Business

Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings 2024

August 17, 2024

Engagement rings are set in stone, quite literally, so buying one is one of the most important decisions a couple can make. Choosing what style and look to commit to can be daunting, but the best places to buy engagement rings—including our top pick, Blue Nile—have simplified the process and made it less intimidating. Now you can find a variety of prices and ring styles, as well as services and guarantees to give you peace of mind. The first step: Ask a lot of questions.

The best places to buy engagement rings offer top-notch service combined with high-quality designs.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

“When it comes to engagement rings, there is no such thing as a silly question,” says New York-based jewelry consultant Mirta de Gisbert. Many retailers offer online consultations, where you can talk about ring styles, your budget and return policies. To ensure each pick met our criteria for quality, craftsmanship and overall value, our selections were reviewed by deputy fashion editor, Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America. Ahead, the nine best places to buy engagement rings, whether you’re looking for lab-grown diamonds, customized styles or affordable options.

Best Engagement Rings Overall: Blue Nile
Best Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings: Vrai
Best Traditional Engagement Rings: James Allen
Best Natural Diamond Engagement Rings: With Clarity
Best Affordable Engagement Rings: Clean Origin
Best Value Engagement Rings: Quince
Best Minimalist Engagement Rings: Mejuri
Best Customized Engagement Rings: Grown Brilliance
Best Engagement Rings For Variety: Zales

Blue Nile

Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

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I am an updates writer for Forbes Vetted who optimizes content related to fashion, beauty, and travel. I also write about fashion topics including swimwear, activewear and functional footwear. Before joining the team, I was a commerce writer for Bustle Digital Group as well as a freelance entertainment journalist with regular contributions to ScreenCrush, PopCrush, and more. I have a B.F.A. from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and I currently reside in Long Beach, California.

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I’m a deputy editor covering women’s and men’s fashion, accessories and athletic apparel. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Forbes, I wrote two books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion. I’ve studied fashion styling and hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and design history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. A native New Englander, I grew up in Rhode Island and was—and remain—a sneaker obsessive with far too many pairs of white sneakers.

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Pros:

Thousands of diamonds available
User-friendly shopping experience
Wide range of prices

Cons:

No at-home try-on

Blue Nile was one of the first fine jewelry retailers to embrace online shopping. It, too, offers many ways to shop for engagement rings, including a custom option. Between those, its own collection, and collaborations with designers (such as Zac Posen), the site offers a huge range of engagement rings. The brand focuses on ethically-sourced diamonds and also offers a price-match guarantee as well as a diamond upgrade program—great for those who plan on investing in the ring’s quality over time.

What the reviews say: “The process was super simple and easy, the selections were definitely in abundance and the customer service representatives were spectacular,” says one Blue Nile customer. “Any question at any time of the day, they were there and eager to answer.”

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Vrai

Vrai The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

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Pros:

Sustainable lab-grown diamonds
Wide variety of styles and custom options
Appointments available online or at showrooms

Cons:

No at-home try-on

Vrai exclusively uses lab-grown diamonds from its own foundry, meaning there’s truly no middleman between the stone’s source and its setting. The diamonds are grown sustainably in America with an entirely hydro-powered production process, which eliminates carbon emissions, and certified by gemologists for quality. Vrai also offers a wide range of styles, from timeless solitaire rings to three-stone rings with pavé bands.

What the reviews say: “My expectations were exceeded and my fiancée is ecstatic,” says a Vrai customer who purchased the Knife-Edge Round Engagement Ring. “I was concerned about the comfort of her pinky and middle finger because of the knife edge, but she said it’s not an issue.”

James Allen

James Allen Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

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Pros:

Wide range of styles to pick from
Several price points for a variety of budgets
Interactive preview lets you view ring from any angle

Cons:

No at-home try-on

James Allen’s extensive range of engagement rings is ideal for those who aren’t quite sure which style they’d like to commit to yet—you’ll find minimalist, contemporary designs alongside ornate, vintage-inspired pieces. You also have the option to customize your ring, which includes selecting either a lab-grown or natural diamond. The James Allen website is equipped with an interactive 360-degree preview feature, so you can get a glimpse of each ring from any angle.

