Where You Can Buy an Engagement Ring Online & In Stores

Ready to take the next step in your relationship but unsure of where to purchase an engagement ring? Knowing where to start can be hard, but there are plenty of places to buy an engagement ring, both online or in person.

Below is a list of the 7 best places to find the perfect engagement ring for your future spouse. 

James Allen

James Allen is the largest privately owned online diamond and bridal jewelry retailer in the world. At James Allen, you can purchase loose diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry all on one easily accessible website.

If you would rather purchase your ring in a physical store, they have two locations in the United States.

The first store is located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C, where you are able to drop by whenever you want. The second location is a showroom on 5th Ave. in New York City. In order to shop at the New York City location, you must reserve a spot in advance.  

 

Services & Return Policy

James Allen offers a myriad of useful services that make them stand out amongst the competition. Being nearly completely virtual allows them to cut costs and ensure that the focus is on giving customers the best quality and service possible.

Additionally, James Allen provides free shipping on all orders, a 30-day money back guarantee, and one free ring resizing within the first year of purchase, which includes shipping costs within the US and Canada.

Best of all, they have easy returns with a 100% money back guarantee on all items. All products have a lifetime guarantee. 

For those ethically conscious buyers, James Allen has over 200,000 certified conflict free diamonds, all of which have been photographed in 360 degree HD. They also have diamond experts on call 24/7 to ensure all customers get the help they need when making such a large purchase. 

Moreover, if customers refer a friend to James Allen, the friend will receive $150 off their first order and the customer will be given the option of $150 off their next purchase, a $50 Amazon gift card, or the option to donate to charity. 

 

Etsy

Etsy is an online platform offering a wide variety of unique engagement ring options for every budget and style. From vintage diamond rings to fun and unusual gemstone rings, there is something for everyone on Etsy.

They are self described as a “global marketplace for unique and creative goods” (About Etsy). All products on Etsy are created and sold by individual entrepreneurs ensuring that each product is special and that there is something for everyone. 

 

Services & Return Policy

It is important to note that when customers are making a purchase, they are not directly buying from Etsy. Rather they are buying from a small business that uses the platform as a means of displaying their products and conducting transactions. As a result, each seller will have their own return policies, which should be outlined in their Shop Policies.

Be aware that not all sellers accept returns. Additionally, orders can only be cancelled by the seller. In order to do so, customers can request their order be cancelled through Etsy Messages. 

Etsy also provides a feature known as a case system. The case system is used in the unlikely and unfortunate event that a customer’s order does not go as planned. The case system can be used when items are not delivered or when they are not what was described by the seller.

Etsy can issue refunds in the customer’s original form of payment or issue Etsy credit. There are situations where the case system will not apply. Read Etsy’s Buyer Policy for further information. 

 

Blue Nile 

Blue Nile is an online diamond, engagement ring, and fine jewelry retailer that offers extremely high quality diamonds at a great value. Blue Nile offers a wide variety of product choices that are sure to make any buyer say, “I do!”

The company consists of a team of passionate and knowledgeable non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts who ensure that the customer always comes first. They pride themselves on their innovation and are constantly pushing to be the best in their business. 

 

Services & Return Policy

Blue Nile prides itself on their ability to save customers money while also giving them the highest quality pieces possible. Every engagement ring is handcrafted and quadruple checked by the various diamond and fine jewelry experts employed by the company.

All diamonds purchased by Blue Nile are certified conflict free and adhere to the standards of the Kimberley Process. They offer over 150,000 diamonds so all customers are bound to find one that suits them. All Blue Nile diamonds are GIA certified and come backed by a 30-day return policy and a lifetime guarantee. 

Though Blue Nile expects to have the lowest prices, they do typically match another seller’s price if a customer finds a diamond that has comparable qualities and characteristics to that of one on their site. 

Finally, they offer the option for customers to design their own ring on their website. Customers can choose their metal, setting, diamond, and even add a personal engraving to the piece. 

 

Catbird

Catbird is a New York based independent jeweler that offers a wide variety of gorgeous dainty, vintage inspired engagement rings that are sure to excite.

All engagement rings are either handmade by their jewelers in Brooklyn or crafted by any one of the designers the company works with. This means of designing and creating engagement rings ensures that all pieces are conflict free, ethically sourced, and extremely high quality. 

 

Services & Return Policy

Catbird offers a smattering of beautiful already-made rings to choose from or customers can always design their own one of a kind ring. If customers are confused about the process of designing or purchasing an engagement ring, they offer the option to email their wedding experts, schedule a free consultation at their Wedding Annex, or drop by their flagship store on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. 

Returns for items purchased online can be sent back for a refund or credit within ten days of receiving the package. In order to be eligible for a return, all items must be unused and in their original packaging. A $5 return shipping charge will be taken from the refund.

Items purchased in store are eligible for exchange or store credit only. These must also be made within 10 days of purchase along with a receipt. Note that all sale items, special orders, customer jewelry, and engraved items among other things are final sale. This goes for items purchased in store or online. 

