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with almost no complaints filed there. Always a great sign! We'd like to see a little more feedback from shoppers though, given that most of the engagement rings on Helzberg's site have no ratings at all.
Good enough to trust
There's no reason not to buy an engagement ring from Helzberg Diamonds if you find something you like at the right price. Their online inventory is much bigger than what you'll find in their stores, and they've got a long, storied history spanning more than a century. Helzberg doesn't have as many rings to choose from as our higher-rated jewelry stores, and we don't love that they shortened their return period, but overall it's a trustworthy place to get a ring.
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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