What the reviews say: “James Allen was great—it simplified the process and made it far easier than I had anticipated,” says one customer. “The ring itself was better than expected. My fiancé (who said yes!) absolutely adores it.”

With Clarity

With Clarity 1/4 CTW Arc Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

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Pros:

Multiple custom options
Wide range of prices
At-home try-on

Cons:

Limited preset design options

This top-rated online retailer offers a few ways to shop for engagement rings. First, there’s a collection of preset styles that can be ordered immediately. Second, use the custom ring tool with dozens of ways to customize the setting, diamond (including natural or lab-grown), shape, metal and so on. But what really sets it apart is the try-at-home program, where you can choose two preset 3D-printed replica rings to slip on, for free. This gives you an idea of what styles you like before creating your own order.

What the reviews say: “The process into creating the ring was smooth and they had a nice selection of diamonds to choose from,” says one With Clarity shopper. “The price beat any chain jewelry store I went to and I was able to get a bigger and nicer stone for the fraction of the price.”

Clean Origins

Clean Origin Quiet Beauty Oval Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

“,”disableCanonical”:false,”disableDigest”:false,”embargo”:false,”enableContribContact”:false,”enableTwitterFeed”:false,”instagramHandle”:”_thegoodsorts”,”inactive”:false,”name”:”Kari Molvar”,”primaryBlogNaturalId”:”blogAuthorId/blog/author/blog-4983″,”primaryChannelId”:”channel_94″,”profileUrl”:”/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/people/kari-molvar/”,”showNoVestPocket”:false,”slug”:”kari-molvar”,”timestamp”:1719245393142,”type”:”Forbes Staff”,”url”:”https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/people/kari-molvar/”,”webSite”:”https://karimolvar.com”,”amazon”:”https://www.amazon.com/Kari-Molvar/e/B09B6CMPJW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1627426138&sr=8-1″,”disabled”:false,”division”:”FC”,”email”:”[email protected]”,”shortBio”:”I’m a deputy editor, fashion writer and sneaker obsessive. “,”mediumAvatar”:”https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/64e34e2657642d1784c714f2/62×0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=779&cropY1=43&cropY2=822″,”largestAvatar”:”https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/64e34e2657642d1784c714f2/400×0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=779&cropY1=43&cropY2=822″,”chanSecColor”:””,”showAuthorTypeDisclaimer”:false}},”uri”:”http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-places-to-buy-engagement-rings/”,”channelSectionMappings”:[{“id”:”channel_107″,”channelName”:”Fashion”,”sectionName”:”Fashion”,”url”:”/vetted/fashion”,”specialSlot”:””,”dsfChannelName”:””,”dsfSectionName”:””,”sponsored”:false,”videoSpecialSlot”:””,”showAds”:false,”showLicenseOptions”:false,”showSpreadsheetButton”:false,”enableComments”:false,”showQotd”:false},{“id”:”channel_107section_2024″,”channelName”:”Fashion”,”sectionName”:”Jewelry”,”url”:”/vetted/fashion/jewelry”,”specialSlot”:””,”dsfChannelName”:””,”dsfSectionName”:””,”sponsored”:false,”videoSpecialSlot”:””,”showAds”:false,”showLicenseOptions”:false,”showSpreadsheetButton”:false,”enableComments”:false,”showQotd”:false},{“id”:”channel_94″,”channelName”:”Forbes Vetted”,”url”:”/vetted”,”specialSlot”:””,”dsfChannelName”:””,”dsfSectionName”:””,”sponsored”:false,”videoSpecialSlot”:””,”showAds”:false,”showLicenseOptions”:false,”showSpreadsheetButton”:false,”enableComments”:false,”showQotd”:false}],”bertieBadges”:[{“id”:”66bfa502e930b32262fd0583″,”slug”:”finds-pick”,”displayName”:”Forbes Finds Pick”,”status”:”active”,”priority”:102,”streamUrl”:””},{“id”:”66bfa502e930b32262fd0582″,”slug”:”shopping-recirc”,”displayName”:”Shopping Recirc”,”status”:”active”,”priority”:85,”streamUrl”:””}]}” embed-data=”{“additionalAttributes”:[“62f519ca80778200010b1099|finds|mbbRetailerPlaceholder|276|Clean Origin Quiet Beauty Oval Ring”],”attributes”:[{“type”:”h3″,”name”:”Clean Origin: Ethically Sourced Jewelry At Fair Prices”,”id”:”header-3″},{“type”:”h2″,”name”:”Best Affordable Engagement Rings”,”id”:”header-2″}],”callOutText”:”SETTING ONLY”,”findsLabel”:”Shop At Clean Origin”,”findsLink”:”https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8842431-14387689?sid=62f519ca80778200010b1099&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cleanorigin.com%2Fengagement%2Fclassic-engagement-rings%2Fquiet-beauty-oval-ring-18kt-yellow-gold%2F”,”findsNonAffiliateLink”:”https://www.cleanorigin.com/engagement/classic-engagement-rings/quiet-beauty-oval-ring-18kt-yellow-gold/”,”url”:”https://www.cleanorigin.com/engagement/classic-engagement-rings/quiet-beauty-oval-ring-18kt-yellow-gold/”,”title”:”Clean Origin Quiet Beauty Oval Ring”,”vendorName”:”Clean Origin”,”productAlternatives”:[],”showAdditionalVendors”:false,”price”:1500}”>

