Should You Try on Engagement Rings Before You Buy? Jewelers Spill

If you've ever fantasized about getting engaged, you've probably envisioned that moment when your partner opens a tiny box to reveal the gemstone of your dreams. But what if the ring isn't what you imagined? It's a valid thought. That's why experts recommend couples try on engagement rings before committing to the purchase.

We know what you're thinking: Isn't it bad luck to wear an engagement ring before actually getting engaged? While the mere thought of engagement ring shopping together may sound like an etiquette no-no, it's actually encouraged. After all, an engagement ring is a lifetime investment. Since it's a piece of jewelry you'll wear every day, it should be exactly what you want. Now, couples are tossing "traditional" wedding rules in favor of practices that realistically make the most sense. And if you're not sure exactly what kind of sparker you want, why not try on engagement rings to find the perfect one?

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To break down everything you need to know, we tapped industry experts to share the biggest perks of trying on engagement rings with your partner. And for even more help, we've rounded up the best engagement ring try-on kits to use at home that'll help you pick the perfect ring style from the comfort of your couch.

In this article:

• Should You Try On Engagement Rings?
• Where to Try On Engagement Rings
• The Best Engagement Ring Try On Kits

Should You Try On Engagement Rings?

Fact: You're allowed to try on engagement rings before you get engaged. In fact, experts encourage it. "I always recommend couples try on engagement rings in person before making a decision," says Sara Beth Brown Prendeville, president of Brown & Co. "There's really no substitute for seeing how a ring looks and feels on your hand, and it's the best way to make sure you get what you want and your partner knows what you want. It turns what could be an intimidating process for some into a really special and memorable experience."

Not totally sold just yet? Here's why opting to try on engagement rings is a smart move before you make a purchase.

An Engagement Ring is a Lifetime Investment

It's no secret that an engagement ring comes with a significant price tag. According to The Knot Jewelry and Engagement Study, the average cost of an engagement ring is $5,200. Since it's a serious investment, you'll want to make sure the ring is perfect before you buy it. The best way to do this, of course, is by trying on a variety of styles to learn what you like. Doing so will help you decide on important details that have a direct impact on the cost, like the center stone shape, carat weight, metal color and ring setting. "An engagement ring is a long-term investment; you want to make sure you absolutely love it," says Nicole Wegman, founder of Ring Concierge. "Now more than ever, couples are opting to go through the ring-buying process together. While there are plenty of questions that arise when choosing the perfect engagement ring, determining a budget is one of the trickiest."

Once you've made a budget and tried on styles that fit your price range, you'll be confident in your final decision. After all, knowing that your partner loves the ring you purchased—and will look forward to wearing it every day—is priceless.

It'll Help You Learn What You Like

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring design, your options are quite literally endless. If you're not the person who's had their favorite ring style bookmarked for years, it'll be beneficial to try on a variety of styles in person. Even if you have a general idea of what you think you want, trying on different options is the best way to be absolutely certain. "Oftentimes, shoppers have one image in mind of their dream engagement ring," says Jamie Singleton, President of Signet Jewelers (which houses brands like Jared, Kay and Zales). "However, once they see the rings in person and are able to mix and match styles, it really changes their perspective. Some come away with a forever ring that's completely different from the original style they had envisioned. Because of that, we always recommend to our customers to keep an open mind because you never know what you'll fall in love with."

With this in mind, it's recommended to try on a variety of styles to get an understanding of what you love. Do you prefer a yellow gold or rose gold band against your skin? Would you rather wear a solitaire engagement ring, or a design with multiple side stones? Are you into trending diamond engagement ring shapes, like marquises and pears, or do you want to keep it classic with a brilliant round or emerald? With so many options on the market, testing them out in person is the best way to pick your favorite.

Rings Can Look Different In-Person vs. Online

Some couples may prefer to shop for an engagement ring online. Not only is this a convenient option, it can also be budget-friendly too. Some online-only brands are direct-to-consumer, which eliminates extra fees you might encounter in stores. But while there are certain perks that come with shopping online, know that rings can look different on product pages than they do on a real hand. "It's very common for clients to realize they like a different diamond shape or style on their hand when they try on rings in person. Even I had that experience," Prendeville says. "I was sure I wanted a classic round, but once I started trying on diamonds, I fell in love with an emerald cut instead. You really can't know until you see it on your hand. I'd compare it to wedding dress shopping: What you love in photos might feel totally different when you see it on yourself."

Where to Try On Engagement Rings

By now, you should be convinced that trying on engagement rings before you buy is the right move. But when you're ready to window shop, where do you go?

