6 Jewelry Stores to Shop for Engagement Rings in Raleigh, NC

Shopping for that engagement bling marks an exciting step in your relationship journey. Naturally, you want to nail the purchase and feel confident in your investment, which requires a bit of research on the front end. If you're shopping for engagement rings in Raleigh, we've taken care of a good portion of that work for you by combing through all the options available and serving up the best of the best jewelers in town.

Whether you're dreaming of a timeless solitaire that seriously sparkles, ring shopping for a vintage-inspired design (or true estate piece) or have your heart set on a dazzling custom engagement ring, Raleigh jewelers have some stunning options that'll make your North Carolina proposal unforgettable. After all, this isn't just about picking out any old sparkler; it's about investing in a piece that represents your forever love.

1. CMI Jewelry Showroom

Photo: CMI Jewelry Showroom

A four-time winner of The Knot Best of Weddings award, CMI Jewelry Showroom is unique in that it provides a commission-free shopping experience for all its patrons. (This cuts back on some of the sales-y pressure you may feel at other jewelers in Raleigh, NC, and elsewhere.) The team, led by a local owner, is hands-on and the store carries a wide variety of engagement rings including timeless solitaires, intricate vintage-inspired pieces and modern jewelry made from high-quality materials like platinum and ethically sourced diamonds. Brands available here include The Romance Collection, Bridal Bells, Fana Bridal, Levy Creations, Frederick Goldman, Venetti and more. Along with lab-grown and natural diamonds, they also sell precious gemstones and pearls. No appointment is required to visit.

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Notable Review: "We have been coming to CMI ever since we moved to North Carolina 13 years ago. I bought my wife an updated wedding ring a couple years ago for our 20th anniversary. My children have shopped here as well for their wedding bands. Quality, care and customer service has kept us coming back. Thank you CMI Jewelry Showroom! Will be customers for a lifetime." — Mark S.

2. Bailey's Fine Jewelry

Photo: Bailey's Fine Jewelry

Bailey's Fine Jewelry, founded in 1948, is a third-generation, family-owned business based in North Carolina that's risen in the ranks to become one of the most treasured places to shop for jewelry and engagement rings in Raleigh. With its rich legacy of craftsmanship, quality and exceptional service, the jeweler offers a robust selection of bridal jewelry, including both engagement rings and wedding bands, that cater to every style and budget. Bailey's Fine Jewelry is also renowned for its custom designs thanks to a team of award-winning jewelers who have a knack for bringing dream pieces to life. They also sell estate pieces, making them a go-to for antique engagement rings in Raleigh, NC. There are several locations throughout the state, including one in Raleigh. Walk-ins are welcome.

Notable Review: "My husband went here to pick out my engagement ring. All the information he had was that I wanted a halo ring. He worked with Alex (who is amazing!) who helped him to design the most beautiful engagement ring. We came back to Bailey's to pick out our wedding bands as well. The entire Bailey's team is next level—wonderful people very helpful and will help solve any issue you may have. Highly recommend them for your wedding bands, but also their jewelry in general." — Rebecca S.

3. Hamilton Hill Jewelry

Located in downtown Durham about 30 minutes from Raleigh you'll find Hamilton Hill Jewelry, a top-tier destination for engagement and wedding rings. The showroom features a broad array of pieces carefully curated by the jeweler's team from renowned American and international designers. Hamilton Hill Jewelry also has two goldsmiths on their team, Ken Weston and Kai Hill, who specialize in custom-designed engagement rings and bands. Founded by Sarah Hill and Michael Hamilton, the expert team has a shared passion for design, artistry and community. Monday is slotted for appointment only, while Tuesday through Saturday is available for walk-ins

Notable Review: "We had a wonderful experience at Hamilton Hill! As two brides, they helped us with two engagement rings and two wedding bands, plus a special custom necklace. We went in just to look around, with no knowledge about fine jewelry, and Sarah and Kai patiently helped us with zero sales pressure. They are both incredibly talented and offered helpful suggestions to suit our individual styles, including a matte gold ring option, which turned out beautifully. We had many visits to the store as we narrowed down our decisions. We love our rings and are thrilled with our overall experience. We can't recommend Hamilton Hill highly enough!" — Jordan D.

4. Holland's Jewelers

Holland's Jewelers, a cherished family-owned business in downtown Apex since 1960, has a remarkable ability to blend tradition with modern style. Founded by Charlie and Ann Holland, the store began with a small inventory and Charlie's expertise as a watchmaker and jeweler. Now located on Salem Street in Apex, North Carolina—about 20 minutes outside of Raleigh—the showroom is run by their daughter Ginny, her husband Stacey, a graduate gemologist, and their daughter Lauren, who joined the team in 2020. Known for in-house jewelry repairs, custom designs and appraisals, the team includes skilled staff specializing in bridal jewelry, custom creations and restoration. Holland's is a true star when shopping for Raleigh engagement rings. You do not need to schedule an appointment to visit the showroom.

Notable Review: "My husband almost exclusively shops at Holland's! They treat us like family whenever we walk in the store and the quality of the jewelry is stunning. My husband got my engagement ring and his wedding band completely customized, and as soon as I described what I wanted for my wedding band, they were able to whip out a sketch and order me exactly what I wanted. They are fast, professional and very trustworthy. I highly recommend this store and we will continue to shop here for all of our jewelry!" — Laura M.

5. Evans Jewelers

Photo: Evans Jewelers

This second-generation, family-owned business in the Raleigh area excels in fusing that iconic North Carolina charm with exceptional craftsmanship and exquisite investment pieces. Specializing in fine jewelry, custom designs and quality diamond engagement rings across a range of budgets, Evans Jewelers is repeatedly praised for treating its customers like family. They run an honest and transparent showroom, helping to educate buyers on this big purchase without the pressure. If you're in the market for a custom engagement ring, this is definitely a top contender to check out. No appointments are required.

Notable Review: "I was looking to create a sapphire and diamond engagement ring and decided to check out Evans Jewelers. They carefully listened to what I wanted and in no time secured several loose sapphires as well as a couple sets of diamond pairs to consider, all in my target price point. The Evans family is friendly, no pressure and will happily take time to work with you to discuss all your options. They turned a vision into reality and my fiancé LOVES her ring! Thank you!" — JW S.

6. J.M. Edwards Jewelry

Photo: J.M. Edwards Jewelry

Founded in 1974, J.M. Edwards Jewelry is a locally-owned, family-run jeweler in Cary (about 15 minutes from Raleigh). In its 50-year tenure, the store has become synonymous with high-quality artistry and timeless elegance via a robust team that specializes in custom engagement rings, fine jewelry and modern classics with the goal of creating future heirlooms. Led by Carl Edwards, a GIA-trained designer, the team includes skilled jewelers and design specialists dedicated to bringing clients' visions to life. Shop for beautifully designed pieces dreamed up by the JM Edwards design team, or have your own ring custom-designed. No appointments are necessary to visit the showroom.

Notable Review: "These folks are top-notch! They've been in the jewelry business for 25 years as a family and their expertise shows! They were happy to work in our budget and provided exactly what we asked for. They were very communicative and we couldn't have asked for anything more than what they provided." — Courtney S.