Pros:

Ethically created lab-grown diamonds
Easy return process
Assortment of unique and classic styles

Cons:

Lifetime warranty costs an extra fee
No at-home try-on

With plenty of setting options starting at less than $1,000, Clean Origin is a good choice for those on a tighter budget. You’ll find both traditional and unconventional engagement rings in a range of shapes, cuts and colors, and the option to customize styles as well. Clean Origin’s lab-grown diamonds are ethically creating using High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

What the reviews say: “I can’t say enough, first off, how perfect the ring came out as described,” says a Clean Origin customer. “The diamond was exactly as advertised and my fiancé couldn’t be happier. The service was tremendous, as I had to reroute the delivery and the team was incredibly responsive and helpful through it all.”

Quince

Quince Diamond Pave Halfway Band (0.50 CTW)

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

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Pros:

Affordable
Great quality
Sophisticated designs

Cons:

Limited selection
No additional online services

While Quince is not a traditional jewelry retailer, the brand offers high-quality products at fair prices—which translates to its rings. Its selection is limited but sophisticated, with most options around or under the $500 price tag. As with other (and more expensive) jewelers, the rings usually come in 14k gold, and the diamonds are ethically produced. It’s a great option for those who have a limited budget and don’t want to confront endless choices when looking for the right ring.

What our editors say: “Quince has become extremely popular in the last year or so for its extremely well priced and high-quality items, including jewelry,” says Molvar. “The price can’t be beat on this ring, and you can choose from two different total carat weights (0.25 or 0.50). Plus, the one-year return policy is so generous that there’s very little risk to trying out anything that catches your eye.”

Mejuri

Mejuri Diamonds 0.72 CTW Cluster Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

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Pros:

Affordable
Modern and original designs
Virtual styling available

Cons:

Limited selection
No try-on
No custom options

Direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand Mejuri manages to make engagement rings that are both affordable and interesting, featuring clusters of gemstones and diamonds in artful settings that feel utterly contemporary. Forget about the classic solitaire: These rings have a modern sensibility, and while mostly minimal, they all feature a design twist that will allure the most fashionable brides-to-be.

What the reviews say: “This ring is absolutely gorgeous and Mejuri was wonderful to work with,” says a Mejuri shopper. “The engraving came out close but not quite right the first time, and Mejruri replaced it with correct ring quickly and easily. A wonderful experience!”

