Need an engagement ring, but where to buy??? Online/Offline? Advice please!

[needaringsoon]

I''m reaching that time where I am ready to take the plunge and buy the engagement ring, but I know very little about the process and would love to hear other people''s experience about the purchasing process. I don''t need anything super high end, but just something nice enough.

My only experience has been playing around with Blue Nile, which is pretty amazing and definitely has some savings over buying from a jewelery store.


What have people thought about buying rings online without ever seeing the stone in person? Does it always meet your expectations?

Are there any online stores that have some way to preview the diamond at either their outlet or some affiliate so you can really inspect the thing?

Are there any good online shops besides BN?

Should I skip the whole online process and just find a retail store that is hurting from the economy and willing to cut a deal?

Am I missing anything???


Thanks a bunch and look forward to your advice!

Scott

 

[onedrop]

Welcome to Pricescope!!

Whether or not you buy on-line or off-line really is going to depend on your comfort level and how you want to go about the process. There are pros and cons of both, and some research here on PS will probably give you a good idea of each person's experiences.


What have people thought about buying rings online without ever seeing the stone in person? Does it always meet your expectations?
Many folks that frequent PS have made purchases on-line and been very happy, and some haven't. Conversely many have purchased off-line and have been happy, and some have done the same and not been happy. What I suggest whether you purchase on or off, you should first educate yourself about cut quality, that will help you to weed out bad stones.

If you do choose to buy on-line, make sure that the vendor has a return policy that you can tolerate. That gives you time to inspect the diamond, and if doesn't meet your expectations you can return it less shipping costs.

Are there any online stores that have some way to preview the diamond at either their outlet or some affiliate so you can really inspect the thing?
I am not sure if this is possible, but there are B&M's that sell on-line where you can actually view the diamonds in person at their location. This would help if you were located near these particular vendors. Once again, some research on this possibility would be helpful.

Are there any good online shops besides BN?
There are several on-line vendors that are great. Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, and Engagement Rings Direct come to mind. Several here have had very positive experience with all three.

Should I skip the whole online process and just find a retail store that is hurting from the economy and willing to cut a deal?
Can't really answer this as it is personal preference.

From personal experience, on-line was best for me, because I wanted to save $$ and get a better quality stone. My on-line buying experience was very positive! However, I think you may be able to accomplish the same purchasing off-line.

The best way to get steered in the right direction around here, is to have some specifics in mind i.e., shape, budget, setting ideas. Then do a little research on your own, so that you have some specific questions in mind. That way we can guide you better. Good luck!!

 

[neatfreak]

There are a lot of advantages to buying online, and BN is not one of the better vendors IMO. Check out Whiteflash and Good Old Gold. They give you a TON of information on their stones, they are mostly ideal cuts, they'll take pictures and compare them for you, they are really great. Engagement Rings Direct is also awesome, but their website is lacking so you need to be trusting of Mark's eyes (which are fantastic, and I bought from him, so I can recommend him).

You can always have it sent to a local appraiser to check out as well.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome Scott,

The ladies have got you off to a great start, so I will just suggest a couple more vendors you could investigate -

www.winkjones.com

www.niceice.com

www.jamesallen.com

 

[onedrop]

Lorelei: Thanks for providing those other vendors. There are so many great ones nowadays, I can never remember them all!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/11/2008 3:26:59 PM
Author: onedrop
Lorelei: Thanks for providing those other vendors. There are so many great ones nowadays, I can never remember them all!

Most welcome and that was a great post OD!!

 

[Regular Guy]