When it comes to engagement ring shopping, your options aren’t limited to what’s in store—you can browse thousands of styles online. But to make an investment this substantial and sentimental, finding a trustworthy retailer is crucial. The Forbes Vetted fashion team selected the best places to buy engagement rings online based on our jewelry expertise, plus in-depth research into several top brands. Our favorites include Blue Nile for its impressive diamond selection and first-rate customer service, and Quince, which offers high-quality engagement rings at comparatively affordable prices.
We rounded up the best places to buy engagement rings, considering factors including variety, price range and included services.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
We vetted retailers against criteria including style variety, price range, customization options, customer experience (including return policies, warranties and virtual advisor assistance), and weighed in with our personal experiences with several of the brands. As a final measure, our selections were reviewed by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America. Ahead, the nine best places to buy engagement rings, whether you’re looking for lab-grown diamonds, customizable options or an affordable ring that still makes a statement.
Price range: $540 to $40,000 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
Thousands of pre-made and customizable options
Free overnight shipping
Arrives in a beautiful gift box
Keep in mind:
The wide array of options are overwhelming if you don’t know where to start
Blue Nile earns the top spot on this list, thanks to its impressive variety as well as its exceptional customer service. The brand offers a price-match guarantee as well as a diamond upgrade program, which is ideal for those who plan on investing in the ring’s quality over time. “Blue Nile passed all the tests I put it through,” says Molvar. “The luxury-yet-accessible jeweler manages to offer a lot of choice without making the process of picking a ring overwhelming.” You can shop by diamond type—natural or lab-grown—stone shape or ring style, for example. “The site is well organized and actually fun to navigate,” Molvar adds. “I’ve tested the rings myself and the quality and comfort on your finger is top-notch.” All rings arrive in a gorgeous blue box and ship overnight for free.
Price range: $250 to $29,000 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
Variety of styles, from classic to contemporary
Wide price range
Interactive preview for 360-degree viewing
Keep in mind:
International return shipping fees are not covered
James Allen’s extensive range of engagement rings will suit any taste, whether you prefer minimalist, contemporary designs or ornate, vintage-inspired pieces. The brand also has customization options for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. “If you want all the convenience of online shopping with the close-up inspection of in-person browsing, James Allen offers a good balance of both,” says Molvar, referring to the site’s interactive 360-degree images. "I love being able to see the rings from all angles, and having tested the diamond jewelry myself, I can speak to the high sparkle factor.”
Vrai
Vrai The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
Price range: From $1,000 to $12,000 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
The company puts an emphasis on sustainability
Plenty of custom options
You can book virtual and in-person appointments
Keep in mind:
Vrai only uses lab-grown diamonds
Vrai exclusively uses lab-grown diamonds from its own foundry in America, a sustainable choice that eliminates the need for a middleman. It uses an entirely hydro-powered production process, which eliminates carbon emissions, and each diamond is certified by gemologists for quality. “Vrai is well known for its sustainability efforts and being a leader in the space as the diamond industry moves toward more transparent practices,” says Molvar. “Beyond that, the rings are stylish, elegant and sophisticated. The vibe is more minimalist than some might like but there are plenty of traditional rings in the mix as well.”
With Clarity
With Clarity Tapered Pave Diamond Hidden Halo Ring
Price range: $410 to $5,000 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: Yes | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
At-home try-ons available
Dozens of customization options for each ring
Ethically sourced diamonds
Keep in mind:
Limited preset design options
“If you prefer natural diamonds, With Clarity offers a lot of peace of mind,” says Molvar. “The jeweler meets the ethical standards of both the Kimberley Process and United Nations Resolutions, and only works with reputable suppliers who prioritize conflict-free sourcing and fair business practices.” With Clarity shines in its customization options, providing dozens of ways to personalize the setting, shape and metal. The brand also gives you the choice of building your ring with a lab-grown diamond, if you prefer. Molvar likes that there are so many stones to choose from; you can browse an extensive database and then pick your ring setting from there. Another standout feature is the try-at-home program, which lets you choose two 3D-printed replica rings to slip on for free.