 

Jared The Galleria of Jewelry 

Jared is a retail jewelry store chain with over 274 locations across 41 states. They provide a simple online shopping experience that is comparable to shopping in person. They promise impeccable quality natural and lab-created diamonds as well as a large selection of bridal and fashion jewelry that is sure to please every customer.

Jared also partners with a wide variety of notable designers including Neil Lane, Vera Wang, Natalie K, and Tacori, which ensures that every person will find exactly what they are looking for. 

 

Services & Return Policy

At Jared, the customer comes first. Like Blue Nile, they offer a price match guarantee, which means they will match the price of any similar natural or lab created diamond of the same quality and characteristics. All of their products are certified ethically sourced and backed by a free lifetime guarantee.

Every single Jared location houses a custom design studio that is available for all customers to help them create the perfect ring. 

Items can be returned or exchanged within 30 days after purchase. All returns can be processed online, but all exchanges must be done in store. 

 

Kay Jewelers

Kay Jewelers is the leading jewelry store in the United States with over 1,000 stores. While they are a large company, Kay knows that purchasing an engagement ring is a big milestone, and they are dedicated to ensuring that all customers are well taken care of and supported throughout this process. 

With a wide variety of rings from modern to vintage to simple to ornate, Kay has the right ring for every person. Ring selections designed by Adrianna Pappell and Neil Lane to Disney and Hallmark ensure that the choices are endless. 

 

Services & Return Policy

If you are looking for a one of a kind engagement ring, Kay offers the option to custom design your own ring. With the help of their experts, they will guide you through the process of crafting a distinct ring perfect for the love of your life. For more help, they also provide a 24/7 jewelry concierge who can answer any pressing questions any time of day. 

Purchases can be returned in store or online up to thirty days after your order was shipped. If you would rather exchange your item, you must do so within 60 days of purchase. All exchanges must be done in store. 

 

Zales Jewelers

Zales Jewelers is a store that offers a variety of jewelry options to every guest. From everyday basics to bridal sets, Zales has exactly what you need. They are most well known for their diamond bridal jewelry, which represents the largest part of their business and has earned them the moniker “The Diamond Store.”

Zales offers an assortment of bridal pieces including designs from acclaimed designers Neil Lane and Vera Wang among others. Zales is guaranteed to have the perfect diamond ring for your future fiancé. 

 

Services & Return Policy

If you are worried about the cost of an engagement ring, Zales is here to help. They offer three different payment plan options. The first option is to open a Zales Diamond Credit Card in order to qualify for zero down special financing on purchases of $300 or more.

The second option is the Lease Purchase program, which allows customers to pay off their jewelry over 12 months. The final option is similar to the second in that customers use a website called Affirm to pay off their purchase over an extended period of time. 

Returns are allowed within 30 days of purchase, while exchanges are allowed within 60 days of purchase. 

 

FAQ

Here are a few more answers to some other questions you might still have about buying an engagement ring. 

 

Is it safe to buy an engagement ring online?

Depending on the retailer, it is very safe to purchase an engagement ring online. Be sure that you research any place before making a purchase to ensure that they are a reputable company. Familiarize yourself with their return policy so there are no surprises throughout this process. 

 

Can I return a ring I buy online?

It depends on where you purchase the ring from. All of the jewelers listed above have various return policies that are unique to their site and their store. Prior to making a purchase, read the company’s return policy. 

It’s helpful to figure out the correct ring size before ordering – you can go off the average ring size and get it resized if you’re keeping it a surprise, however. 

 

Can I custom design a ring online?

Many places offer the option to custom design an engagement ring online. Some companies are solely online retailers with no in person options given. As such, designing online is a safe and collaborative process. If you are not happy with the finished product, most companies will allow you to return or exchange it for something else. 

 

How much do engagement rings cost?

The cost of engagement rings varies based on a multitude of factors including stone type, stone size, metal, and retailer. They can range anywhere from $100 to $100,000. Some retailers offer diamond price match guarantees to make sure you get the best price.

That being said, how much you are willing to pay for an engagement ring is completely up to you. It is best to go into this process with an idea of your budget as well as the most you are willing to spend on an engagement ring. Some retailers also provide payment plans so you can pay for your purchase over time instead of all at once. 

 

Do I have to buy a diamond engagement ring? Alternate stones

Whatever stone you decide to put in your engagement ring is up to you. Diamonds are the classic choice, but they are not for everybody. 

Moissanite is a great stone for an engagement ring especially if you are looking for something that is ethically sourced and comparable in looks to a diamond, but costs less. Moissanite is a lab created gemstone that is extremely durable and can stand up to everyday wear and tear.

Though it is compositionally very different from a diamond, moissanite looks extremely similar and it is oftentimes difficult to differentiate the two with the naked eye. 

Popular precious colored gemstones used in engagement rings are sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. The use of semi precious gemstones including opal, moonstone, garnet, and topaz are also on the rise. 

 

What style of ring should I buy?

The style you choose is up to you and your fiancé. Here is an extensive list of engagement ring styles and ideas for you to consider. 

 

Conclusion

Purchasing an engagement ring is a huge decision. It is important to be informed about the place you decide to purchase your engagement ring from. Remember, the perfect ring is out there. You just have to keep searching, and if you cannot find it, design it!