Our Favorite Online Sources for the Best Engagement Rings

Online shopping is a godsend in most areas of our lives, placing everything from household essentials to high fashion but a click away. Still, the bridal industry retains a sizable brick-and-mortar foothold, though when it comes to online engagement rings the landscape is rapidly changing. Much like shopping for a wedding dress, many to-be-weds want to feel courted, complimentary champagne and all, during their search for such big-ticket items. Understandable, but when contemplating a lifetime of wear and the possibility of settling for something within, say, a 50-mile radius, wouldn't you rather have a world of engagement rings at your fingertips?

Of course, we wouldn't advise that you treat online ring shopping as casually as you might a Prime Day binge. Since you've found yourself at The Knot, you've likely already given considerable thought to your preference of ring metal, setting, stone size, and shape. If it's a diamond you're after, brushing up on the 4Cs is a must to ensure you feel confident making a sizable purchase from the comfort of your home (a glass of bubbly can go a long way, too). So settle in, take in our top tips below, pop a bottle if you choose, and before you know it, you'll have a sparkly new addition to inspire your manicures. Don't forget to tag us @theknot; we'd love to see it.

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In this article:

• Can You Buy an Engagement Ring Online?
• Where to Buy The Best Online Engagement Rings
• How to Shop the Best Online Engagement Rings

Can You Buy an Engagement Ring Online?

But of course! Whether you crave convenience and are set on purchasing your engagement ring online or are simply frustrated with your local offerings and looking to expand your search, there is an online jeweler to suit every style and budget. Most of the names you know and perhaps are already eyeing will have an online presence, though independent reviews are your friend. To get you started, we've rounded up several of our favorites.

Where to Buy The Best Online Engagement Rings

Chances are, someone you know purchased their engagement ring online, so definitely ask a few trusted sources about their own experiences. The Knot's own engagement ring gallery is also an invaluable resource, full of detailed independent reviews from real couples with varying tastes and budgets. Whether you're committed to finding a natural diamond ring or a more budget-friendly lab-grown stone or moissanite number, there is an online retailer to meet your needs no matter how traditional or avant-garde your style leans. Here are 15 of our faves to get you started:

Vrai

Photo: Vrai

A certified, zero-emission diamond producer, Vrai is beloved by eco-conscious celebrities including Emma Watson and Taylor Swift. At Vrai, you'll also find a tighter edit than you will at many of its competitors with designs that skew minimalist and modern and start at around $1,000.

Brilliant Earth

Photo: Brilliant Earth

One of the biggest names in the lab-grown diamond space, Brilliant Earth designs span the spectrum from modern split settings to collaborations with designers such as Logan Hollowell, whose work is inspired by nature. Expect to find plenty available for under $1000 with prices limited only by your choice of design and budget.

Blue Nile

Photo: Blue Nile

Blue Nile offers no shortage of engagement rings, wedding jewelry, and everyday baubles at a competitive price. You'd be hard-pressed to not find the style you're looking for at a palatable price.

James Allen

Photo: James Allen

When it comes to conflict-free diamonds, moissanite, and pretty much any other gemstone, James Allen is a one-stop shop. Offering custom and ready-made options with one of the widest selections on the web, the site also provides extensive resources for learning about your chosen stone.

Tiffany & Co.

Photo: Tiffany & Co.

With an eponymous setting, Tiffany & Co. has long-held icon status when it comes to engagement rings and we can't think of any bride-to-be who wouldn't be thrilled to receive that legendary little blue box. Depending on stone and metal selections, entry price points are around $2,000.

Graff

Photo: Graff

The House of Graff has been behind some of the world's most renowned diamonds, such as the 603-carat Lesotho Promise and the Windsor Yellows, previously owned by the Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson. The firm also adheres to the Kimberley Process, so you can buy with confidence.

Fred Leighton

Photo: Fred Leighton

Long a destination in NYC for vintage and antique jewelry collectors as well as a red carpet mainstay, Fred Leighton now offers its own range of antique-inspired jewelry in addition to rare treasures. Prices start at around $5,000 and can reach as high as your budget will allow.

1stDibs

Photo: 1stDibs

If it's a vintage or antique engagement ring you're after, 1stDibs offers a world of independent retailers at your fingertips. An ancient Roman ring? They've got it. An Art Deco target ring? Ditto. The site is as much a history lesson as it is a shopping destination.

Keyzar

Photo: Keyzar

Whether you're in search of a natural diamond, lab-created stone, or a gemstone, Keyzar's site will allow you to build your dream ring with ease. Plenty of stock options are also available and run the gamut from halo styles to naturalistic designs that call to mind vines.

Anna Sheffield

Photo: Anna Sheffield

Sheffield is the go-to designer for anyone craving a dose of whimsy. Who needs a diamond when you can instead have an opal flanked by moon motifs? Prices range from under $1000 to nearly $50,000 and the site offers a special selection of earth-friendly stones.

Brent Neale

Photo: Brent Neale

NYC-based Neale is known for her colorful twists on tradition (think mushroom signet rings) and vintage-inspired designs (Neale loves a Gypsy setting). If it's a dainty ring you're looking for, head elsewhere as Neale's work is on the chunkier side—perfect for those looking to make a statement.

