30 Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings

Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring: The Best Places to Buy Online

When it comes to engagements, selecting the right ring is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your journey toward marriage. It is a symbolic accessory that conveys deep emotions and represents the love between you and your partner. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many brides and grooms-to-be spend a considerable amount of time searching for the perfect ring that will reflect their desires and style. If you're looking for the best place to buy engagement ring, this guide will help you discover the top online destinations where you can find the perfect one!

Why Should You Buy an Engagement Ring Online?

Online shopping has firmly established itself as a reliable and convenient way to purchase high-quality jewelry, especially engagement rings. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider buying a ring online:

1. Wide Selection: Online stores offer an enormous variety of rings, from classic diamond solitaires to unique, one-of-a-kind designs. You're more likely to find the ring that fits your vision online compared to the limited stock available in many physical stores.
2. Convenience: Shopping online allows you to browse, compare, and purchase rings from the comfort of your home, at any time, and from anywhere in the world. This is especially helpful if you have a busy schedule or live far from physical jewelry stores.
3. Competitive Prices: Without the overhead costs of running physical storefronts, online jewelers can often offer better prices on engagement rings, sometimes up to 30-50% lower than traditional retail prices. Additionally, many online retailers run frequent sales, offer financing options, or provide free shipping and returns.
4. Customization: Many online retailers specialize in custom-designed rings, allowing you to personalize every aspect of your engagement ring, from the shape and size of the diamond to the metal of the band. This level of customization ensures that the ring is a true reflection of your relationship.
5. Transparency: Reputable online jewelry stores often provide detailed information about the diamonds and gemstones they sell, including certification from recognized authorities like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). You can easily compare carat weight, clarity, color, and cut quality to ensure you’re making an informed purchase.

Now that you know why shopping online for an engagement ring can be a smart decision, let’s explore the best place to buy engagement ring online, highlighting 30 of the top-rated retailers.

1. Blue Nile

Blue Nile is often considered the best place to buy engagement rings due to its large inventory of diamonds, user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer service. They offer thousands of GIA-certified diamonds at competitive prices and allow users to build their own custom ring by selecting the diamond shape, setting, and metal type. Blue Nile is known for its transparency, providing 360-degree views of most diamonds and ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.

Highlights:

• Extensive selection of loose diamonds
• GIA-certified diamonds
• Custom ring-building tool
• 30-day returns and lifetime warranty

2. James Allen

James Allen is another top contender for the best place to buy engagement ring online. The brand offers an innovative, high-resolution 360-degree video for each diamond, allowing you to examine every detail before making a purchase. James Allen’s customer service is highly praised, with experts available to answer questions via live chat or phone 24/7. Like Blue Nile, they also offer a build-your-own ring feature, and their prices are highly competitive.

Highlights:

• 360-degree video technology for diamond viewing
• Affordable pricing with frequent promotions
• Lifetime warranty and free resizing for one year
• Excellent customer service

3. Brilliant Earth

If you’re concerned about ethical sourcing, Brilliant Earth may be the best place to buy engagement rings for you. Known for its dedication to ethically sourced diamonds and eco-friendly practices, Brilliant Earth offers a selection of lab-grown diamonds, ethically mined diamonds, and recycled precious metals. Their website allows for easy ring customization, and they provide a variety of unique and vintage-inspired settings.

Highlights:

• Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
• Lab-grown diamond options
• Free shipping and lifetime manufacturing warranty
• Virtual appointments available with diamond experts

4. Ritani

Ritani combines the convenience of online shopping with the benefits of in-store viewing. After customizing your engagement ring online, you can choose to have the ring sent to one of their local partner jewelers for a free, in-person inspection before finalizing the purchase. Ritani offers competitive pricing and provides extensive education on diamond selection, helping users understand the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).

