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Friday, April 18th
Szul has been an online ring retailer since 1999, headquartered in Manhattan's Diamond District. They offer a wide selection of engagement rings, sourcing diamonds and other gemstones from around the world to bring you savings by cutting out the middleman.
Modest selection of budget-friendly rings
Szul isn't going to blow your mind with celebrity-tier, high-end engagement rings. The selection of just around 600 styles is priced from $219 for a simple solitaire (1/10 carat) to $4,529 for a 1.5 ct solitaire in white gold. The styles are very basic, and, if we're being frank, not very original. You can use the filters to get a better idea of what's possible, where you'll see that only white/yellow/rose gold is an option (no platinum), there's nothing crazy in the stone shapes (just round, princess, cushion, oval, and emerald), and the setting types are your essential halo/solitaire/3-stone/side-stone designs. Yes, you can "design your own” but even then you're choosing a stone and one of Szul's ready-made settings: there's no "work with a designer” service here.
Delivery is (theoretically) free
When you first visit Szul's site, you might get a pop-up offering a 12% discount for providing your email address. The code is displayed immediately, so no waiting for an email. You'll also get free shipping on any order, but be aware that some customers reported their packages arriving with postage due. Additionally, all engagement rings come with free gift packaging, but that doesn't go beyond the basic black box with a velvet interior.
Average returns, below average warranty
Szul has a 30-day return policy, but you must get an RMA first to avoid a 35% restocking fee. Their warranty only covers 60 days of "wear and tear repairs,” which doesn't stack up well against competitors.
Needs more buzz from customers
Szul has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, with only one complaint in the past three years. However, customer feedback is sparse and mixed, with some reviews being several years old. Most positive reviews mentioned a smooth shopping experience but the customers hadn't received the rings yet to provide more detailed feedback.
Ratings don't come with reviews
Individual ring ratings on Szul aren't very reliable. For example, one engagement ring we considered had a 2-star rating but with no detailed reviews explaining the low score. This makes it hard to trust the ratings for the engagement rings you're considering (when there are any to even look at).
Still room to improve
Szul has gotten better since our last evaluation, especially with their new "A+” BBB rating and fewer negative reviews. However, their warranty is still lacking, and you might face issues with shipping costs. We can't fully recommend Szul for buying engagement rings just yet, but they've earned a decent rating from us for their efforts.
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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