Don’t Sacrifice Quality: The Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings

Few gifts inspire the kind of careful planning, research, and comparison shopping that an engagement ring does. This signature gift needs to be the right material, with the right size, appearance, weight, and warranty, to ensure that it lasts a lifetime. That said, there’s no shortage of retailers offering engagement rings that range in price from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the quality and materials used. In a market where price can easily go up, and quality can be hard to truly verify, it’s a good idea to cut through the noise and marketing material, focusing exclusively on who the best retailers are for this key purchase.

1. Blue Nile

Blue Nile has been in the online engagement ring business since its inception in 1999. The company has differentiated itself from more traditional jewelers by specializing in engagement rings and wedding bands, focusing on a few classic and iconic ring designs, and emphasizing the quality of its materials. Blue Nile also allows customers to choose the exact diamond that will be placed into any engagement ring design. This innovative feature allows customers to inspect the diamond virtually, using an interactive experience, so that they can choose the clearest diamond with the proper color and cut for their needs. Even better, Blue Nile offers some of the best prices on engagement rings and diamonds, either online or offline, and sells each ring with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

2. Tiffany & Co.

There is perhaps no high-end engagement ring, or engagement ring box, more iconic than one from Tiffany & Co. The luxury retailer offers customers a series of white gold and platinum rings, encrusted with diamonds and offering high-carat center stones, that are sure to be a hit. The company is noted not only for its high-end engagement rings, but also for its top-ranked customer service experience during the sale and for the lifetime of the engagement ring. Complimentary cleanings and ring maintenance appointments can be made for the duration of the ring’s lifespan and maximize the value of the purchase price significantly.

3. James Allen

James Allen is another retailer that operates exclusively online. Its ring selection is a bit narrower than what is offered by Blue Nile, but the company still allows customers to select and inspect the exact diamond that will be placed into the engagement ring design of their choice. James Allen offers gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum materials, and diamonds that range in size from a fraction of a carat to upwards of 3 carats, based on taste and budget. Online ring shopping isn’t for everyone, however, so options like James Allen and Blue Nile should only be used by customers who feel safe “window shopping” electronically. It should be noted that the company has a money-back guarantee to compensate for any disparities between online expectations and offline appearances.

4. Kay Jewelers / Jared

Kay Jewelers and Jared, which are owned by the same holding company, offer customers the best of both worlds when it comes to midrange engagement ring options. Both companies feature online and offline stores, free basic maintenance on engagement and wedding rings, and opportunities to customize the ring’s center stone and materials. Because these two stores are national retail brands, they benefit from massive scale that helps to lower the overall cost of engagement rings for buyers in all segments of the market.

5. Local Jewelers

Though big brands and online retailers claim a lot of the publicity when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring, local jewelers often have quite a bit to contribute as well. Locally owned and operated jewelers offer customers the benefit of a local relationship, unique brands and designs, and the ability to offer flexible pricing that might be just right for younger buyers. Supporting local companies also helps to boost local economies and create local jobs, which makes it a “sustainable” choice for engagement ring shoppers as well.

Several Great Choices for a Stunning Engagement Ring

Whether it’s a large online retailer or a small, locally owned jeweler, there are many ways to find the perfect engagement ring design, material composition, and diamond. Be sure to comparison shop between national brands, online options, and local alternatives, to find the best combination of price, long-term warranties, and customer service, and it will be easy to find the right ring for any taste and occasion.