Shopping for an engagement ring online can be a very convenient and rewarding experience, but there are a few things that you need to be aware of to make sure that you and the love of your life end up with a ring that inspires you both for life.
Online shopping has revolutionized how we buy almost everything from automobiles to clothing and homes. Thanks to the internet, we are no longer bound by what our local jeweler has on display. You can select a jeweler from almost anywhere in the world and choose from literally hundreds of different combinations and options.
There are also drawbacks to shopping online for an engagement ring. Let's talk about the most common mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.
Top 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are the top five mistakes online shoppers make when buying an engagement ring. We'll also cover what you can do to avoid these mistakes in your quest to find the right ring.
1. Selecting the wrong style for your lifestyle
This may seem obvious, but when you can't try an engagement ring on, you are dependent on the ring's appearance and not its function. You want to be able to wear your ring safely every day, and if it's the wrong style, it won't only end up snagging on your pockets—it could end up being damaged, lost, or even damaging other objects you interact with. Also, if the setting doesn't suit your lifestyle, it will end up spending more time off your hand than on!
2. Choosing the wrong ring size
Popping the question (whether it's a surprise or planned for) can lose some of its sparkle and romance if your special someone isn't able to immediately start wearing their engagement ring. If it's too small, they may not be able to put it on at all. If it's too large, they won't be able to wear it for fear of losing it. And while many rings can successfully be resized, some styles can present a unique challenge or may not be resizable at all.
3. Making a selection based on price alone
Ideally, your engagement ring is an investment in something more precious than just the stones or the band—it's an investment in your future. But a well-chosen engagement ring can also become a timeless heirloom that could be passed down and cherished from generation to generation. There are many inexpensive options available on the internet, and that's why it pays to do your homework! Research, read reviews, and make your selection based upon quality, not price.
4. Not allowing enough time for your ring to be created
These days, almost everything is available in the next day or two, even if we order it online. But when it comes to engagement rings (especially if you are having one custom-made), you will need to allow enough time for the selection process and the ring itself to be created and delivered to you. This isn't something to be rushed or procrastinated on, so keep in mind you will need at least a month and a half to two months lead time.
5. Not doing your homework first
Not everyone loves gold, and not everyone loves diamonds either! A quality online jewelry store will have hundreds of combinations and styles to choose from, but if you aren't aware of what you do and don't like beforehand, it will make the selection process much more time-consuming and potentially frustrating. Peruse different kinds of stones, materials, and styles to help you narrow down what you and your partner are looking for first. Then you are free to begin shopping for the perfect ring!
Your Next Steps for Engagement Ring Shopping
The most important decision has already been made -- you've found the one.
And with these five tips, now you are ready to move forward and make the second most important decision; the perfect engagement ring.
Browse the gallery and check out our educational resources to help you choose the engagement ring that's right for you!