15 Best Places to Buy an Engagement Ring: Start Your Search Right!
I think we can all agree that engagement ring shopping can be a little overwhelming. Whether you’re scrolling online or visiting a jeweler in person, there are so many things to think about! From fit to design to materials to cost, it can be tough to get started.
But before you can think about picking the perfect ring, you need to make sure you are shopping at the best place to buy an engagement ring.
Do you just walk into any jewelry store? Should you visit a wholesaler? What about an online retailer? Can’t you just go to Amazon? Yes, but you probably shouldn’t…
You’ll need to find a place that offers a great selection at good prices, with excellent customer service and an efficient shopping experience.
Sound like a tall order? Don’t worry – we’re here to answer all your engagement and wedding ring questions, starting with where to buy one!
Engagement Ring Buying Considerations
Going to a jewelry retailer or an independent jeweler in person is often a couple’s first choice. These knowledgeable professionals can help guide you to the perfect ring. They also have lots of rings available to try on as well, so your soon-to-be bride can really get a feel for what she likes and doesn’t like.
However, we get that this isn’t always practical. Buying an engagement ring online can offer you a wider selection and alleviate some of the pressure of working with a salesperson. But when you’re shopping for an engagement ring, it’s not quite as easy as clicking “add to cart”!
What matters most when it comes to an engagement ring? Here are our top considerations when perusing rings both in-store and online.
Durability
A ring that she will wear day in and day out, before the wedding and for years to come, needs to be durable. Some materials are more durable than others, like titanium vs. rose gold. The same goes for settings and design. Look for a happy marriage of both style and strength.
Material
Speaking of durability, material plays a big role in how strong the engagement ring will be. The material can also change the look. This is true for color and engravings or design. For example, white gold can often be made into intricate designs but isn’t very scratch-resistant.
Stones
Of course, you can select a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond. But no one says you have to go the traditional route! You can opt for almost any stone as the centerpiece or embellishments of your engagement ring.
Personal Style
While you may want to keep things a surprise, it’s not the best idea to just choose a ring at random, especially if she will wear this ring for the rest of your blissfully wedded life together. Your fiancé will likely be much happier with a ring that suits her personal style.
What Should You Look For in an Engagement Ring Retailer?
Selection
Make sure the jeweler or shop you go to has a wide variety of rings to choose from. You know what they say: variety is the spice of life, or in this case, the potential happiness of life. Happy wife, happy life!
Ease
You have enough stress going on with asking for permission and planning a proposal. Do yourself a favor and choose a place that makes it effortless to shop for, select, and receive the ring.
Efficiency
Will you need to wait forever for the ring to ship? What if it has to be resized? Can they complete customizations? Usually, going to a one-stop shop that can make all modifications and has streamlined their processes is much more efficient than buying a ring in one place and having it modified somewhere else.
Customer Service
Look for the same qualities in their customer service that you searched for in your betrothed. Helpfulness, being supportive, understanding…you get the idea.
Buying a ring is a big decision and a big purchase, you don’t want to be left standing alone at the altar if you have questions or need help.
16 Best Places to Buy An Engagement Ring
1. Blue Nile
You’ve probably heard their name, and for good reason. Blue Nile is one of the largest online diamond retailers. Launched in 1999, they have continued to pair happy couples with independently certified, GIA-graded diamond engagement rings ever since!
When shopping at Blue Nile, you purchase directly from them with no middleman. This results in lots of benefits, like a price match guarantee, customization options, lower prices, and year-round 24 hours a day customer service.
Their online resources and helpful setup will walk you through the virtual shopping experience, step-by-step. If you need a little more guidance, you can even request a virtual appointment or visit one of their showrooms in select locations across the country. Did we mention that they sell loose stones too?
Diamonds and settings range from just over $1,000 to over six figures.
Shop Blue Nile if you want the widest selection in terms of diamonds, settings, and price points from a highly reputed online retailer.
2. James Allen
Much like Blue Nile, James Allen has made a reputation for themselves by offering a wide selection of engagement rings at a great value, all available for your perusal from your very own couch!
James Allen has a variety of certified, ethically sourced mined diamonds as well as lab-grown diamonds. You can choose from one of their many pre-set ring options, purchase a loose diamond set, or design your ring from scratch.
A pioneer of 360-degree video, James Allen makes it very easy for couples to view every single aspect of the rings they are browsing. Additionally, they have a virtual try-on feature that lets you see how the ring looks on your very own finger. All this is complemented by a 30-day return window, 24/7 customer service, free resizing within the first year, and a lifetime warranty for cleaning and care.
Their rings range from the low hundreds to six figures. They have one physical location in New York.
Shop James Allen if you want a high-tech online experience that makes ring shopping effortless, coupled with a huge selection at affordable prices.
3. Mejuri
Mejuri specializes in casual and modern wedding jewelry, perfect for the contemporary boho bride. Though their designated engagement selection may be on the smaller side, their collections are full of elegant rings that would make unique engagement options for the bride who wants to buck tradition.
Mejuri’s jewelry has a wonderful vintage vibe, possibly because they only use recycled gold as part of their sustainability efforts. All of their diamonds are ethically sourced as well.
Rings in the engagement section fall in the low thousands. Other collections have widely varying price ranges. They don’t use a middleman and strive to keep prices as low as possible for couples. Rings are available for engraving, but they don’t have any customization options.
Shop Mejuri if you want modern, high-quality pieces at fair prices.
4. Gemist
Envision Warby Parker, but with engagement rings.
Gemist is a really cool online retailer that lets you design and try on rings before buying. It incorporates all the elements of in-person shopping (minus the stress) into an at-home experience.
First, view their expansive selection of rings styles, cuts, colors, and designs. And it really is expansive, ranging from traditional diamonds to colorful stones.
Then, design your personal ring, customize any elements you want and get ready for it to be delivered to your door. They’ll send three “faux” ring options you can try on for up to two weeks before you say “I do” to your chosen ring.
Most rings start in the low $1,000s. Though their online shopping experience is incredibly easy, they do offer consultations with one of their experts if you need some additional input. Unfortunately, customized rings cannot be returned.
Shop Gemist if you want an at-home experience that lets you design, customize, and try on an engagement ring before committing.
5. Clean Origin
Clean Origin is the ultimate in ethical and earth-conscious engagement ring shopping. All of their stones are 100% lab-grown diamonds. They’re stunning and high quality, without making a negative impact.
Clean Origin makes finding a ring online a breeze thanks to their various ways to shop: by collection, style, cut, material, and more. You can begin with a design or completely custom design your ring by starting with a stone.
Most of their rings start around $1,500. With your purchase, you get free shipping, free resizing, and a 100-day return window. They have one brick-and-mortar location in Texas.
Shop Clean Origin if you want gorgeous, conflict-free diamonds at an affordable price point.
6. Leibish
If you weren’t already aware, colored diamond engagement rings are in!
Leibish is renowned for its fancy color diamonds and gemstones. They have been around since the late 1970s and specialize in colorful stones of extremely fine quality, all conflict-free and independently certified.
Engagement rings from Leibish are absolutely stunning, ranging in price from the low $1000s to over six figures. You can shop by stone color, ring design, or design your own engagement ring.
They have assistants ready to virtually assist you at any time, or you can speak with someone over the phone. Upon request, you can view stones at one of their numerous locations throughout the world. There is a 30-day return policy for all of their rings.
Shop Leibish if you want a vibrant, colorful ring of very fine quality.
7. Vrai
Vrai’s diamond engagement rings are simple and stunning. But their real claim to fame is that they’re conflict-free. All of their stones are produced in California with no mining required.
Vrai’s online shopping experience is hassle-free. Browse by style, stone, price, and more. You can build your ring piece by piece from a setting or stone or completely design it from scratch.
We also love that they have a “ready-to-give” collection of rings that can be shipped and delivered very quickly, in case your plans to pop the question need to happen sooner than you anticipated!
Most of their pieces are classic but with a contemporary twist. When shopping Vrai’s selection, you can do everything on your own, schedule an appointment with a specialist, or visit one of their in-person locations. They have a 30-day return policy, offer a lifetime warranty, a care package for all your cleaning and care needs, and overnight delivery for orders over $10,000.
Shop Vrai if you want conflict-free, classic yet unique rings that excel in the beauty of simplicity.
8. Ritani
Ritani makes ring shopping easy with their pre-selected engagement ring collections. Start by narrowing down a setting, then they guide you through the process of selecting your stone shape, material, delivery date, and price.
Speaking of price, many of their rings are quite affordable – proving that beauty doesn’t have to break your budget.
Ritani takes budget-friendliness seriously. One of their online features lets you answer questions based on your price range, then your favorite characteristics of a ring. After you answer each one, they’ll generate a personalized ring recommendation.
Customization, beginning from a loose lab-grown or ethically sourced diamond stone is an option too. However, their 30-day free return policy does not apply to custom creations.
Shop Ritani if you want a gorgeous diamond engagement ring that won’t break the bank.
9. Catbird
It doesn’t get any more romantic or whimsical than Catbird. With collection names like Fairy Lights & Snow Queens, you just know their designs are going to be something special.
Unique settings, colorful stones, and a nod to out-of-the-box creators, Catbird offers an assortment of rings at different price points. They carry designs from smaller independent jewelers, too.
A lot of their offerings are quite affordable, coming in under $3,000. You could get lost looking at all their lovely designs. Or, their inspiring selection might prompt you to custom design a ring yourself! They offer a 10-day return window, fast shipping with their “ship now” collection, and an option to pick in person at one of their three locations.
Shop Catbird if you want a romantic, distinctive ring at a budget-friendly price.
10. Tiffany & Co.
What is there to say about Tiffany & Co.?
With their world-renowned luxury jewelry selection and trademarked blue hue, Tiffany is a true staple of the fine jewelry world.
They have online shopping or a host of in-person stores. While their rings are high-quality and breathtakingly gorgeous, we can’t say that they’re the most affordable. However, they have a wonderful range of wedding jewelry options, including colored stones.
