Where's the Best Place to Get an Engagement Ring Online? 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.
Subpar
Zales, who recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary with over 400 stores nationwide, is part of the Signet Jewelers group along with three other brands in our review. Despite its own extensive history, Zales doesn't quite outshine its competitors when it comes to engagement rings. Let's see why.
Affordable rings under $100
If you've got nothing but time on your hands (pun intended!), you could choose to browse all 5,000+ engagement ring options at Zales. Just looking at prices alone, Zales has quite a few options under $100; many of them aren't really traditional engagement rings but rather costume-type jewelry with center stones in peridot and onyx, for example. But, you could get a lab-created white sapphire in sterling silver as either an engagement ring or bridal set for just $63.20, if your love is big but the budget is tiny.
You can spend almost $50K here too
On the other hand, if your love (and your wallet) knows no bounds, Zales comes in hot with several engagement rings in the $20K to $49K bracket. The last time we shopped at Zales' online jewelry store, their highest-end ring was the 2 7/8 ct. tw. Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, and no, you can't buy it in stores because it's an "online exclusive". (Just another reason to shop for your ring online!)
Filters get you to the right rings quickly
However, cost is probably just one of several factors going into your decision about what engagement ring to buy, and Zales offers plenty of filters you can use to see what they have that fits your quest. "Get It Fast" shows you only the rings that can either be picked up today or delivered same-day (just make sure you have your preferred Zales location set there), or that will ship in 1-3 business days. On the latter, there were just over 100 styles out of Zales' 5,000+ that qualified, but it's still good to know that if you decided last-minute that you're asking your love to marry you, you're not left with something weird like a gum wrapper twisted into a circle (don't laugh, that's a thing!). Of course, you can also use filters like Metal Type/Color, Stone Type/Color/Shape, and Gender (because men wear engagement rings too!).
Where are the ratings from previous buyers?
What's missing? While browsing through Zales' 5,000+ engagement ring options, we found that most of them didn't have any ratings. This overall lack of reviews means you can't rely on other customers' feedback to make your decision.
Designer rings are on point
If you're interested in one of Zales' three designer collections (Vera Wang, Enchanted Disney, and Shahla), it's easiest to browse the selection directly instead of waiting to see what pops up in the matches after you've applied the filters. Our favorite collection is Enchanted Disney, with rings inspired by all of the princesses (and even the villains). What better way to show her that she's "part of your world" than a ring with a seashell motif carefully hidden in the crown, or to emphasize that she's no longer waiting for her prince(ss) to come? We also want to mention that all of those collections give you the ability to customize, if maybe you don't quite want to design a ring from absolute zero (though Zales does offer that).
Help is at the ready
You can take advantage of Zales' free consultations to help you find the perfect ring or create one from scratch. These sessions can be in-store or virtual, and there's also live online chat for quick questions. Regardless of the jewelry store, we always recommend using these no-cost help sessions, just to make sure you really understand what you're buying in the greatest detail possible before you hit that "place order" button.
Discounts pop up from time to time
To save a bit on your first order, watch for the pop-up offering a discount, like $50 off a purchase of $300+. Zales often has promotions similar to its sister brands in the Signet family, such as a 10% military discount and additional discounts on select clearance items at the time of our visit.
No surprises in the returns
Zales' store policies are fairly standard. You have 30 days to return your engagement ring or 60 days to exchange it, but free shipping only kicks in at $199, which isn't as generous as some other jewelers that offer free delivery on lower amounts. (But, let's be real, it's going to cover pretty much every engagement ring you could be thinking about buying!)
Consider extra protection
To protect your engagement ring, you might want to upgrade to a Lifetime Protection Policy. Zales commits to replacing your diamond if it's lost or damaged, but additional coverage for the metal and other parts of your ring might be necessary. These plans are priced out on the item pages, and while manufacturer defects are typically covered for the first year, details are sparse.
Reputation doesn't exactly sparkle
Reputation? Zales has an "A+" rating from the BBB, though nearly 600 complaints have been filed in the past three years. Common issues mentioned there include problems with in-store service, financing misunderstandings, and dissatisfaction with the return policy. Unfortunately, Zales, like other Signet brands, has numerous negative reviews across third-party sites too. Frequent complaints in places like Trustpilot mention poor service, unhonored warranties, and damaged jewelry after repairs, leading to a lot of dissatisfied customers. It's not a good look for one of the most well-known options for buying engagement rings, and it doesn't get any better the more you dig into Zales' ratings and reviews.
Best of the worst?
Zales earns a mediocre rating, sadly. Despite the convenience of its widespread locations and familiar name, the lack of attention to detail, poor post-purchase service, and numerous complaints make it less than appealing for such a major (and emotional!) purchase. We recommend exploring higher-ranked retailers for a better engagement ring shopping experience, because Zales is a let-down overall.
Continued from above...
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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What Are the Different Types of Engagement Rings?