Quince
Quince Lab-Grown Diamond Oval Petite Classic Engagement Ring
Price range: $130 to $5,300 | Custom options: No | Virtual advisors: No | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 365-day returns, no warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
Easy, pared-down shopping process
Generous return window
Classic, timeless designs
Keep in mind:
Ring selection is limited
Quince is relatively newer to the jewelry scene, but the brand’s reasonably priced offerings aren’t to be ignored. Its selection, while more limited than some of the more established retailers on this list, is tasteful and sophisticated. “Quince is a favorite among the Forbes Vetted fashion team for its high-quality yet extremely affordable items,” says Molvar. “Normally I wouldn’t suggest buying a wedding ring from a retailer that doesn’t specialize in jewelry, but Quince is the exception: Its pieces are stunning and well made.” There are lab-grown and natural diamond options, which come in yellow gold, white gold and platinum settings. Keep in mind that Quince doesn’t offer customization or engraving on its rings, so it’s not the best option for those who want a truly bespoke piece. The brand’s return policy is also generous: You have 365 days to change your mind.
Mejuri
Mejuri Diamonds 0.72 CTW Cluster Ring
Price range: $225 to $3,700 | Custom options: No | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and two-year warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
Wallet-friendly pricing
Modern and original designs
Virtual styling available
Keep in mind:
Limited selection of traditional, classic rings
If you’re looking for something a bit more unconventional, fine jewelry brand Mejuri makes engagement rings that are refreshingly unique. Its specialty is its cluster rings, which feature multiple diamonds or gemstones artfully arranged in a yellow gold or white gold setting. “Mejuri doesn’t specialize in engagement rings exclusively—it carries all sorts of beautiful everyday jewelry—but if you want a modern, non-traditional ring, this would be my first choice,” says Molvar. "The styles are clean, minimalist and cool, and there are plenty of gender-neutral designs to choose from.” In addition, the brand’s prices are incredibly fair; you don’t have to shell out a ton of money to receive a high-quality piece.
Grown Brilliance
Grown Brilliance 1 1/3 CTW Round Graduated Engagement Ring
Price range: $1,125 to $23,730 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 45-day returns and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
Sustainably sourced materials
Excellent customer service
Option to work with a jeweler to create your dream piece
Keep in mind:
Grown Brilliance only uses lab-grown diamonds
Grown Brilliance is known for its Truly Custom program: Send in engagement ring inspiration photos and sketches, and the jeweler creates a personalized, one-of-a-kind piece. “If you want a ring that’s uniquely your own, custom designed by you, Grown Brilliance is a good option,” says Molvar. “Plus, the prices are very reasonable, given the craftsmanship and quality of stones.” For those who’d rather skip the step of customization, there is a wide variety of pre-designed engagement rings to choose from, including a collection from couture fashion designer Badgley Mischka. Grown Brilliance is also committed to sustainability: The jewelry is made with ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds and 100% recycled gold.
Annual “spa treatment” that includes free resizing, cleaning and polishing
Fair, transparent pricing
Easy customization process
Keep in mind:
Pre-set style selection is somewhat limited
Plum only uses lab-grown diamonds
Plum Diamonds was founded in 2022, so it’s one of the newer lab-grown diamond retailers on the market. The brand has quickly earned a solid online reputation for its impeccable customer service and transparent pricing. One of Plum Diamonds’ standout features is its lifetime warranty, which includes an annual “spa treatment” for your ring: This includes complimentary resizing, polishing and professional cleaning, with the cost of shipping covered both ways. While Epting hasn’t specifically tried out Plum Diamonds’ rings, she owns a diamond pendant from the brand. “I’m in love with my Marquise Dewdrop Pendant—the diamond and accompanying gold chain sparkle in all the right ways,” she says. “The quality was apparent as soon as I took it out of its adorable purple gift box.”
Plum Diamonds’ lab-grown diamond engagement rings are available in every cut and setting you can think of, and it’s possible to tweak existing styles through the site’s customization program. You can also take advantage of its at-home try-on kit to make sure you love your ring before you commit.
Zales
Vera Wang Love Collection 2 CT. T.W. Certified Lab-Created Diamond Ring
Price range: $45 to $70,000 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifetime diamond commitment | Financing: Yes
What you’ll love:
Expansive selection of engagement rings in every style and price point
Designer collaborations (including with Vera Wang)
On-site compare tool helps you zero in on the exact ring you want
Keep in mind:
Thousands of options can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start
Zales offers nearly ten thousand engagement rings on its site, which is great for those who appreciate variety. “When you want a lot of selection, Zales is a popular option,” says Molvar. “You get the benefit of the retailer’s large inventory of styles, accessible prices and unique collaborations. If you want convenience, you can’t beat the value of this pick.” From minimalist solitaires to intricate halo rings, Zales offers rings for virtually any taste—we particularly love the brand’s offerings from designer Vera Wang. The vast array of rings may be overwhelming at first, but the site’s compare tool helps you identify what you’re looking for. While there are more than enough diamond options, you can find plenty of other gemstones, too. Zales also offers customization for those who want a personalized piece.
How We Chose The Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings
To pick the best online engagement ring retailers, we spent several collective hours researching brands online and only included diamond jewelry companies with stellar reputations.
We carefully pored through each site, taking note of how easy each one is to navigate. We made note of the variety of styles, customization options and whether or not you can speak with a virtual advisor.
While you and your life partner will ideally love your ring, it’s important to have the option to return it. All of the retailers we selected have a return policy of at least 30 days, with some ranging all the way up to 365 days.
Because everyone’s engagement ring budget looks different, we included retailers that offer engagement rings on each end of the price spectrum. Our featured style from Quince costs $1,000, while other picks cost $2,000 or more.
What To Consider When Buying An Engagement Ring Online
There are hundreds (even thousands) of online retailers where you can purchase an engagement ring. Below are a few steps you should follow to ensure you’re able to find the perfect piece.
Set A Budget
“It’s a good idea to set your budget before you start shopping—before you get swept into the moment and fall in love with a ring that’s beyond your price range,” says Molvar. When thinking about your budget, she adds that it’s a good idea to factor in tax, insurance and any personalization details. Many retailers offer free shipping as a value perk.
Look For Certification
“You always want to purchase a diamond certified by a well-known organization, such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society),” says Molvar. “This ensures the diamond's quality and authenticity.”
Choose The Right Metal
Besides your choice of diamond, you also have to pick which metal is right for your ring. According to Molvar, “Platinum is the most durable and hypoallergenic, while white gold is the most versatile and more affordable.” Other metals' costs are similar but have more of an impact on the style of the ring. “Yellow gold has a classic and warm look, for example, while rose gold has a vintage and romantic feel,” Molvar adds.
Consider The Setting
The setting you pick comes down to personal preference, but Molvar mentions that solitaire, halo, pavé or three-stone rings are the most popular. “Bezel settings are best if your partner has an active lifestyle, for example, since the diamond sits lower down in the ring than other options and is less likely to get scuffed,” she says. “If you’re uncertain, go for the classic solitaire setting since it’s the most timeless.” Rings are available in pre-designed, ready-to-ship styles, or you can customize your own. “Custom rings are the most unique and personal, of course, but may take longer to create, so it depends on your timeline,” says Molvar.
Check The Fine Print
Do your homework on a jeweler: Read the reviews, and make sure it has good customer service and transparent pricing and return policies. Also, look for perks like complimentary resizing and cleaning, as well as the company’s warranty and insurance options. Keep in mind that most home insurance policies can be adjusted to include high-value items like engagement rings.
The Four Cs
Both natural and lab-created diamonds are assessed using the universally recognized Four Cs standard: Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut. These grading reports offer essential details about a diamond's features and overall quality.
Carat: The weight of a diamond is quantified in carats, with 1 carat equivalent to 200 milligrams. Since carats measure mass rather than physical dimensions, it's possible for two stones with identical carat weights to appear quite different based on their particular shape and cut.
Color: In the context of color grading, the lack of color actually signifies the superior quality of a diamond. The most uncommon and valuable diamonds are entirely transparent, whereas a less-desirable stone exhibits a greater degree of color saturation.
Clarity: To determine clarity, gemologists inspect the number of inclusions (internal features) a diamond possesses, as well as any external blemishes. Some inclusions are minute enough to be invisible without magnification, while others are more visible.
Cut: The diamond's cut determines how the stone interacts with light, which produces its signature sparkle. While carat, color and clarity are features established during the diamond's formation, this characteristic relies entirely on the skill of the diamond cutter.
