login | register now 
Home » Engagement Rings » Should I Buy An Engagement Ring Online%3F

Should I Buy An Engagement Ring Online?

Frankly, we can’t say either way.  Online stores are going to tell you it’s safe, and B&M jewelers are going to tell you it’s not.  We’ll give you both sides of the coin and let you decide for yourself…

Pros to Buying Engagement Rings Online
A wider selection is a huge factor.  The internet offers an endless array of merchandise from around the world – accessible at your fingertips.  Some online vendors will even offer the ability to create your own engagement ring.  Fancy websites even have 3-D images of the rings on virtual hands!

The convenience factor is also pretty nice.  You cancel out the pushy sales people and all the other hassles of shopping around.  Plus, if you’ve got your four Cs picked out, price comparisons among vendors is very easy. 

The prices on these Internet sites are also very appealing – the comparison capabilities make price gouging impossible.  Plus, diamond dealers online simply don’t have anywhere near the overhead costs stores do, so their prices stay low.  To sweeten the deal, buying a piece of jewelry online from an out-of-state vendor can be tax-free.  No tax can knock off quite a bit of money on a high-priced diamond. 

Certificates and appraisals are often part of an online purchase.  Considering there are a lot of jewelers that only hand over a receipt with your ring, a third independent evaluation is a nice bonus.

Credit card transactions make things safer for you.  If you’re not happy with your ring, just call up the merchant and inform him you intend to issue a chargeback unless he refunds your money.  It may take some time to get a refund – but at least you’re not out thousands of dollars!  FYI, too many chargebacks on a vendor’s record means they lose their processing privileges and risk their business.  So, they have a lot to loose by not cooperating with you.

Cons to Buying Engagement Rings Online
Not being able to see the diamonds in person. This isn’t a toaster…you’re not picking out an alarm clock...this is a big deal…an expensive deal, and you’re giving it to a very important person.  It’s nerve wrecking to make a choice like this online when you’re going on pictures.  Build in a little extra time, incase you don’t like the ring when it arrives and you’re running low on shopping time.

Returns may be tricky. Although many online merchants offer wonderful and convenient return policies, you still have to mail it in, and sometimes the fine print makes it impossible for you to comply with their refund terms.  Silly things like “original packaging” might throw you for a spin.  You also should consider that only 2 percent of online retailers survive (Bloomberg Network), so that retailer may not be around to receive that diamond ring.

Treated diamonds are an increasing problem.  To avoid getting stuck with one, make the sale contingent on a breakage guarantee and/or a money back guarantee. 

Service may be problem.  If you need to get the ring’s prongs tightened, sized, etc. you’re going to have to mail it in each time.  That is if they even offer those services.  Often times, online vendors are done with you once they’ve made the sale.  Be aware you may have to find a local B&M to care for your ring after the online transaction is complete.

Shipping and Handling fees might add up, nullifying all that money you saved on taxes!  Some jewelers build their profit into handling fees, not the diamond.  That way whether you keep the diamond ring or not, they just made some money.  Avoid jewelers who charge handling fees that are non-refundable if you can.    

That’s our input…good luck deciding!

Comments

I recently purchased an

d's picture
On December 21st, 2008 d says:

I recently purchased an engagement ring for my soon-to-be wife online. My experience, although I was skeptical at first, was simple, timely, and we couldn't be happier. For men who really don't know what they are looking for, do a little research! I started by exploring my options for diamonds and metals. I knew I wanted to purchase a piece of jewelry that would last a lifetime, so it had to be durable and not easily worn down with everyday wear.

I found an amazing site ( http://www.engagementguide.com ) that gave credible advice on diamond quality, cut, settings, and compared the various options available for choosing a metal. Although many people opt for gold as it is economical and readily accessible, I opted for platinum because there really wasn't a comparison on what you get with platinum in comparison to other metals-durability, rarity, purity, lasting beauty, and it is preferred by most women (ask around).

I didn't want to deal with a sales person, so I decided to begin looking online. The best part was that I could view so many design options and compare price and look so easily. Many of the rings I like were found on sites where I could actually speak to someone on the phone if I had questions. As with anything, just make sure the site checks out and read the legal terms. I was very happy with my experience and thought the price was relative to an in-store purchase. Also, as far as maintenance goes, with platinum, there is little to maintain, maybe an initial sizing and occasional polish.

Good feedback, very useful.

That really is a great site.

danmichaels's picture
On July 31st, 2009 danmichaels says:

That really is a great site. I was looking at an EQ Platinum ring that I found on a similar site, but I wasn't sure on the quality of the product.

Any tips on how to find if a company is really selling the real thing?

