Buying an engagement ring online?

panpan

I am posting under a new username to conceal my identity - as partner looks at this website.

I'm looking for an engagement ring, I've checked out the various guides online about 4c's etc.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a retailer, I've heard it's cheaper to buy online and some online retailers even have offices where you can view before you buy.

Can anyone recommend an online retailer?

Also, what would be a recommended budget? I was thinking 1K-2K, seems *sensible*

Also, how would I find out her ring size? She does not wear rings? I was thinking about placing a unfolded paperclip round her finger whilst asleep - any better suggestions?

LilElvis

panpan wrote: »

I am posting under a new username to conceal my identity - as partner looks at this website.

I'm looking for an engagement ring, I've checked out the various guides online about 4c's etc.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a retailer, I've heard it's cheaper to buy online and some online retailers even have offices where you can view before you buy.

Can anyone recommend an online retailer?

Also, what would be a recommended budget? I was thinking 1K-2K, seems *sensible*

Also, how would I find out her ring size? She does not wear rings? I was thinking about placing a unfolded paperclip round her finger whilst asleep - any better suggestions?

I haven't any recommendations for sites, but a couple of points that may help.

You would need to read the terms and conditions of a site very, very carefully re returns. Getting the ring size wrong may make adjusting the ring problematic depending on the style and the amount of adjustment required. As she doesn't wear rings can you be absolutely sure that you would be choosing a style she would like?

As for the budget - it's what you can afford. For some the amount you have suggested would be extortionate, for others it would be the price of a dress ring.

The paperclip idea is totally daft! Use a small slip of paper and mark it - even this won't be very accurate as sizing can also depend on the style selected and the width of the band.

InsideInsurance

I'd recommend BlueNile if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. An associate is a former jeweler and now loss adjuster and her opinion was their prices are much closer to her old wholesale prices than retail. The downside is you cannot see before you buy.

Outside of that go to the likes of Hatton Gardens or which ever large city you are close to jewelry quarter where prices will be between online and high street but you get to see before you buy.

To be honest there is no fail safe way of judging ring size if she doesnt have any ring that she ever wears on that finger as some like their rings tight so they dont spin/ fall off etc where as others are more worried about the ring getting stuck/ circulation cut off etc and so prefer it looser.

A piece of thread/ string will be much easier than a paperclip to judge her finger width. Alternatively you can get ring gauges in a host of different formats from plastic rings to paper tape measures.

It may be worth sounding out what her thoughts are on these things though. Some love the idea of being presented with a ring and others prefer the idea of going shopping together for it. Some want a simple solitaire setting and the bigger the diamond the better even if you are sacrificing quality where as others prefer multiple stones or different cuts etc. £2k is a fair amount to spend on a punt if you arent clear on your future fiancee's tastes.

Personally I was lucky as my now wife always said how she hated the idea of shopping together for the ring and had always expressed a love for emerald cut stones and art deco style things. Similarly a dislike of over the top sized rings, so quality rather than size.

74jax

My hubby got my engagement, wedding and eternity ring from Samara James, excellent service. They can even supply a 'mock' ring so know what you are getting in regards to the diamond - if you're having one of course.

You could pick the ring, get the 'mock' ring, propose with that and the real ring would be in her size. They do free size alterations too.

As to the cost, it all depends, don't get roped in to spending 3 x your salary or whatever it is people say.

'sensible' is different to each person, look at the clarity of diamond, and type of band - on their websit eyou can playaround with different diamonds etc and it changes prices as to what you want.

If it's over 1k make sure it is insured outside the home insurance as most items are only valued up to 1k.

tea_lover

panpan wrote: »

I was thinking about placing a unfolded paperclip round her finger whilst asleep - any better suggestions?

She must be a really heavy sleeper! :rotfl:

InsideInsurance

74jax wrote: »

If it's over 1k make sure it is insured outside the home insurance as most items are only valued up to 1k.

Whatever the value is ensure that its properly declared/ covered with your home insurance.

There certainly isnt a "most", I've seen some with as low as a £500 single item limit and at the other end of the mass market spectrum you have Axa and M&S who have a £15,000 single item limit on the "premier" product. Get into your Hiscox or Chubbs and the rest of the HNW offerings and the limits get even higher before you have to start declaring items.

Candyapple

Another recommendation for Blue Nile. We helped my BIL order his ring from there before Christmas. Great service, fast delivery and you can adjust the prices based on your budget. They also offer 30 day returns if she doesn't like it.

Order a free ring sizer here

arbrighton

Oh ordered mine online. Think it was diamond factory. He got the size off a ring that was left to me and I had resized but neither he nor I figured there would be a difference between my left and right hands.
Had it resized at a local jeweller and it is insured as value over 1k

tripled

I looked at BlueNile and Ritani, and eventually bought from Ritani. I did a lot of research beforehand, and ended up with something far better than you'd get from a high street chain for the same price (over £1k). When I bought from Ritani there was a poor conversion rate to GBP, so I set my country as US to pay in dollars (I still got it shipped here with no problems). BlueNile are also now on Topcashback (I don't think they were when I bought).

For that sort of money if buying online, check who the certificate is from - GIA and AGSL. A number of cheaper looking sites use in-house certification "agencies" which may grade a little more optimistically.

Get a free ring sizer from H Samuel - https://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/secure/ringsizer/show.sdo (maybe get it sent to the office?).

mindfields

Candyapple wrote: »

Another recommendation for Blue Nile. We helped my BIL order his ring from there before Christmas. Great service, fast delivery and you can adjust the prices based on your budget. They also offer 30 day returns if she doesn't like it.

I bought my Wifes engagement ring On-line & picked it up in New York after a lot of research.

Used the Diamond Talk forums to get a lot of information. Highly recommend lurking there for a bit whilst you decide.

Never used Blue Nile but from what I read it had a v. good reputation and this was 7-8 years ago. If I hadn't sourced overseas I probably would have used Blue Nile.

Pollycat

If she doesn't wear rings are you absolutely sure that she will want an engagement ring?

And if you are sure, are you sure that you will choose the right style?