Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings 2025 - Forbes Vetted

When it comes to engagement ring shopping, nowadays, your options aren’t limited to what’s in store—there are several trusted online retailers that offer thousands of styles to pick from. After careful consideration, we rounded up the best places to buy engagement rings: Our top pick overall is Blue Nile, which pairs an impressive diamond selection with first-rate customer service. In terms of value, it’s hard to beat Quince’s engagement ring offerings, which come at incredibly reasonable prices while maintaining a high level of quality.

We found the best places to buy engagement rings, depending on your budget and personal taste.

When assembling this list, we took into consideration each retailer’s variety of styles, customizable options, return policies and more. Our final selections were made by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America; she ensured each pick met our criteria for quality, craftsmanship and overall value. 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.

Blue Nile

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 lifelong warranty | Financing: Yes

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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.

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James Allen

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

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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

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

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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

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

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“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.

Angara

Price range: $500 to $17,000 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifelong warranty | Financing: Yes

Angara offers a wide variety of handcrafted engagement rings you can personalize with your choice of setting and gemstone. If it’s a diamond ring you’re looking for, consider this classic solitaire option. Customize it by selecting a diamond type (lab-grown or natural), quality and carat weight as well as a metal, with options including 14k white gold, 14k yellow gold, platinum and more. Enjoy free shipping plus complimentary resizing and engraving on all rings. Right now, you can also save 10% on orders over $500 and get a free jewelry gift on orders over $999 with code AFFENGAGEMENT.

Quince

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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.

Plum Diamonds

Price range: $910 to $13,368 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns, lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes

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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.

Zales

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

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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.

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, written and published dozens of jewelry stories, including several roundups on diamond and wedding jewelry.

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.

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.

“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.

Paying attention to the Four Cs—cut, color, clarity and carat weight—will help you narrow down your options. Here’s a breakdown on each:

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The cost of an engagement ring varies widely, but prices for a quality diamond and setting typically start at 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.

There’s no specific carat weight for engagement ring diamonds—it all comes down to your preference and budget. The average engagement ring, however, falls in between the 1- to 2-carat range. Our top retailer, Blue Nile, offers 0.2-carat diamonds all the way up to 8-carat diamonds. The carat weight doesn’t determine the quality of the gemstone, but heavier diamonds tend to be rarer, and therefore more expensive.

We added a new pick to the list and refreshed our section of FAQs.