Visit Your Local Jeweler

The first, and arguably most obvious answer, is to try on engagement rings with your partner in a store. Many fine jewelry retailers allow you to browse styles in a showroom, which can serve as a fun date night activity. Start your search with a platform like The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find local retailers in your area. By choosing to try on engagement rings in a store, you'll get personalized attention and guidance from an experienced jeweler, which can be helpful if you don't know what you want or how to find a style in your budget.

Order an Engagement Ring Try-On Kit

If you can't make it into a store to try on engagement rings, do it from the comfort of home with an engagement ring try-on kit. Some retailers allow you to customize a box with replica rings (made of metal alloys and CZ material, not diamonds) to help you experiment with different styles and shapes. Prices can range anywhere from $20 to $200, and the cost is often a refundable deposit or can be used as credit toward your engagement ring purchase.

Consider A Virtual Engagement Ring Try-On Experience

When all else fails, consider a virtual engagement ring try-on experience. While it won't be as interactive as an at-home engagement ring try-on kit or an in-store appointment, many jewelry brands have developed virtual technology that allows you to upload photos of your hand and see what rings look like digitally.

The Best Engagement Ring Try-On Kits

With the rise of engagement ring try-on boxes, finding your dream ring has never been easier. To help streamline your shopping experience, we've curated a roundup of the best at-home engagement ring try-on kits. These customizable boxes allow you to test out multiple styles and find the perfect bauble from the comfort of home.

With Clarity

Photo: With Clarity

With Clarity's Home Preview box allows you to build a kit that includes two replica rings of your preferred metal color, diamond shape and carat weight. Once received, you'll have seven days to test the jewelry before returning the box. The engagement ring try-on kit costs $200; Once your box is returned, you'll receive a gift card for the full amount paid, which is redeemable on your final ring selection.

Zales

Photo: Zales

If you tend to be indecisive, you'll love the try-on options offered through Zales. In partnership with wedding industry maven Vera Wang, the designer's line of engagement rings are eligible for the brand's at-home engagement ring try-on box. "The Vera Wang LOVE Home Try-On Program at Zales enables customers to find their forever engagement ring by mixing and matching center settings and mountings for up to nine ring combinations of their choice through Zales' Online Design Tool," Singleton says. (You read that right: The unique option to swap different stones and bands gives you plenty of creative freedom when curating your ideal look.) "For a refundable $99 deposit, the customer will receive a kit that includes three center stone settings and three ring mountings. Customers can try on the rings for seven days before returning the kit."

Frank Darling

Photo: Frank Darling

Frank Darling's engagement ring try-on kit is one of the most affordable options, as each replica ring costs just $0.25. Customers can select up to three sterling silver sparklers to wear for up to five days. Take a short quiz before building your box, and the brand's intuitive technology will suggest styles that match your taste. (Just make sure you send the kit back on time, as there's a $450 fee for late returns.)

One of our favorite features of Frank Darling's at-home engagement ring try-on box is that customers have the opportunity to discuss their selections with a designer via video chat during the decision making process. This program is a great way to test out different styles and get a feel for which design is best for you.

Plum Diamonds

Photo: Plum Diamonds

Plum Diamonds offers one of the most comprehensive home engagement ring try-on kits. For a refundable $150 deposit, you'll receive a box with three loose diamond simulants, a display ring, four ring sample styles and a jewelry sizer. While the sample rings are only available in a size seven, the loose stones can be placed on your finger to help with visualization. During your week with the kit, you'll also have direct access to Plum Diamond's team of experts, who can answer any questions that arise during your trial.

Ring Bear

Photo: RING BEAR

RING BEAR offers a convenient at-home wedding ring try-on kit with up to five replica bands. This gives customers the opportunity to decide which style, size, width, color, or material suits them best. The cost is held as a deposit, which can be fully refunded or applied to a future purchase. After seven days, simply send the kit back using the provided return label.

One standout feature of RING BEAR's program is their commitment to sustainability. As a certified Carbonfree partner, the retailer offers a carbon-neutral assortment of men's wedding rings. They use ethically sourced recycled metals, FSC certified timber and recycled packaging to minimize their environmental impact. They even plant a tree with each purchase to support reforestation efforts. With their focus on quality craftsmanship and fair pricing, this wedding ring try-on kit offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to find the perfect piece for your big day.

Catbird

Photo: Catbird

If you can't make it to Catbird's Wedding Annex in Brooklyn, New York, their at-home ring try-on program is a convenient way to explore wedding band options. The kit includes three sample rings made in sterling silver, allowing customers to try on various sizes and styles to find the perfect fit. Catbird's program includes the option to add a metal swatch ring to the kit, which gives a better sense of what different metal colors look like on your hand. The sample rings are open in the back, making it easier to tailor the sizing to your finger. This wedding ring try-on kit requires a $25 security deposit per box, but you can opt-in to upgrade your set with the metal swatch for an additional $50; Both fees are fully refundable upon returning the box.