The 8 Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings, According To Fine Jewelry Experts

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

Best for:

• Its thousands of pre-made and customizable options
• Those who need to receive their ring fast, thanks to overnight shipping
• A beautiful presentation; the ring arrives in an elegant gift box

Skip if:

• You get overwhelmed by a wide array of options

Blue Nile earns the top spot on this list thanks to its impressive variety as well as its exceptional customer service. The brand has a price-match guarantee and a diamond upgrade program, which are ideal for those who plan to invest in the ring’s quality over time. “Blue Nile passed all the tests I put it through,” says gem expert Kari Molvar. “The luxury-yet-accessible jeweler has a lot of options to choose from 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. Deputy editor Jane Sung notes the quality and durability of diamond jewelry from the brand, as she and her husband have worn their Blue Nile wedding bands for well over a decade and counting.

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

Best for:

• Its sustainably sourced materials
• Those who seek out excellent customer service
• Working with a jeweler to create your dream piece

Skip if:

• You want an engagement ring made with a natural diamond

Grown Brilliance is recognized 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 customization, Grown Brilliance features a wide variety of pre-designed engagement rings to choose from, including a collection from couture fashion designer Badgley Mischka. The brand is also committed to sustainability: The jewelry is made with ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds and 100% recycled gold.

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

Best for:

• Trying on your ring at home
• Customization options
• Ethically sourced diamonds

Skip if:

• You want a wide range of 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 the impressive stone selection; 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.

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

Best for:

• Its sustainable business practices
• Those who want a customized ring
• Booking virtual and in-person appointments

Skip if:

• You want an engagement ring with a natural diamond

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 that 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.”

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

Best for:

• Its easy, pared-down shopping process
• Those who want the flexibility of a generous return window
• Classic, timeless designs

Skip if:

• You want a wide range of engagement rings to pick from

Quince’s reasonably priced selection, while more limited than some of the more established retailers on this list, is tasteful and sophisticated. “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,” says Molvar. There are lab-grown and natural diamond options available in yellow gold, white gold and platinum settings. Keep in mind that Quince’s rings can’t be customized or engraved, so it’s not the best option for those who want a truly bespoke piece. The brand’s return policy is generous, though: You have 365 days to change your mind. 

Price range: $2,000 to over $15,00 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: Yes | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes

Best for:

• Try-at-home ring kits
• Customizing your ring 
• A selection of colored diamonds

Skip if:

• You want an engagement ring available quickly

Founded in 2017, Frank Darling is a New York-based jewelry brand specializing in engagement rings across a wide range of styles and settings, from Art Deco-inspired trellis designs to modern East-West silhouettes. The brand features both natural and lab-grown diamonds as well as colored stones, plus the option to modify existing settings or create a custom design through its bespoke program. Frank Darling also has virtual and in-person consultations, along with an at-home try-on program that lets you compare replica ring styles before committing to a ring you’ll hopefully never want to take off.

Price range: $4,200 to $18,880 | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: Final sale and lifetime warranty | Financing: Yes

Best for: 

• Design-forward settings
• Ring buyers seeking a highly personalized experience
• Bespoke and made-to-order designs

Skip if:

• You want to browse hundreds of in-stock ring styles online

If you’re looking for something sculptural and design-driven, New York-based jewelry brand Roen specializes in engagement rings that look distinct. The brand features modern settings, organic silhouettes and creative use of shape, as seen in its Laguna Collection, which features softly curved bands sprinkled with hidden pavé diamonds. Though classic solitaires are available, Roen’s overall collection skews contemporary. The label supplements its signature styles with a bespoke design program, allowing clients to customize an existing ring or create a design from scratch.

Price range: $1,900 to $10,000+ | Custom options: Yes | Virtual advisors: Yes | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: Final sale, warranty covering manufacturing defects for up to two years, one complimentary resizing| Financing: Yes

Best for:

• Those who prefer 14k yellow gold or white gold finishes
• Custom and semi-custom engagement rings
• Vintage-inspired engagement rings

Skip if:

• You want a lifetime warranty

If you’re drawn to engagement rings with a vintage sensibility, Kinn Studio’s collection centers on timeless silhouettes and gold settings that don’t look overly ornate (Sung is a fan of the off-kilter stone designs and thicker cigar band options for a bold, modern feel). The Los Angeles-based brand’s lineup includes a mix of solitaire, three-stone, and bezel-set rings, many of which draw inspiration from founder Jennie Yoon’s family’s antique jewelry collection. While customization options are available through Kinn’s Vow program, the collection is intentionally curated, making it easy to navigate with hundreds of settings. Virtual consultations are also available to help narrow down choices for a ring intended for daily wear.