Grown Brilliance

Grown Brilliance 1 1/3 CTW Round Graduated Engagement Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

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Pros:

Many options for customization
Sustainably sourced materials
Excellent customer service

Cons:

No at-home try-on

Grown Brilliance is best known for its Truly Custom program: Send in inspiration photos and sketches and the jeweler creates a highly personalized piece. There’s also a wide variety of pre-designed engagement rings, including a collection from couture fashion designer Badgley Mischka. Grown Brilliance is also committed to sustainability: The jewelry is made with ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds and 100% recycled gold.

What the reviews say: “It came in the timeframe promised and was sent securely,” one Grown Brilliance customer says of the ring they purchased. “The engraving on this ring was beautiful and makes this moment special for the both of us. The ring seems very high quality at an affordable price.”

Zales

Vera Wang Love Collection 3/4 CTW Diamond And Blue Sapphire Double Frame Engagement Ring

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

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Pros:

Extensive variety of styles
Wide range of prices
Compare tool

Cons:

No at-home try-on

If you aren’t afraid of too much choice, Zales offers nearly ten thousand engagement rings on its site. From minimal solitaires to ornate halo rings, it’s a treasure trove that covers multiple styles, including those designed by Vera Wang, at every price range. Although the focus is on diamonds, you can find plenty of other gemstones, and options to customize your ring, too.

What our editors say: “Zales has been around for a while but is constantly updating its styles to include modern picks, such as this beautiful ring designed by Vera Wang,” says Molvar. “I love the frame of blue sapphires around the center diamond—it’s so unique and eye-catching.”

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, written and published dozens of jewelry stories, including the best wedding bands for men and the best places to buy diamonds.

For this piece, author Andrea Servert Alonso-Misol spoke with New York-based jewelry designer and branding expert Stéphane Krumenacker, as well as jewelry consultant Mirta de Gisbert, who holds a graduate degree in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Both experts provided their insights and advice on choosing rings and diamonds—along with other gemstones—for a variety of styles and budgets.
In addition, Forbes Vetted’s deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar oversees this guide. She holds certificates in lab-grown diamonds from the International Gem Society as well as jewelry essentials from GIA.
This story is regularly updated to guarantee all prices, availability and the best versions of the products are as current as possible. It was last updated in August 2024 by fashion writer Claire Epting.

What To Consider When Buying An Engagement Ring Online

There are hundreds (even thousands) of online retailers where you can purchase an engagement ring. Before you commit to a ring you’ve been eyeing, below are a few things to consider:

Reputation

First things first: When buying an engagement ring online, give the retailer a call and ask about their history, their company and any press they have received. These details will provide you with an immediate sense if the retailer is an authentic seller, or not. You can also research and look at reviews online from actual customers to give you a better idea of the jeweler and their products.

Service

Look at the retailer’s policies before making a selection on an engagement ring. With most of the country still experiencing shipping delays, you will want to know how long it will take the ring to get to you and the costs associated with shipping. Learning the return policy is also key. There’s always a chance the ring may not be what you ordered or expected (think unexpected flaws or damage). Ask if the retailer has any procedures in place if the ring is damaged, lost or stolen.

Quality

Always check the quality of the jewelry and diamonds with a certified expert. If a retailer cannot guarantee the authenticity of the ring and stones, you want to steer clear of purchasing from them. A good engagement ring should have the best stones and carats available, especially if you’re customizing a ring.

Our Best Buying Advice For Engagement Rings

Buying an engagement ring is a multi-step process. We’ve broken down some more factors to keep in mind while shopping for engagement rings, based on advice from our experts.

