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Wednesday, March 19th
Jared is one of several engagement ring retailers in our review that are owned by Signet Jewelers, a large company with a reputation spanning nearly 100 years. Jared wants you to feel like it's a huge win if "He went to Jared” for your engagement ring at one of its 200+ brick-and-mortar locations or its extensive online storefront, but is it? We'd say no, and we'll tell you why.
Might be higher pricewise, even with a deal
It's easy to find an engagement ring at Jared that fits your budget, even before you start filtering the selection by price. Check out the Deals & Clearance section or scroll through the homepage to see current specials. When we visited, Vera Wang bridal sets were 25% off, and clearance items had an extra 30% discount. You'll still want to shop around, though: Jared's prices can be on the higher side, even compared to its sister brands under Signet Jewelers.
Nothing but true engagement rings in the selection
At the same time, we like that Jared doesn't waste our energy by showing us rings that aren't really suitable for a proposal: some of its rivals include promise rings and fashion jewelry in their engagement selection. When you ask Jared to show you all 3,000+ engagement rings and then organize them from low-to-high price, the first entries will probably be settings that are on clearance. That's what we're talking about! On that end of the price spectrum, the settings we saw at the time of our visit were all priced around $460. You can also find simple-yet-elegant solitaires for just under $500. Displaying Jared's rings from the highest-priced styles, you'll also find a simple-yet-VERY-elegant solitaire for $50,000 on the dot, as well as a handful of rings by Pninia Tornai and Vera Wang in the $20K range.
Use filters for easy browsing
Make use of Jared's filters to quickly find the engagement ring you want. If you need a ring in a hurry, use the "Get It Fast” filter. Have a specific metal color, setting style, or budget in mind? The filters make it easy to narrow down your choices. You can also see prices and different metal color options as you browse. Use the "compare” button or the heart icon to save your favorites. It's straightforward and user-friendly.
Complimentary consultations
Unsure about which ring to buy? Jared offers free consultations with their ring specialists. Just click the "connect virtually” button and follow the steps. You can book a 60-minute session if you're looking for guidance on choosing an engagement ring. You can also start a design process or set up service and repair appointments. You have the option to chat live anytime or schedule an in-store appointment at a Jared location near you.
Flexible delivery options
When it comes to delivery, you can have your ring shipped to your nearest Jared store for free. You can also opt to have it sent to a UPS Access Point (for orders of $5,000 or less) or directly to your home, but items over $1,000 will require a signature. If you're in a rush, you can shop your local store's inventory online and get same-day delivery by placing your order by 1 PM local time.
Easy returns and exchanges
Jared offers a 30-day window for returns and exchanges. Exchanges must be done in person at a Jared store, but returns can be processed either in-store or by mail using a pre-printed return label provided by Jared, which is insured for the full purchase price.
Warranty coverage falls short
A major downside to Jared is its limited warranty protection. For engagement rings, Jared includes a complimentary lifetime guarantee on diamonds and gemstones, but the metal of the setting is only covered by the additional "Forever Cherished” plan, and you'll have to add that to your cart at checkout (with pricing determined by the engagement ring's price). Without this plan, you're out of luck if something goes wrong with your ring.
Quality issues and customer complaints
Jared faces significant criticism regarding the quality of its jewelry, especially engagement rings. Common complaints include rings breaking, stones falling out, and poor overall craftsmanship. Customer service often fails to resolve these issues in a way that leaves anyone feeling very satisfied. Despite Signet Jewelers' high BBB rating, Jared's reputation in particular suffers due to numerous negative reviews.
Look elsewhere for engagement rings
While Jared offers a wide selection of engagement rings and some appealing services, the quality and customer service issues make it our last-place choice. You're better off exploring other jewelers on our list that have better reputations for the quality of their rings and for their overall customer support. Jared gets a lower rating, and even that feels like we're being kind, given the consistent negative feedback this retailer has received.
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!
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