The decision to get married is one of the most important that you will make in your life. Of course, before a wedding takes place, you and your significant other will first be engaged. Traditionally, the man gives his future wife an engagement ring to signify his intention to be with her forever. However, it's not uncommon for either a man or a woman to wear such a ring. Let's take a look at the various types of engagement rings and what you should know before buying one.
Ready Made Rings Are Great for Those on a Budget
A ready-to-wear (RTW) ring has a center diamond inside of it by the time it reaches the jeweler's case. In some cases, the jeweler will make the ring on their own after being inspired by a product that they saw in a magazine, online or at another retailer. The key benefit to such a ring is that they tend to cost less than others on the market because they tend to be simple products. Therefore, they may be best for younger couples who don't have a lot to spend or for those who don't necessarily care if they have the fanciest or largest ring.
Previously Owned Rings Can Save Money and the Environment
Preowned rings may be an effective way to save money while also helping to conserve natural and human resources. This is because buying an existing product means that there is no need to mine a new diamond or to have someone weld or otherwise put it together. It's worth noting that a ring is considered to be preowned as soon as its original owner trades or sells it.
Therefore, it may be possible to obtain a product that is only a few years old and that comes with high quality diamonds or other jewels. You may also come across vintage or antique rings that possess a unique charm that newer products may lack regardless of how well they are made.
Designer Rings Can Be Customized to Your Heart's Content
Designer rings tend to be among the most expensive that a person can buy, and this is partially because they are made by entities that generally don't make their products available to the public. Instead, you have to go through a jeweler that has a relationship with the company that makes it. In a way, it's similar to the process of buying a new car. Instead of working directly with Ford or Toyota to buy your next vehicle, you have to go to an authorized dealer.
Although designer rings are more expensive than other products available for sale, they have a relatively high level of customization. At a minimum, you'll be able to choose the diamond that goes in the center of the ring. You may also be able to choose the material used for the setting.
Modified Designer Rings May Also Be Worth Buying
A modified designer ring allows you to take a finished product and add more to it. For instance, you could choose to add a ring of stones around the center diamond, add a second band or take other steps to make your dream ring. As with a traditional designer ring, a modified product is going to be costly.
This is partially because you'll need to pay someone to physically alter the ring on your behalf. Furthermore, you will be expected to pay for any additional diamonds or stones that you put on your engagement ring. However, this type of product does allow you to create something that no one else has, which may be worth the extra money.
A Brand Name Signature Rings Is Something That You Can Show Off
A signature ring is one that has the name, logo or other hallmark of a famous designer inside of it. If you are looking to acquire something that could be considered a status symbol, you should seriously consider buying a signature diamond engagement ring.
It's also important to note that a signature ring typically uses diamonds that have been screened for quality and clarity. This means that you are assured of getting a product that you will be proud of for a long time to come. It also means that the ring will likely hold its resale value, which is important if you are interested in trading or selling it at some point in the future.
As the diamonds used in a signature ring are certified, you will know the story behind the product that you are buying. For example, you will likely be told where the diamond came from and who certified it. Knowing these facts may be important if you are looking for a product that has been sourced in an ethical manner.
Antique Rings Can Offer a Blend of Quality and Value
An antique ring is classified as one that was made at least 100 years ago. Therefore, if you were buying such a product in 2022, you would be wearing something that was created at roughly the same time as cars and planes were first becoming popular.
Buying such a product may be ideal if you are a history buff or someone who wants to ensure that a legacy item can continue to be appreciated for another 100 years. Although older rings can be expensive, this is not necessarily the case. For instance, you may be able to find a classic piece at a garage or estate sale for a fraction of its actual market value.
In some cases, individuals may be willing to gift antique rings to those who promise to keep and appreciate them for the rest of their lives. This can be an excellent way to retain a connection to the past and find a quality ring that doesn't break your budget.
What to Consider When Buying Rings Online
There are many jewelers that sell their goods online in addition to a physical retail location. In some cases, jewelers will only sell their goods online, which means that you'll need to take extra steps to ensure that you're getting a quality product.
If you are buying from an online retailer, be sure that the diamonds are certified or can otherwise be shown to be legitimate goods. It may also be a good idea to review a retailer's return policy to ensure that you can get your money back if you don't get something that you are proud to give to your future spouse.
As a general rule, it is safe to buy an engagement ring from a jeweler that only does business through a digital storefront. However, you'll want to make sure that your preferred jewelry has a strict privacy and security policy. Otherwise, your information may be exposed to people who could use it to commit identity theft or fraud. Fortunately, most retailers commit to meeting or exceeding encryption standards.
It may also be in your best interest to take a look at a given retailer's Better Business Bureau (BBB) page. This will tell you about any problems that the company has had with government regulators or individual customers. It will also tell you how long a retailer has been in business as well as anything that might set it apart from the competition.
A Symbol of Your Love
An engagement ring is a symbol of your love and devotion to your future spouse. Even if you don't spend thousands of dollars on it, you still want to buy a quality product that your partner will want to show off for years to come. Whether you buy from a physical retailer or an online entity, it's generally in your best interest to compare products and prices from at least three jewelers. This will help to ensure that you get a quality ring at a price that you can afford.
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