Buying a diamond engagement ring can be nerve-wracking right out of the gate. Not only do you have to work up the courage to propose, but you also have to shop for an engagement ring that might cost at least a month’s worth of rent. Not to mention, being a jewelry novice, you have no idea what to look for, what anything is worth or the difference between mined and simulated lab grown diamonds.
Never mind having to decide whether to buy the best engagement ring in a brick and mortar jewelry store or opting to buy one online. Since both ring styles come with pros and cons, it’s really up to you to decide which option suits you best. Buying an engagement ring is an investment, so it behooves you to act wisely and do your research of any jewelry store you’re considering purchasing from, both online and in store. So how do you choose the perfect ring? Below is a complete guide on how to find the best place to buy an engagement ring online and in-store for your special someone!
Pros to In Store Jewelry Shopping
It’s Exhilarating:
There’s no denying the rush that comes when you get to browse an actual jewelry store, handle the merchandise, and touch and feel your way to a monumental decision. You get to work directly with a jeweler face-to-face, you can discuss things like engagement ring style preferences and ring sizes, and even try on different rings if you plan on taking your lady with you to help pick it out. If you’re flying solo, there’s always at least one female clerk willing to be the mannequin and try it on for you. Don’t know what style of ring you want? Do you want a diamond ring? What color do you want—are you looking for yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold? Do you know the difference between high setting vs. low setting engagement rings? The in-person clerk can also help you find the perfect engagement ring by showing you the different design and style options as well as explain cut, carat, color, and clarity.
Many Options to Choose From:
Many stores and retailers offer an excellent selection and are some of the best places for moissanite engagement rings. The size and location of the store factor in, but if it’s a bigger store in a popular area, you will no doubt find a smorgasbord of quality extravagant and minimalist engagement rings to choose from. Stores often feature merchandise from different designers so that shoppers have plenty of options, no matter their budget. Some places even allow you to create a custom ring, allowing you to choose from a variety of precious metals and stones. If you decide not to create a custom engagement ring, but still can’t find what you’re looking for, ask a clerk. It may be something that can be special ordered.
If the quality engagement ring you are coveting is worth more than your car loan, financing might be helpful. Certain diamond engagement ring retailers will offer long-term financing for customers with good credit so that you can purchase that dream ring. Other stores offer a layaway option instead of a line of credit. This can work if you are buying the ring long before you intend to give it to your lady love because you have to wait until the ring is paid off before you take it home. Otherwise, financing is the better choice.
Perks and Upgrade Policies:
If you buy a ring that fits your budget now, but later down the road decide you’re ready to upgrade to something worth a little more, with a bigger diamond, some stores offer perks like upgrades and buy-back policies. This allows you to buy a ring now and later on trade it in for something you want more. This is also great if you accidentally buy a ring she hates. You can return to the store, they will buy it back, and she can then purchase her dream ring instead.
You Build a Face-to-Face Relationship:
In this world, relationships are everything. Good relationships make the world go round. One of the perks of buying a ring in store is that you get to meet with your jeweler, shake their hand, and discuss ring options while looking each other in the eye. A great jeweler will also be your teacher, asking questions and showing you different rings, styles, and cuts that fit your budget. Because you are building an actual relationship, you can go back to them for repeat business, or for housekeeping items like getting your rings cleaned or re-sized. That’s a pretty nice bonus to shopping in store.
Pros to Online Jewelry Shopping
Excellent Customer Service:
Some of the best online engagement rings are found—well—online. Finding the best place to buy online wedding ring is easy with so many options available. There can be significant benefits to shopping for your engagement ring or wedding band online instead of in a store. While it’s true you can’t have a face-to-face interaction with your fine jewelry; you can still build an excellent rapport and relationship virtually. Many reputable online jewelers offer premium, personalized customer service paired with knowledgeable expertise. As with in store ring shopping, do your homework ahead of time, and you’ll know quickly which online stores are worth their salt.