What About Vintage Engagement Rings?
If you’re interested in natural diamonds but want a sustainable option, or one with sentimental value, buying a vintage engagement ring can be a good choice. Our top pick for finding top-quality, authentic, pre-owned rings is 1st Dibs, since the reseller conducts a thorough inspection process and only accepts vintage jewelry that meets its high standards. If you’re considering this option, here’s what to weigh:
Value For The Money
Depending on the size and quality of the diamond, vintage rings can cost less than newly crafted ones with similar gemstones and materials. Many vintage rings also feature unique and intricate designs that set them apart from their modern counterparts, and convey a sense of history and emotional value. Importantly, purchasing a previously owned ring can be a more ethical and environmentally conscious decision than buying a new ring with mined diamonds or sometimes even lab-created diamonds, which can contribute to energy consumption and carbon footprints.
Limited Options And Availability
Finding the perfect vintage engagement ring that matches your preferences can be challenging. Vintage rings are pre-designed, so you have limited options for customization. Resizing an antique ring can also be complex and costly, potentially affecting its integrity.
Quality Craftsmanship
Many vintage rings display a high level of craftsmanship and durability. But, they may show signs of wear or require maintenance due to their age. For that reason, check to see if you’ll need to make repairs to the ring—especially to the prongs or setting—and ensure that your pick is in good condition.
Certification And Documentation
Authenticating the provenance and quality of a vintage ring can be tricky. Make sure to ask for certificates or documentation when possible to verify the authenticity of the gemstones and materials.
1st Dibs
Harry Winston The One Round Brilliant Diamond Micropavé Platinum Ring (0.72 CTW Center Stone)
1st Dibs is our top pick for authenticated antique jewelry online. The company works with a trusted network of top vintage and contemporary sellers across the world to source one-of-a-kind pieces from the 18th century to modern day. “Buying a vintage ring is such a special idea, but you definitely want to know the ring is authentic and in excellent condition,” says Molvar. “This retailer is highly trusted within the fashion industry and I appreciate how you can live chat with sellers to ask questions.” The selection of thoroughly vetted engagement rings is enormous, and there’s something to fit every budget: Prices start around $100 and reach into the millions. All purchases include buyer protection for a stress-free shopping experience.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Within the Forbes Vetted fashion section, we’ve researched, written and published dozens of jewelry stories, including several roundups on diamond and wedding jewelry.
This story was coauthored by fashion writer Claire Epting. She has written and contributed to Forbes Vetted’s jewelry content over the past two years and writes the majority of the category’s updates.
Coauthor and deputy editor Kari Molvar holds certificates in lab-grown diamonds from the International Gem Society as well as jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She approved all of the retailers on this list and provided insight into the engagement ring buying process.
This story is regularly updated to guarantee all prices, availability and the best versions of the products are as current as possible. It was last refreshed by Epting in October 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Difference Between Lab-Grown And Natural Diamonds?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable to the naked eye—they share the same chemical composition and physical appearance. Their difference lies in how they’re produced: Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab using chemical synthesis, while natural diamonds are mined from the earth. For this reason, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural stones, but they’re also a less valuable investment in the long run.
How Much Should You Really Pay For An Engagement Ring?
The cost of an engagement ring varies widely, but prices for a quality diamond and setting typically start around $2,000. Depending on the size and cut of the diamond, the price can rise up to $6,000 or more. Keep in mind that engagement rings made with lab-grown diamonds tend to cost less than ones featuring mined diamonds; if you’re looking to optimize your budget, a lab-grown diamond ring may be the best option for you.
Which Brand Is Best For An Engagement Ring?
Following our in-depth research process, we named Blue Nile as the best brand for engagement rings overall. It offers thousands of natural and lab-grown diamond options, with a price-match guarantee to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
When Is The Best Time To Buy An Engagement Ring?
We recommend buying your engagement ring two to four months before your intended proposal date, especially if you’re ordering a custom piece. This ensures that the ring has plenty of time to arrive, even if there are unforeseen shipping delays.
Coupons
Arhaus
Become An Arhaus Trade Member To Earn Commissions And Special Rewards