Highlights:

• In-store preview option at local jewelers
• Free shipping, returns, and resizing for one year
• Detailed educational resources for diamonds
• No hidden fees or markups

5. Zales

Zales is a well-known jewelry retailer with both brick-and-mortar locations and a comprehensive online store. For those who like the flexibility of shopping online but want the option of in-person service, Zales is a great choice. Their online store features a wide selection of engagement rings, from budget-friendly options to high-end diamond rings. Zales also offers financing plans and frequent discounts, making them an accessible best place to buy engagement ring for shoppers on various budgets.

Highlights:

• Flexible payment and financing options
• Large selection of budget-friendly engagement rings
• In-store services available
• Frequent online sales and discounts

6. Kay Jewelers

Kay Jewelers is another major retailer with both online and in-store purchasing options. They offer an extensive selection of traditional diamond engagement rings, lab-created diamonds, and customizable ring options. Kay Jewelers also provides a price-match guarantee, lifetime warranties, and regular promotions, making it a popular best place to buy engagement rings.

Highlights:

• Price-match guarantee
• Large selection of customizable options
• Lifetime warranty and service plans
• Regular promotions and sales

7. Whiteflash

Whiteflash is known for offering some of the most brilliantly cut diamonds in the world, thanks to their specialization in "super-ideal" cut diamonds. If you're looking for top-tier sparkle and performance, Whiteflash is one of the best places to buy engagement ring online. Their inventory includes ACA (A Cut Above) diamonds, which are cut to maximize brilliance and light performance.

Highlights:

• ACA super-ideal cut diamonds for maximum brilliance
• Comprehensive diamond education and detailed reports
• 30-day return policy and free resizing
• Excellent customer service

8. VRAI

VRAI focuses on sustainability and lab-grown diamonds, offering eco-conscious couples an opportunity to purchase stunning engagement rings without the ethical concerns associated with mined diamonds. Their diamonds are created using renewable energy, and they offer a variety of minimalist, modern designs. VRAI's transparency in pricing and commitment to sustainability make them a top contender for those looking for the best place to buy engagement ring.

Highlights:

• Lab-grown diamonds made with renewable energy
• Sustainable and ethical practices
• Sleek, modern designs
• Free returns and lifetime warranty

9. Diamond Nexus

For couples seeking an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, Diamond Nexus specializes in lab-created diamond simulants. These simulants are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds but come at a fraction of the cost. Diamond Nexus offers a wide variety of settings, making it a best place to buy engagement ring for budget-conscious shoppers.

Highlights:

• Affordable lab-created diamond simulants
• Wide range of ring styles and settings
• Free returns and lifetime warranty
• Ethical and environmentally friendly

10. Tiffany & Co.

For those seeking luxury, Tiffany & Co. is one of the most iconic names in the jewelry world. Known for their timeless elegance and high standards for diamonds, Tiffany & Co. offers a premium shopping experience both online and in-store. Their engagement rings come with a premium price tag, but if you’re looking for top-tier quality and a ring with lasting value, Tiffany is often considered the best place to buy engagement rings.

Highlights:

• Iconic brand with timeless designs
• High-quality diamonds and craftsmanship
• Full customization options
• Excellent customer service

11. Helzberg Diamonds

Helzberg Diamonds has been a trusted name in the jewelry industry for over 100 years. Their online store offers a wide range of engagement rings, from classic solitaire designs to more modern, intricate settings. Helzberg is an excellent place to buy engagement ring for those who want to balance quality with affordability. They also provide flexible financing options and a lifetime care plan for their jewelry.

Highlights:

• Extensive experience in the jewelry industry
• Free lifetime warranty and resizing
• In-store and online purchasing options
• Flexible financing plans

12. Jared

Jared is another reputable jeweler that offers both online and in-store shopping experiences. Their online platform provides a vast array of engagement rings, including custom designs and lab-created diamonds. Jared's wide selection and customization options make them a great best place to buy engagement ring, especially for those who want a personalized touch to their purchase.