Shop at Your Own Pace:
Online shopping is blissfully free of the sales pressure that comes when shopping in a store. You can browse to your heart’s content, change your mind a thousand times, and there’s no one panting over your shoulder, judging your every move or pushing you toward a ring you don’t actually want. You don’t get a hard and heavy sales pitch from a clerk trying to meet his daily quota and bonus; you can even shop in your skivvies if you want!
You Can Shop a Large Selection:
While local stores can be limited by their size regarding how much inventory they can sock away, online stores are a different beast entirely. Online stores have no major constraints on the inventory they can keep stocked because they aren’t hemmed in by the size of their store. They are limited only by the size of their warehouse. As a result, online jewelers offer some of the best deals, with some of the largest selections you can find anywhere. And just like a regular store, if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can often special order it.
Online Stores Mean Savings:
Since online stores don’t have as much in the way of overhead, their cost of doing business is significantly less than a brick and mortar store. Many online diamond retailers work this into their pricing structure and pass those savings along to their customers. You’ll also find negotiating on price is much more comfortable with retailers that you find online because they have more room to breathe and still turn a profit. When buying online, you may also benefit from any promotional sales. You may find that buying engagement rings on Black Friday or around Valentine’s Day brings more savings.
Online Shopping is Easy:
In today’s era of push-button technology and instant gratification, online shopping for the unique engagement ring is easy and safer than ever. Many online retailers also offer perks like lifetime warranties, free ring sizing, and free shipping and returns.
Online Jewelry Shopping Doesn’t Steal the Experience:
Some might even say it enhances the experience. Since ring shopping online eliminates much of the stress that comes with browsing rings in a crowded store, you can focus on simply enjoying the process. Since many online retailers offer perks and savings you won’t find elsewhere; there’s not much of a downside to shopping online.
Some Tips for Buying Fine Jewelry Online
Whether you’re looking for minimalist engagement rings or high setting vs. low setting engagement rings, most online stores will have something for everyone. If they don’t, they can certainly order it and have it delivered in the same amount of time it would take you to go elsewhere and make a purchase.
However, to ensure you get the best experience when shopping online, be sure to:
- Be smart in your vendor choice: Choose a jeweler that’s reliable and trustworthy. Do your homework and make sure whoever you deal with is reputable. Legit jewelers won’t mind if you ask to see supporting documentation on your gemstone rings of choice. If they aren’t willing to provide any, that’s a red flag right there.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Just because your jeweler is an online retailer, it doesn’t mean you can’t communicate and build a relationship with them. Ask questions, whether it’s through chat, phone, or email, and don’t accept vague replies. You’re investing in their business, and you should know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Don’t rush perfection: The beauty of shopping online is that there is no pressure. You don’t have to rush. You can take your time, shop and compare, research different cuts, styles, and designs, and ultimately find exactly the ring you’re looking for. All because you paused while shopping and didn’t feel rushed or strong-armed into buying a ring that you weren’t sure you liked in the first place! There’s beauty in simply trusting the process and enjoying the moment.
- Don’t be afraid to return a ring you hate: If the jeweler is reputable, they will have no problem allowing you to make a return, with no questions asked and no extra charge for return shipping. You can return a ring and get your money back, or return a ring in exchange for something else. You just pay the difference.
As you can see, buying an engagement ring or wedding band in store is great and does have some appeal. But nothing beats buying your engagement ring online, from the comfort of your own home, with no slimy sales pressure, at sometimes a fraction of the price you’d pay for the same wedding ring at your local jewelry shop. There’s just no contest! If you’re looking for handcrafted heirloom quality jewelry at low prices, we’ve got you covered. Diamond Nexus is the best place to search for engagement rings on sale. We will offer you the best quality, prices, and customer service during your online shopping experience.
*Here at Diamond Nexus, we strive to provide valuable information while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab created diamond simulate that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog.