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Searching For The Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings
Weddings and marriages are stressful enough as they are, with the process of inviting guests, planning seating arrangements, and balancing budgets being enough work to make you pull your hair out. And let’s not start talking about how stressful marriages can be; that’s what Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is for.
All that stress comes after the incredibly nerve-wracking affair that is proposing to someone, which involves dropping a pretty penny on an engagement ring. Rather than torture yourself by wondering how to choose the best engagement ring, how much you should spend on one, or whether you’ll look like a bum for sculpting your own ring out of home-grown crystals, why not read my list of the best engagement ring brands?
I’ll run you through my top 10 go-to brands whenever any of my friends ask me which engagement rings are worth buying. Some of them are legacy brands with decades of experience while others are rarer. In any case, you should find one that sets your heart aflame in the same way your partner does.
10 Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings
1. Fred Meyer Jewelers
As a subdivision of the larger Fred Meyer and Kroger companies, Fred Meyer Jewelers are one of the three largest jewelers in North America. Their engagement rings appeal to a diverse range of individuals, catering to those who appreciate traditional elegance as well as those seeking modern or distinctive styles. Whether you’re looking for a ring for a traditional proposal or a non-traditional approach, you can find options at Fred Meyer Jewelers.
Buyers will appreciate the wide price range Fred Meyer Jewelers offers. As of July 2023, they have rings as inexpensive as $100 – $250 and some that cost more than $4,000. Unsurprisingly, they didn’t have many rings in that lower price range, but most of their catalog sat between $1,000 and $2,000.
Most of their rings weigh 1 carat, though they carry a select few engagement rings that weigh as much as 4 carats. Is that a little overboard? Yes, but isn’t love a bit overzealous anyways?
Not all of their rings are that decadent. I’m partial to their Black Diamond Solitaire Rings as they stand out from traditional engagement rings and are far more affordable. They’re a gorgeous way to make your feel significant other feel unique.
Highlights
- Selection of expensive and affordable rings
- Multiple physical locations around the United States
- Diverse styles
2. Clean Origin
My next pick for one of the best engagement ring brands is Clean Origin, whose name implies their main appeal; they use lab-grown diamonds, In case you don’t know, lab-grown diamonds are exactly what they sound like. They’re grown in a lab using the same process as diamonds in the wild. In fact, they’re the exact same as wild-grown diamonds on a chemical level.
As such, shopping from Clean Origin is both more ethically responsible and affordable than shopping from other diamond jewelers. Beyond that, their rings are just gorgeous. They sell a variety of styles like solitaire, halo, vintage, and three-stone with diamonds in oval, emerald, pearl, and princess shapes, among others.
Highlights
- All diamonds are lab-grown
- Many of their rings cost less than $1,000
- Customers can personalize and modify their rings
3. Brilliant Earth
Not only are Brilliant Earth’s rings conflict-free – they claim they’re “Beyond Conflict-Free” since you can trace their origins on the blockchain – but they use recycled metals in their rings. All their rings are designed and crafted at the team’s San Francisco design studio.
Brilliant Earth understands that every love story is unique, which is why they offer customization options to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. You can select your desired diamond or gemstone, or metal type, and even collaborate with their design team to bring your vision to life.
Most of Brilliant Earth’s ready-to-ship engagement rings are available in multiple band colors, including:
- White gold
- Yellow gold
- Rose gold
- Platinum
Highlights
- Conflict-free diamonds
- Recycle precious metals for their bands
- Rings start as low as $820
4. Blue Nile
Offering a huge array of staples (including men’s engagement rings), the ability to select between lab-grown or conventionally-grown diamonds and a robust ring customization process, Blue Nile are overflowing with options for customers.
If you don’t know which style you like best, don’t worry. Blue Nile keeps track of trends and styles that are currently in vogue. Plus, their experts can walk you through the ring customization process.
They don’t offer much in their ready-to-ship department, so they’re essentially a custom-ring-only brand. This is great if you want unparalleled options and control over how the engagement ring will look but may not be for those who want a ring quickly.
Highlights
- Offer both lab- and naturally-grown diamonds
- All rings are handcrafted in Seattle
- Over 250 styles and 150,000 diamonds to choose from
5. Vancaro
Vancaro is one of the best engagement ring brands for their fashion-forward and contemporary engagement ring designs. Their collection features a range of unique styles, often incorporating artistic and unconventional elements. If you’re seeking a ring that stands out from the traditional, Vancaro offers options that capture individuality and self-expression.
Vancaro offers five metal types for their rings.
- White gold
- Yellow gold
- Black silver
- Rose gold
- Platinum
- Sterling silver
Additionally, they offer rings with symbolic elements, such as engraved messages, birthstones, or personalized designs. This allows you to add a personal touch and create a ring that holds sentimental value and meaning.
Highlights
- All their gold products can receive lifetime maintenance
- Extremely affordable – some rings cost as little as $179
- Unique and cutting-edge styles
6. Barkev’s
Barkev’s is a family-owned and operated company with a rich history spanning several generations. This legacy of craftsmanship and passion for creating exquisite jewelry is woven into every engagement ring they produce, adding a sense of heritage and authenticity to their brand.
You can see this through their rings, which come with hard-to-find materials like black and blue diamonds. However, if you want to stick with conventional engagement rings and diamonds, then Barkev’s has you covered. You shop by pairing a setting (i.e. the wedding band) with a diamond, a short process that’s nonetheless expensive. Thankfully, their quality speaks for themself.
Highlights
- Offers the option to sample rings at home
- Sells rare black and blue diamonds
- Ring customization process is simple
7. James Allen
If you’re searching for the best engagement ring brands for the wealthy, then you’re likely looking for James Allen. Although they offer rings as affordable as $1,000, they have a grand selection that hovers around the $20,000 mark. Even at this high price point, James Allen rings are rather simple and tame. They don’t flaunt their worth as much as other brands, preferring modesty over bombastic displays.
Most importantly, James Allen features 360-degree Diamond Display Technology. This groundbreaking feature lets you view and inspect each diamond up-close, examining its every facet and characteristic in high resolution. This transparent and immersive online diamond viewing experience sets James Allen apart, giving you confidence in your diamond selection.
Highlights
- Customers can inspect diamonds online
- Subtle designs
- Collaborate with designers like Danhov and Verragio
8. Vrai
VRAI strikes a balance between timeless elegance and modern design aesthetics. Their engagement ring styles embody both classic and contemporary elements, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether you’re drawn to a traditional solitaire, a sleek halo design, or a unique fusion of styles, VRAI offers options to suit various tastes.
They also offer customers the option to customize their rings and speak with one of the team’s experts for guidance. All of their diamonds are grown in VRAI’s lab and come in the most sought-after designs like marquise, radiant, and princess.
Price-wise, VRAI rings start around $1,050, though this number can increase depending on the size of the diamond you select.
Highlights
- Feature all lab-grown diamonds
- Broad range of designs to choose
- Customers can select diamonds that were specifically cut for them
9. Ritani
At the core of Ritani’s business is transparency. They don’t want to overcharge customers, which is why they proudly advertise the price of their diamonds and include a badge on certain products that displays whether those diamonds are the best value you can find.
Offering both lab and naturally-grown diamonds, Ritani keeps costs extremely low for the customer. Many of their rings sell for less than $500 yet look like they cost much more than that. Admittedly, Ritani doesn’t offer the widest selection regarding styles, but it’s still possible to craft an affordable ring that appeals to you and your partner.
Highlights
- Budget-friendly options
- Many of their diamonds are available for the best price on the market
- Not an overwhelming number of options
10. Or & Elle
Or & Elle is the last company I’d consider to be among the best engagement ring brands. They’re a family brand hailing from Belgium, the diamond capital of the world. With a strict focus on quality, they offer the finest diamond craftsmanship you can find. What sets Or & Elle apart is their use of lab-grown diamonds and recycled 18K gold, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
When you choose Or & Elle, you’re in for a truly personalized experience. Each customer receives a bespoke edit of their diamond, ensuring that your ring is a unique reflection of your love story. All customizations are done through thoughtful consultations, where the expert team at Or & Elle listens to your preferences and guides you through the design process.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: Or & Elle takes transparency to the next level. They provide digital images that allow customers to see how their ring is developing, giving them the opportunity to make any desired edits before finalizing the product. This innovative approach ensures that you’re involved every step of the way, resulting in a truly customized engagement ring that surpasses your expectations.
Highlights
- Every customer receives a bespoke edit of their diamond
- Customers can see how their ring is developing through digital images, allowing them to make edits before the product is finalized
- Strict diamond judgment standards by the team
How To Shop For The Best Engagement Rings
Selecting an engagement ring is an important decision, and here are some tips that can help guide you in 2023:
Determine your budget
Set a budget that you are comfortable with and consider factors such as your financial situation and long-term plans. Remember that engagement rings come in a wide price range, so you can find beautiful options at various price points.