The Four Cs: If you go down the diamond route, you’ll encounter descriptions that refer to the diamond’s color, cut, clarity and carat—the four Cs. The color judges how colored the diamond is (colorless being the most valuable). The cut speaks of its polishing, distinguishing between round brilliant (which reflects more light and is therefore more precious) and fancy cuts. The clarity refers to the presence or lack of inclusions (or marks) in the stone (“flawless” being the clearest diamonds). And finally, the carat refers to the weight of the diamond: The more carats, the more expensive. While it might seem easy to choose a diamond based on these set parameters, jewelry designer Stéphane Krumenacker suggests focusing on the stone itself. “There’s a tendency to search for perfection based on a chart, but that can end up feeling a bit clinical,” he says. “Asymmetries and imperfections make the stone unique, which can be even more beautiful.”
Sustainability: When you’re buying gold or diamonds, consider its provenance and read the fine print. “There’s a big movement to trace where the gold and diamonds have come from, and certain companies focus on ethically-sourced stones or diamonds,” says Krumenacker. Lab-grown diamonds are a good alternative that skips the mining process altogether, and reclaimed materials such as heirloom diamonds or old family jewels are not only sustainable but also a meaningful approach to buying an engagement ring.
Setting: The setting speaks of the presentation of the stone on the metal band where it sits (which is usually gold or platinum). The most simple setting is the solitaire. “In a lot of modern settings, the idea is to hold up the stone in the cleanest possible way,” says Krumenacker. “That’s why if you see a very thin engagement band, the stone is what really catches your eye.” To give presence to a small stone (or to create a more statement piece), one can add a halo of pavé around it, or complement it with other diamonds or colored-stone accents. “Nowadays there’s a trend around delicate Victorian-style designs,” finds Krumenacker, adding that beauty is created by “a smaller diamond that’s held in place by a lace of intricate metalwork.”
Shape: Stones come in a variety of shapes. “Round shapes are the most iconic because they maximize the potential brilliance of the diamond,” explains Krumenacker. But once again, other shapes (such as pear, oval, cushion or marquise) can give character and uniqueness to a ring. Square cuts, such as the Asscher, typically are thought of as streamlined and clean where as curvy styles are more whimsical and less traditional.

How To Measure Your Ring Size

There are a few different ways to measure a person’s ring size before purchasing an engagement ring:

Option 1: Order an inexpensive ring sizer, such as those from Kiwen or NuLink, to check the best fit before making a purchase. “Ring sizers only go by half sizes, and most people fall somewhere in between,” says jeweler and gemologist Ashley Fox. “For the most accurate measurement, go to an actual jeweler in person and have them measure your ring finger, or use a mandrel to measure one of your best fitting rings that you already have.”

Option 2: Wrap a small piece of string or piece of floss around the base of the finger you plan on wearing the ring on. Mark where it starts to overlap, then lay flat and measure its length in millimeters with a ruler. That measurement is the circumference of your finger. To get the diameter, divide that number by 3.14 (or Pi). Compare the number you get to a ring size chart to determine your size. Bear in mind, this is not the most accurate option because you may wrap the string too tightly or too loosely and get a different measurement.

“Most ring styles can be resized unless there is pave all the way around the band or it’s an eternity style band,” says Fox. “In that case, resizing can be done, but it is usually a very expensive process.” Most online retailers will indicate clearly if a ring can or cannot be resized, and they typically offer free resizing.

If your knuckle is large, you may want to order a ring a quarter or half size bigger than your finger size, but again, getting sized in person at a jeweler is ideal. “You want a ring to fit properly and not be uncomfortable or twist sideways on your finger,” says Fox. “There are small fixes that can be placed on your ring to ensure the best fit such as speed bumps, spring rings, or a Finger Mate expandable ring shank,” says Fox.

Engagement Ring Online Retailers Comparison Guide

When buying an engagement ring online, the best retailers make you feel as if you’re shopping in person with a streamlined user experience. But every retailer stands out in slightly different areas. Think about which of the below are the biggest concerns for you to determine which jeweler you may want to shop.

For The Widest Selection: If you are focused on having lots of options to choose from, brands such as Blue Nile and Zales are exceptional for offering thousands of styles, from minimalist to ornate. Clean Origin and James Allen both feature lots of traditional styles as well as unique, contemporary rings.

For Lab-Grown Diamonds: While many retailers and jewelers now offer lab-grown diamond ring options, retailers such as Grown Brilliance, Clean Origin, With Clarity and Vrai are all known for offering a wide selection of high quality, lab-created diamonds.

For The Most Price Variety: Clean Origin and With Clarity have a wide range of ring pricing, and both Mejuri and Quince stand out because they offer many engagement ring options below $1,000.