Highlights:

• Custom ring design available
• Large selection of lab-created and natural diamonds
• Free lifetime warranty and resizing
• Frequent sales and promotions

13. Brilliantly Engaged

For those who want a fully bespoke engagement ring, Brilliantly Engaged specializes in custom jewelry design. They work with clients to create one-of-a-kind rings that fit their exact specifications, making them one of the best places to buy engagement ring for those seeking a unique and personal piece. Their team of expert jewelers ensures high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Highlights:

• Fully customized engagement rings
• Bespoke design process with expert consultation
• High-quality diamonds and gemstones
• Excellent customer service and support

14. Clean Origin

Clean Origin is a leading retailer of lab-grown diamonds, offering a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. Their website is user-friendly and provides detailed information about each diamond, allowing you to customize your ring with confidence. If sustainability and ethical practices are important to you, Clean Origin is an excellent best place to buy engagement ring.

Highlights:

• 100% lab-grown diamonds
• Affordable pricing compared to natural diamonds
• Free returns and resizing for 100 days
• Eco-friendly and sustainable practices

15. Gemvara

Gemvara specializes in custom fine jewelry, allowing you to personalize every detail of your engagement ring, from the type of gemstone to the setting and metal. Their website offers a wide range of customization options, making them a popular best place to buy engagement ring for couples who want to design a ring that is uniquely theirs.

Highlights:

• Customizable engagement rings
• Wide variety of gemstones and metals
• Made-to-order craftsmanship
• 45-day return policy

16. Catbird

If you’re looking for something delicate and minimalist, Catbird offers a stunning collection of engagement rings with a more modern, understated aesthetic. Their rings are crafted from recycled gold and ethically sourced diamonds, making them an ideal best place to buy engagement rings for couples who value sustainability and style.

Highlights:

• Minimalist, modern ring designs
• Ethically sourced materials
• Customizable options available
• Free shipping and returns

17. The Clear Cut

The Clear Cut is a New York-based jeweler that specializes in custom engagement rings. They offer a highly personalized shopping experience, working closely with clients to design a ring that perfectly matches their vision. For those seeking a unique, tailored piece, The Clear Cut is a best place to buy engagement ring for customization.

Highlights:

• Custom-designed engagement rings
• One-on-one consultations with expert jewelers
• Ethically sourced diamonds
• Personalized shopping experience

18. Reeds Jewelers

Reeds Jewelers has been in business for over 70 years and offers a wide range of engagement rings, from classic solitaires to contemporary styles. Their online store features a variety of diamonds, including lab-created and natural options, and offers flexible financing plans. Reeds is a great best place to buy engagement rings for those looking for both quality and affordability.

Highlights:

• Long-standing reputation in the jewelry industry
• Flexible financing options
• Lab-created and natural diamonds
• 30-day returns and lifetime warranty

19. Monique Lhuillier Fine Jewelry

For couples who appreciate designer luxury, Monique Lhuillier Fine Jewelry offers a collection of elegant and timeless engagement rings. Known for her bridal fashion, Monique Lhuillier's engagement rings feature intricate designs and high-quality diamonds, making her collection a top choice for those seeking the best place to buy engagement rings with a designer touch.

Highlights:

• Designer engagement rings by Monique Lhuillier
• Exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality diamonds
• Customization options available
• Complimentary shipping and lifetime warranty

20. Stephen Webster

Stephen Webster is a British jeweler known for bold, avant-garde designs that stand out from traditional engagement rings. If you’re looking for a ring that makes a statement, Stephen Webster offers some of the most unique and artistic designs, making it a best place to buy engagement ring for those who want something truly different.

Highlights:

• Unique, artistic engagement ring designs
• High-quality craftsmanship and gemstones
• Custom design options
• Personalized shopping experience

21. Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield is known for creating beautiful, alternative engagement rings that blend vintage inspiration with modern design. Her collection includes unique gemstones, intricate settings, and non-traditional styles, making Anna Sheffield a great best place to buy engagement ring for those who want a ring that breaks away from the classic diamond solitaire.

Highlights:

• Alternative engagement ring designs
• Use of unique gemstones and metals
• Vintage-inspired styles
• Ethical sourcing practices

22. Mejuri

Mejuri has gained popularity for offering affordable fine jewelry, including engagement rings that feature modern, minimalist designs. Their rings are crafted from ethically sourced materials and cater to couples looking for understated yet elegant pieces. Mejuri’s focus on everyday luxury makes them an appealing best place to buy engagement rings for those on a budget.

Highlights:

• Affordable fine jewelry
• Modern, minimalist engagement rings
• Ethically sourced materials
• Free shipping and easy returns

23. Taylor & Hart

Taylor & Hart specializes in custom-designed engagement rings with a focus on ethical sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship. They offer a wide range of customization options and work closely with clients to design the perfect ring. If you’re looking for the best place to buy an engagement ring with a bespoke design, Taylor & Hart is a great option.

Highlights:

• Custom-designed engagement rings
• Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
• Personal consultations with expert jewelers
• Free returns and resizing

24. Vancaro

For couples seeking affordable, non-traditional engagement rings, Vancaro offers a wide range of unique designs featuring colorful gemstones and intricate metalwork. Their rings are perfect for those who want something distinctive without breaking the bank, making them a great best place to buy engagement ring for alternative styles.

Highlights:

• Affordable, non-traditional engagement rings
• Unique designs with colorful gemstones
• Intricate metalwork and craftsmanship
• Free shipping and returns

25. Ashley Zhang

Ashley Zhang’s collection of engagement rings focuses on timeless, vintage-inspired designs. With an emphasis on quality and elegance, her rings often feature antique diamonds and hand-crafted settings. If you’re drawn to vintage aesthetics, Ashley Zhang is an excellent place to buy engagement ring for classic, heirloom-worthy pieces.

Highlights:

• Vintage-inspired engagement rings
• Antique diamonds and hand-crafted settings
• Custom design options available
• Ethical sourcing practices

26. Wwake

Wwake is known for creating modern, minimalist engagement rings that incorporate unique gemstones and asymmetrical designs. Their rings are perfect for couples who prefer a non-traditional look. Wwake’s ethical sourcing and distinctive aesthetic make them a popular best place to buy engagement ring for the modern couple.

Highlights:

• Modern, minimalist engagement rings
• Unique gemstones and asymmetrical designs
• Ethical sourcing practices
• Customization available

27. Bario Neal

Bario Neal is a jewelry brand dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices. Their engagement rings are handmade from recycled metals and feature ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. If environmental responsibility is important to you, Bario Neal is an excellent place to buy engagement ring.

Highlights:

• Handcrafted engagement rings from recycled metals
• Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
• Custom design services available
• Focus on sustainability and transparency

28. Erstwhile

Erstwhile specializes in vintage and antique engagement rings, offering a curated collection of timeless pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods. If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind, historical ring, Erstwhile is the best place to buy an engagement ring for vintage enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Vintage and antique engagement rings
• Unique pieces from various historical periods
• Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
• Expertly curated collection

29. Stone and Strand

Stone and Strand offers a collection of affordable, ethically sourced engagement rings with a modern twist. Their designs are minimalistic, featuring unique touches like colored gemstones and innovative settings. Stone and Strand is a best place to buy engagement ring for couples looking for affordable luxury with ethical values.

Highlights:

• Affordable, modern engagement rings
• Ethically sourced materials
• Unique gemstone options
• Free shipping and returns

30. Mociun

Mociun offers highly customizable, unique engagement rings that feature colorful gemstones and unexpected design elements. Their rings are perfect for couples who want something artistic and out of the ordinary. Mociun’s commitment to craftsmanship and ethical sourcing makes them a standout best place to buy engagement ring for artistic expression.

Highlights:

• Customizable engagement rings
• Artistic, unique designs with colorful gemstones
• Ethically sourced materials
• Made-to-order craftsmanship

In conclusion, whether you're looking for an affordable, eco-friendly ring or a luxurious designer piece, the options for finding the best place to buy an engagement ring online are vast and varied. From sustainable brands like Brilliant Earth and Bario Neal to luxury names like Tiffany & Co., there's a perfect ring out there for every couple. Happy shopping!