Tiffany’s offers online appointments, complimentary shipping, and a 30-day return window.
Shop at Tiffany & Co. if you want to shop a luxury jewelry designer, or just want to be a Tiffany Bride!
11. London
London Jewelers has been around since the 1920s. Their long history includes awe-inspiring jewelry designs, certified stones, and a commitment to quality pieces.
Most of their rings sway towards the traditional, though they do have some contemporary designs. You can shop for loose stones, settings, or ready-to-ship rings.
They do have quite a few brick-and-mortar stores, but none in the U.S. You can chat with one of their assistants online or in person if you happen to be near one of their locations. They have a 14-day return window and free shipping for orders of $300.
Shop London if you want traditional designs and rings of exceptional quality.
12. Brilliant Earth
A custom ring is just a few clicks away with Brilliant Earth. All their diamonds are guaranteed ethically-sourced -because they are lab-grown! With an engagement ring from Brilliant Earth, you can have a crystal clear sparkling diamond and a clear conscience.
Once you’ve selected the perfect center stone or stones, personalize your metal, setting, and overall ring design with their step-by-step customization process.
We love that they can assist you from start to finish, virtually! They have a virtual try-on app, virtual appointments, consultations, and lab-grown diamond education resources. Free shipping and a 30-day return window are other nice benefits.
Shop Brilliant Earth if you’re looking for a streamlined custom engagement ring process and eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds.
13. Kay Jewelers
Kay Jewelers is extremely well-known in the jewelry industry. They have everything from budget-friendly picks to fine luxury pieces. While they do have online shopping, there are numerous brick-and-mortar Kay jewelers across the country. You can have a jeweler guide you either in-person or online via a virtual appointment.
Either way, there are so many ways to shop. Browse exclusive collections with renowned designers, stone, stone cut, material, or style. Of course, you can always build your own completely unique ring too! They have a 60-day return window, same-day delivery or pick-up options, and free secure shipping.
Their engagement rings also come with a limited lifetime warranty including free resizing, as long as you stop in for regular six-month inspections. Our editor got her engagement ring and wedding band from Kay, and even after being sized up and down a couple times (for free), they still look as stunning as they did five years ago!
Shop Kay Jewelers if you want a wide selection and price range, both in-store or online.
14. Etsy
We love Etsy for engagement rings and practically everything else having to do with love, from proposal to the wedding to anniversary. You can find vintage rings, traditional options, and totally unique engagement rings that you won’t find anywhere else.
There are so many styles from various designers around the world that you could spend hours browsing (guilty). Etsy also suits a wide variety of budgets, from affordable to splurge-worthy.
Of course, there aren’t any physical locations to ring shop, but Etsy is a great place to start if you want to browse engagement rings online. The shipping, return policy, and personalization options depend on the seller.
Shop Etsy if you want completely unique, vintage, and even traditional rings that suit a myriad of price points.
15. Ceremony
Ceremony is relatively new to the online ring retail scene, but they are certainly making an impression.
Their top priority is ethically sourced and sustainable jewelry. All of their rings are made from recycled gold and diamonds. Many of their designs are bold and breathtaking, and of modern design much like their forward-thinking business ethos.
You can customize your ring to some extent, but cannot design a ring from scratch. Additionally, for sustainability purposes, they do not set loose diamonds and can only use their certified and recycled diamonds.
Don’t let the reprocessing of the materials fool you, though – their rings are of the highest quality. Most start in the low thousands. They have one brick-and-mortar store, but can send up to four ring samples by request.
Shop Ceremony if you are looking for bold, contemporary style engagement rings crafted from ethically-sourced materials by a company with a penchant for sustainability.
Engagement Ring Shopping FAQ
This really depends on your personal preference! Both have some great benefits and a few minor disadvantages. Learn more about the pros and cons with our guide to buying an engagement ring online.
It depends on the retailer. Most have at least a 30-day return window. However, it isn’t uncommon to see return policies that exclude customized rings.
It can be hard to determine if you’re getting a fair price, but shopping around should give you a good idea. Remember, you don’t have to purchase the first ring you see! Take your time.
The question should be, how much can you afford to spend on an engagement ring? Of course, you want to get your fiancé a gorgeous ring, but breaking the bank isn’t the best way to start your future together.
There are a few ways to pull this off. The easiest way is to take her to a jeweler to be fitted. If you want to be more subtle, you can size or send in one of her current rings. Some online retailers can send you a ring sizing kit to use and return.
Thankfully, most jewelers (both online and in-person) offer some sort of complimentary resizing just in case.
An Engagement Ring Endeavor
There are lots and lots of options when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring. From online to in-person, stalwarts of the industry and unique new up-and-comings, there are so many places to buy engagement rings, each with their own unique offerings.
Hopefully, this guide gave you some fantastic resources for your endeavor to find the perfect engagement ring. Cheers!
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Megan Moore
Megan’s wedding experience began over a decade ago when planning her dream ceremony. Since then, three kids have been added to the mix. Megan wholeheartedly embraces all things baby, childhood, and family. When she isn’t writing or chasing little ones you can find her running, hiking, or reading.
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