Understand the recipient’s preferences
Pay attention to the recipient’s personal style, jewelry preferences, and lifestyle. Consider factors like their favorite metal, stone shape, and whether they prefer a classic or more unique design. If possible, discreetly gather information or seek input from their close friends or family members.
Choose the right metal
Engagement rings are commonly made of metals like platinum, gold (yellow, white, or rose), and silver. Each metal has its unique qualities, so consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, and personal style when selecting the metal for the ring.
Familiarize yourself with the 4Cs
If you are considering a diamond engagement ring, it is essential to understand the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These factors determine a diamond’s quality and price. Educate yourself on the 4Cs to make an informed decision and prioritize what matters most to you and your partner.
Consider alternative gemstones
While diamonds are traditional for engagement rings, alternative gemstones are gaining popularity. Gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and morganites offer unique colors and can be more affordable compared to diamonds. Explore different options to find a gemstone that holds significance or resonates with you and your partner.
Pay attention to ring settings
The setting of the engagement ring can significantly impact its appearance and durability. Classic options include prong settings, bezel settings, and halo settings. Consider the recipient’s lifestyle and desired level of maintenance when selecting a ring setting.
Don’t forget about ring size
Accurately determining the recipient’s ring size is crucial to ensure a proper fit. You can discreetly borrow a ring they currently wear or consult a jeweler for assistance in finding the right size.
Remember, the most important aspect of an engagement ring is the thought and sentiment behind it. The ring should symbolize your love and commitment to one another. Take your time, explore options, and select a ring that holds significance for you and your partner.
FAQ
What is the best budget for an engagement ring?
Based on one study by The Knot, the average engagement ring was valued around $6,000, although one-third of couples spent less than that. They spent anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. There are some other guidelines people refer to, like spending 10% of your salary on an engagement ring.
However, the budget for an engagement ring can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and personal preferences. There is no fixed or universally defined “best” budget for an engagement ring, as it is subjective and dependent on factors such as income, financial goals, and priorities.
Which ring should be more expensive, wedding or engagement rings?
Traditionally, the engagement ring is often considered to be the more expensive and ornate of the two, as it is typically the ring that is given during the proposal as a symbol of commitment and love.
Wedding bands are usually more understated and are often purchased in matching pairs for both partners. They are typically made of precious metals, such as gold or platinum, without the inclusion of a center stone. Their lack of distinguishing features reduces their overall cost.
How many carats is best for a ring?
On average, engagement rings feature a 1-carat diamond. Carat weight is often associated with the perceived value and significance of a diamond. The milestone of reaching the 1-carat mark has traditionally been seen as a benchmark for a “sizeable” diamond, representing a significant investment and commitment.
Plus, there tends to be a wide availability of stones in this size range due to market demands, so they’re easy to find.
What is the 3 months’ salary for an engagement ring?
The “three-month salary rule” is a guideline that suggests spending approximately three months’ worth of your salary on an engagement ring or wedding ring. This guideline gained popularity through marketing campaigns by diamond companies (specifically De Beers) in the mid-20th century.
However, it’s essential to note that the three-month salary rule is not a universally accepted standard, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how much you should spend on a ring. The most important factor is your personal financial situation and what you feel comfortable spending.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the best engagement ring is a deeply personal and meaningful process. It involves considering a variety of factors to find a ring that reflects your partner’s preferences, fits within your budget, and holds sentimental value.
Before making a purchase, it is crucial to have open conversations with your partner about their style, metal preferences, stone preferences, and any other unique preferences they may have. Understanding their desires will help you make a selection that truly captures their individuality and expresses your love and commitment.
When exploring options, consider reputable jewelry brands like Fred Meyer Jewelers, Vancaro, and Blue Nile, known for their quality craftsmanship and wide range of engagement ring choices. These brands offer diverse collections to suit different tastes and budgets, ensuring you can find a ring that aligns with your partner’s vision.
Ultimately, remember that the value of an engagement ring lies not only in its material worth but also in the love and intention behind it. Choose a ring that symbolizes the unique bond between you and your partner, reflecting your shared journey and future together. With careful consideration, communication, and an understanding of your partner’s desires, you can find the perfect engagement ring that will be cherished for a lifetime.
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