Marriage proposal aside, making a purchase as big as an engagement ring is a daunting decision—even more so if you’re doing it virtually. But in the last decade, fine jewelers have responded to the modern needs of the world and made it enjoyable (and efficient) to shop around for the best engagement rings online at a variety of price points, with peace of mind. Many have translated the in-store experience to online consultations, which is great when you’re in need of human help, and set new standards for price transparency and ethical labor and environmental practices. These e-retailers also provide comprehensive valuation reports to ensure your pieces are authentic so you can shop securely and easily.
Buying an engagement ring, like this stunning Mejuri Diamonds Cluster Ring, can add up to big … [+]
Below, we’ve rounded up seven of the best places to shop for engagement rings online, including everything from affordable engagement rings to lab-grown diamond rings to antique and rare designs. Scroll ahead to learn why we like—and trust—these retailers when it comes to making this milestone purchase. And for more jewelry inspiration, read our guide to the best diamond jewelry online.
Mejuri
Sometimes “affordable” translates to “no frills” which can mean boring. That’s fine if we’re talking t-shirts, but not at all the goal when the subject is engagement rings. Direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand Mejuri manages to make engagement rings that are both affordable and interesting, featuring clusters of gemstones and diamonds in artful settings. Prices range from $650 to $2,200.
With Clarity
This online retailer offers a few ways to shop for engagement rings. First, there’s a collection of ready-to-ship styles that can be ordered immediately. Second, a custom ring building tool with dozens of ways to customize the setting, diamond (including natural or lab grown), shape, metal and so on. But what really sets this brand apart is their try-at-home program, where can receive two 3D-printed replica rings to slip on, for free. This gives you an idea of what you like or want to tweak before confirming your custom order.
The scope of styles is broad, though mostly traditional. For ready-to-ship engagement rings, prices start at $1,330 and run to $6,100. Custom pieces are priced by setting (and then you select size—and price—of the diamond in later steps), which begins at $290.
Vrai
Vrai exclusively uses lab grown diamonds from its own foundry, meaning there is truly no middleman between the stone’s source and its setting. The diamonds are grown sustainably in America with an entirely hydropowered production process, which eliminates carbon emissions. Vrai also offers a great range of styles, from timeless solitaire rings to three stone rings with pavé bands. Prices range from around $800 to $2,500.
Catbird
Catbird began as a little storefront in Brooklyn that became popular locally for its ultra-dainty jewelry with names like the threadbare ring and sweet nothing choker. In addition to its own Catbird line of jewelry, the boutique stocks pieces from independent jewelry designers, such as Blanca Monrós Gómez, Jennie Kwon and Wwake. Prices for engagement rings start around $700 for an antique-inspired solitaire and go up to around $14,000 for a knife-edge diamond.
Aurate
In addition to engagement rings, direct-to-consumer jewelry brand Aurate offers a selection of wedding bands for different aesthetic tastes—minimalist yet luxurious, fashionable but timeless. All of the gold in the jewelry is 100% recycled and the diamonds are ethically sourced, adhering to the Kimberley Process. Styles range from the classic band (available in yellow, white, or rose gold) to an eternity ring surrounded by baguette diamonds. Prices start at $70 for a gold vermeil band and top out around $3,000.
Blue Nile
Blue Nile was one of the first fine jewelry retailers to embrace online shopping. It, too, offers many ways to shop for engagement rings, including a custom option. The brand also does designer collaborations, teaming up with some of the best young jewelers working today to create contemporary engagement rings exclusively for Blue Nile. Between the custom options, its own collection, and collabs with Zac Posen among others, the site offers a huge range of engagement ring styles. Prices start around $2,000 and max out around $30,000.
1stDibs
For authenticated antique jewelry online, there’s no match for 1stDibs. The company works with a trusted network of top vintage and contemporary sellers across the world to source pieces you really won’t see anywhere else, with styles from the 18th century to modern day. The selection of engagement rings is enormous and the price range is broad, starting around $200 and reaching into the millions (yep, plural). Everything is thoroughly vetted and all purchases include buyer protection for a shopping experience that’s more Net-a-Porter than eBay.