While online shopping for clothes, shoes, books, and flights is fun, buying an engagement ring online can be daunting. Online engagement ring shopping involves more than scrolling on different websites, adding to your cart, and entering your payment information at checkout. An engagement ring is pricey and often has a sentimental value, so you have to ensure you get the total value for your money. The last thing you want is to give your soon-to-be fiance a fake stone. If you are thinking about popping the question, here are seven tips for buying the perfect engagement ring online.
1. Find a reputable vendor
The first step to getting unique or vintage engagement rings with fancy cuts and unusual settings is choosing a trustworthy online vendor. Consider reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients on the different vendors’ social media accounts and websites to determine their experiences. Be wary of vendors with recently set up websites and social media profiles as they may be fraudulent.
You could also check the retailer’s FAQs to obtain more information on shipping procedures and return policies, among other customer service queries. Further details you should check include the engagement rings imagery and product descriptions.
2. Read the redeem policy
Different vendors have distinct return policies, so read each site’s redeem details before buying your engagement ring online. Below are essential questions you should consider:
- How much time do you have before returning or exchanging a purchased item?
- Does the retailer offer free returns?
- Does the vendor pay for return delivery, or do you have to cater for the expenses?
- Do the jewelers offer credit only, or can you get a full refund during an engagement ring exchange?
- How long is the engagement ring’s warranty?
- Do the jewelers provide resizing services if the engagement ring is not the right fit, and how much do they charge?
Ensure the website provides solutions to the above queries before checking out. Avoid purchasing from websites without a listed redeem policy.
3. Look for the engagement ring’s certification
Diamond rings often come with a certificate from an independent laboratory showing that the ring is ethically sourced and per the vendor’s specifications. However, all engagement ring certifications and lab qualifications are not equal. For this reason, look for the American Gem Society (AGS) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) accreditation for a reliable and accurate grading system.
4. Request to see a video
One of the most significant challenges of relying on photographs when purchasing an engagement ring online is that you cannot determine how it will sit on the hand, so you should consider asking for a video. A video can allow you to see the engagement’s ring scale and determine whether it’s too flat or too high. Videos can also help you establish the stone’s quality, as polish and twinkle can easily be incorporated into a visual representation. Ask your vendor to provide a video with someone wearing the stone to get a better insight into a specific diamond ring.
5. Set up a budget
Before you start engagement ring hunting online, you should first establish how much you would be willing to spend. Engagement rings are expensive, so having a budget will keep you from going beyond your comfort zone or means.
Familiarize yourself with the 4Cs of diamonds, then research the size, shape, and style your significant other would want. Next, shop around and compare prices from different vendors while keeping material, quality, technical skill, and craftsmanship in mind. You should then narrow your choice to an engagement ring that aligns with your current financial position.
6. Choose a secure payment option
Most vendors provide many payment options, including credit cards, bank transfers, debit cards, cash payments, and money wiring services. To protect yourself against fraudulent activities, consider paying for the engagement ring via credit card.
You should also ensure you order from a vendor with a secure website. Secure websites have an SSL certificate. Check the top left corner of your browser for a closed padlock symbol and establish that the site’s address starts with ‘HTTPS://. Buying from a secure online engagement ring site prevents hackers and other unauthorized third parties from accessing your payment details which could lead to fraud.
7. Shop early
When buying an engagement ring, it is best to order early, especially when you have already set the proposal date. This allows sufficient time for delivery. If the ring does not match your expectations after delivery, shopping early gives you more time to return or exchange the stone.
Endnote
Shopping for an engagement ring online provides endless options to choose from, allowing you to make comparisons. To ensure you get the perfect stone for your better half, buy from a reputable and trustworthy vendor, consider the return policy, ask for a video, create a reasonable budget, verify certification, and order early.
