If you choose to purchase an engagement ring online, it’s a good idea to know exactly what you want. There are many online retailers that specialize in engagement ring sales, but as with any online purchase, do your research before you buy.

Online Auctions

Jewelry auctions are a popular way to buy an engagement ring and can offer substantial savings compared to a physical retailer. However, carefully research the seller and the auction site before placing a bid. While you can save quite a bit of money purchasing a ring this way, the savings will be pointless if you end up with a fake ring – or no ring at all! For this reason, it’s a good idea to stick with a reputable auction site and seller before you bid. Examine every photograph of the ring to make sure it’s exactly what you want, and carefully read the description, terms and agreements. Failing to read the fine print can end in disaster if it ends up being a scam or a different ring than you thought you were purchasing.

Online Jewelers

Many popular jewelry stores offer online sales as well, and can many times offer a different style of the same ring found in a store or an expanded selection. With most mass jewelers, their website often allows you to design your own ring – from the stone, to the setting and everything in between. While you can certainly customize an engagement ring at a physical jeweler, the online design tools their website offers is quick, convenient and practically hassle-free. Even though most reputable jewelry stores offer the same benefits and guarantees as their physical store, it’s always a good idea to research the jeweler you prefer.

Online-Only Jewelers

There are many online-only jewelers or jewelry retailers, whereby all of their sales are done exclusively via the Internet. These small businesses are often able to offer exclusive sales or discounts that other stores that operate a website and a physical store cannot. Online-only jewelers can also operate a wholesale engagement ring business. If you purchase an engagement ring via an online wholesaler, you can likely save a substantial amount of money. However, wholesalers often only have a very limited selection of style to choose from, and don’t offer many customization options to choose from.

Before you Buy

While online engagement ring sales offer a great amount of convenience, you will need to rely on photographs and stated specifications of the ring you want to purchase. As a result, it’s very important that you research the merchant before handing over your personal information. Check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure they are a legitimate business and check how many complaints have been filed against the company. If their website looks poorly made, with many misspellings or grammatical issues, that’s a very good sign that you’re not dealing with a business that prides itself on quality and customer service.

Familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s, so when your documentation arrives with the ring to verify that it’s authentic, you are able to understand what you have purchased. Carefully check return policies in the event you are unhappy with the ring. With careful research and by only dealing with reputable online merchants, you can find the perfect engagement ring without hassle.