 I've been searching for an

leejaedong's picture
On September 14th, 2009 leejaedong says:

 I've been searching for an online shop/dealer as well. I'm planning to propose to my longtime girlfriend. I've came across DiamondsForHer.com - and so far they've been really helping me a lot with my search for a ring. I'm currently torn between getting just the diamond itself and find a local shop for the setting or just purchase one all together from a shop. Also, I've been thinking, what are your thoughts about palladium? I'm really on a budget, but of course I don't want my girl to think that my love is cheap. 

 

Buying a Diamond: Online, Retail, or Wholesale?

esector's picture
On January 20th, 2009 esector says:

Clicks, bricks, or bulk—which is best for you? Learn key differences between buying diamonds online, in brick-and-mortar retail stores, and through wholesalers. Plus, read useful tips on buying from each channel. Learn more --- Buying a Diamond: Online, Retail, or Wholesale?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before ruthlessly making sacrifice

ricy's picture
On September 26th, 2009 ricy says:

 

 

Before ruthlessly making sacrifices to lower the price of an engagement ring, couples must consider what characteristics of the ring are most important to them. If a single solitaire diamond is the most important part of the ring, the couple will want to focus their budget on finding a quality diamond while minimizing accent stones or expensive metals that drive up the price. If, however, an elaborate design is the bride-to-be’s idea of the perfect ring, it may be more important to choose less expensive stones so more of the budget can be concentrated into a stunning arrangement of multiple gems.

 Stocks

 

 

Wholesale Jewelry

kasun's picture
On September 6th, 2009 kasun says:




We specialize at Wholesale Jewelry and all Silver Jewelry. You can find in our best Jewelry store the most attractive and best quality products.




 

I have a advice

martinw's picture
On September 11th, 2009 martinw says:

 

 

Before buying a ring online you should consider few things.

1.Dimensions of the wedding Ring

2.Gemstone choice and mounting

3.Enhance the meaning

 

Regards,

Scotsman ice machine

Congratulations for

Alessandra212's picture
On September 11th, 2009 Alessandra212 says:




Congratulations for this efficient work. Keep up the good job! My choice is a solitaire, I love it!

luxury shopping deluxe card for nyc shopping in New York stores

 

It is better to buy after check it

ricy's picture
On September 17th, 2009 ricy says:

It is better to buy after check it. You have to consider few things before buy. How it will fix to your finger an d exact colour weight.

 

Regads,

wii

 

 

if you have a copy of

Alessandra212's picture
On September 24th, 2009 Alessandra212 says:

if you have a copy of certificate for diamond and so on may be you will feel more comfortable.

New York shopping  - shopping à new york - new york concierge

She is looking godzious with

raijo's picture
On September 28th, 2009 raijo says:

She is looking godzious with that ring..I totally agree that its way too loud! It screams for attention to the fact that they have money! It Loud and Gaudy!! work from home jobs.
Regards,

The couple will want to

hero's picture
On October 8th, 2009 hero says:

The couple will want to focus their budget on finding a quality diamond while minimizing accent stones or expensive metals that drive up the price. If, however, an elaborate design is the bride-to-be’s idea of the perfect ring, it may be more important to choose less expensive stones

avon reversalist

Its necessary thing to check

divider's picture
On September 28th, 2009 divider says:

Its necessary thing to check it before we are going to buy..We have to check that does it suits to our finger,does it really fit,etc..Thanks for the suggestions...wholesale clothing.
Regards,

My wedding ring is white gold

hana1's picture
On September 29th, 2009 hana1 says:

 

My wedding ring is white gold and I believe needs a rhodium plating as it seems to have a coating that is gradually wearing away. I bought this ring in Tenerife so does not have a UK hall mark but has "650" stamped inside can you what does this means and can you tell from this the quality of the gold? It is an extremely heavy ring with 6 diamonds and we paid approx £1000.00 for it, I really worried I think that I have paid over the odds for my wedding ring not that this matter because it is precious to me. What are your thoughts without seeing it?

auditions

Check more information about

Alessandra212's picture
On October 9th, 2009 Alessandra212 says:

Check more information about customer reviews about the seller ...



Einkaufen in New York | shopping à new york | shopping a new york 
|Ostokset New Yorkissa | shoppa i New York |
shoppa i New York | new york discounts shopping | new york shopping |

This site contains really

kallis22's picture
On October 9th, 2009 kallis22 says:

This site contains really good posts to watch.I decided to begin looking online. The best part was that I could view so many design options and compare price and look so easily. Many of the rings I like were found on sites where I could actually speak to someone on the phone if I had questions. As with anything, just make sure the site checks out and read the legal terms.Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
james - BidSwamp Banner Auction TO

Buying a ring via online is

joseibell's picture
On October 17th, 2009 joseibell says:

Buying a ring via online is not a bad idea, because we can select the cute one by checking it on web site. But we must aware of payments.
Thanks
Rowan Designer Handbags