Jessica McCormack

Photo: Jessica McCormack

A celebrity favorite (Liv Tyler is a devotée), London-based McCormack specializes in deceptively simple jewelry that utilizes techniques inspired by antique finds. The perfect marriage of modernity and tradition.

Asprey

Photo: Asprey

A firm favorite of British royals for well over a century, London-based Asprey (formerly Asprey & Garrard) is a go-to for everything from engagement rings to tiaras. That said, don't be put off by the pedigree because while the sky's the limit here, there are lovely options under $5,000.00.

David Yurman

Photo: David Yurman

Few jewelry brands boast as fervent a following as the King of Cable. Though largely associated with Yurman these days, cable jewelry is an ancient motif and thus, in our opinion, timeless. Prices vary based on stone selection.

Catbird

Photo: Catbird

Found in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn in 2004, Catbird has grown exponentially thanks to a devoted customer base that favors dainty, feminine designs that were made for stacking. Many styles are available for under $1000 and can run well into the four figures.

How to Shop the Best Online Engagement Rings

Choose a Trustworthy Vendor: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to make sure you're purchasing your engagement ring or wedding rings from a reliable online retailer. Make sure the vendor has extensive FAQs detailing their return policy, shipping process, and other customer service questions, as well as imagery of every ring, detailed product descriptions, and a solid return policy (more on this later). If there are reviews on the site, make sure you read them—they can give you a good idea of other customers' experiences.

Verify the Certificate: Every diamond ring should come with an independent lab certificate, confirming the diamond is the quality the jeweler states it is. However, not all labs and certificates are created equal. For the most accurate and reliable grading system, look for a GIA or AGS-certified diamond.

Read the Return Policy: Before you buy a ring online, read up on the return policy of the site you're perusing, as each one is different. Some questions to consider: How long do you have to make a return or exchange? Do they offer free returns? Can you return your ring for a full refund or does the jeweler give credit only? Will they cover return shipping, or is that your responsibility? Does the ring come with a lifetime warranty? If not, how long is the warranty? If the ring doesn't fit, will they cover resizing or charge a fee? Make sure you know the answers to these questions before you checkout. If a site doesn't list a return policy, that is a red flag.

Read the Return Policy.

Pay attention to shipping. Once you've found your dream bling, you want to make sure it will arrive at your doorstep safely. Reliable sites will insure their packages and usually cover shipping. Read up on the details of how they package their products—your ring or loose diamond or gemstone should be packed securely. If you aren't able to sign for your ring, the jeweler should also be able to send it to a USPS, FedEx or UPS pickup destination. If the presentation is important to you, check to make sure they include gift wrapping and a gift card.

Measure before ordering. Ensuring the perfect fit is crucial when it comes to choosing engagement and wedding rings. You want to know your investment is securely on your finger, without being too tight, and measuring systems can vary from country to country. Avoid printable sizing kits, save a trip to a jeweler, and instead spring for what the pros use. Rest assured that should your weight fluctuate up or down to the point that it affects the fit of your ring, it can almost always be resized (unless you're dealing with a particularly hard metal such as tungsten).

Examine the cut. The cut of a diamond isn't actually the shape (think: round, oval, pear), but how well the angles and proportions of the stone interact with light. Since diamonds start as rough stones and not faceted gems, the cut grade of a diamond is the only one of the four Cs that's not determined by nature, making it the most important aspect to consider. In other words, a bad cut can ruin an otherwise perfectly good stone. As you look through a vendor's selection of set or loose diamonds, choose only excellent or ideal cut diamonds. For round-cut diamonds specifically, make sure the depth percentage is below 62.5% and the table percentage is below 60%. If the site offers 360-degree videos of loose diamonds, even better. Watch the stone closely to make sure it has the brilliance and sparkle you're looking for.

Look for eye-clean stones. Zoom in on the imagery or 3-D video of the diamond you're considering to assess its clarity. Check to see if there are any blemishes (read: external flaws) or inclusions (read: internal flaws). A good rule of thumb is that if you can see a blemish or inclusion online, it will be noticeable in person as well.

Evaluate the color. A structurally perfect white diamond has no hue. The degree of a diamond's colorlessness is measured under controlled lighting and graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), with colorless stones being the most valuable. Typically, diamonds in the G-I range will appear colorless and cost far less than stones in the D-F range. Look at the diamond's image closely to see if you notice a brown or yellow cast.

Decide on your carat weight. Carats refer to the weight of the diamond. As the carat size increases, so does its rarity and price tag. While the size of a diamond is important, carat weight is generally considered the least important of the 4 C's. You want to select a well-cut diamond first, then make sure it appears white and contains no noticeable blemishes and inclusions. After you've checked those boxes, spend the rest of your budget on Carat.

Take your time. By buying online, you have the advantage of doing your research and making comparisons, so don't feel rushed to make a decision—especially if something doesn't feel quite right.

Ask for advice. Get an expert opinion on the diamond you're purchasing. Don't be afraid to reach out to customer service to get more information about the ring you're considering or check up on your order status.