For Financing: Every option on our list offers financing, so it is a pretty standard offering. If an online retailer you’re considering does not offer financing, you may want to look elsewhere.

For Customization: Grown Brilliance’s customization process is next level—you can even send in photos and sketches so the jeweler can create your personalized piece. Other retailers that offer customization include Zales, Vrai, Grown Brilliance and James Allen, among others.

For At-Home Try On: With Clarity allows you to select and try on two 3-D printed replica rings to see which you like best on. You don’t even have to pay extra for this feature. Brands such as Vrai and Blue Nile offer interactive virtual try-ons so you can see what different rings will look like on your hand, from home.

For 360-Degree Viewing: James Allen allows you to see a 360-degree view of each ring, rather than just looking at static photos. This can be helpful to gauge proportions and setting height.

For Virtual Styling: Almost every brand on our list offers virtual advisors to help you choose the best ring for yourself or your partner.

What About Vintage Engagement Rings?

If you’re interested in natural diamonds but want a sustainable option, or one with sentimental value, buying a vintage engagement ring can be a good choice. Our top pick for finding top-quality, authentic, pre-owned rings is 1st Dibs, since the reseller conducts a thorough inspection process and only accepts vintage jewelry that meets its high standards. If you’re considering this option, here’s what to weigh:

Value For The Money: Depending on the size and quality of the diamond, vintage rings can cost less than newly crafted ones with similar gemstones and materials. Many vintage rings also often feature unique and intricate designs that set them apart from their modern counterparts, and convey a sense of history and emotional value. Importantly, purchasing a previously-owned ring can be a more ethical and environmentally conscious decision than buying a new ring with mined diamonds or even lab-created diamonds, which can contribute to energy consumption and carbon footprints.

Limited Options And Availability: Finding the perfect vintage engagement ring that matches your preferences can be challenging. Vintage rings are pre-designed, so you have limited options for customization. Resizing an antique ring can also be complex and costly, potentially affecting its integrity.

Quality Craftsmanship: Many vintage rings display a high level of craftsmanship and durability. But they may show signs of wear or require maintenance due to their age. For that reason, check to see if you’ll need to make repairs to the ring—especially to the prongs or setting—and ensure that your pick is in good condition.

Certification And Documentation: Authenticating the provenance and quality of a vintage ring can be tricky. Make sure to ask for certificates or documentation when possible to verify the authenticity of the gemstones and materials.

1st Dibs

Harry Winston The One Round Brilliant Diamond Micropavé Platinum Ring (0.72 CTW Center Stone)

I am a Berlin-based editor and writer reporting on fashion, design and creative culture.

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For authenticated antique jewelry online, there’s no match for 1st Dibs. The company works with a trusted network of top vintage and contemporary sellers across the world to source pieces you really won’t see anywhere else, with styles from the 18th century to modern day. “Buying a vintage ring is such a special idea but you definitely want to know the ring is authentic and in excellent condition,” says Molvar. “This retailer is highly trusted within the fashion industry and I appreciate how you can live chat with sellers to ask questions.”

The selection of engagement rings is enormous and the price range is broad, starting around $100 and reaching into the millions (yep, plural). Everything is thoroughly vetted and all purchases include buyer protection for a stress-free shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Blue Nile, Vrai and Brilliant Earth are known for their quality and transparency. Antique and vintage shops offer a selection of unique and timeless engagement rings with character and history—these rings often have distinctive designs and can be eco-friendly options. Ultimately, the best place to buy an engagement ring is where you feel comfortable and confident in the quality and ethics of the purchase and can find a ring that matches your style.

How Do I Choose An Engagement Ring?

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How Do I Choose An Engagement Ring?

To start, de Gisbert says, “You might want to have a conversation with your partner around the engagement ring and find out whether or not this person prefers to have input on it—after all, they’re going to be the one wearing it.” Some people might have a very specific preference for a certain stone, setting or design. Trying on a few rings in advance is also another must for de Gisbert, even for those who have a precise idea of what they want. “Different stone shapes can be more flattering than others on some hands. You might be surprised at what feels good when worn and what looks great on your hand versus what you initially had in mind.”