How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring ONLINE?

Forever Blue · Feb 8, 2021

This is all new to me as I'm just starting to look for rings. I might not mind buying a diamond ring online, HOWEVER...

...how are people seeing it in-person BEFORE they actually buy if they can't see it at a local jeweler who may happen to have the same ring?
...is there a listing somewhere of all the reputable, trustworthy jewelers out there as well as which ones to stay away from?
...I'd need it resized, which I guess I don't necessarily have to do to see it first, but it would be nice to actually try it on adequately, so in that case, how is it done online?
...are purchase & return policies the same (or better) when you buy online?

Any other info you can give to a breand newbie would be appreciated!

LLJsmom · Feb 8, 2021

Forever Blue said:
This is all new to me as I'm just starting to look for rings. I might not mind buying a diamond ring online, HOWEVER...

...how are people seeing it in-person BEFORE they actually buy if they can't see it at a local jeweler who may happen to have the same ring?
...is there a listing somewhere of all the reputable, trustworthy jewelers out there as well as which ones to stay away from?
...I'd need it resized, which I guess I don't necessarily have to do to see it first, but it would be nice to actually try it on adequately, so in that case, how is it done online?
...are purchase & return policies the same (or better) when you buy online?

Any other info you can give to a breand newbie would be appreciated!

...how are people seeing it in-person BEFORE they actually buy if they can't see it at a local jeweler who may happen to have the same ring?
People buy from trusted and vetted internet sellers without seeing the diamond in person. Start on Pricescope. Read lots of posts. Look at tons of pictures. Study diamonds and ask for advice to choose the best/right diamond for you with your budget. Look at Rocky Talky Forum. Notice which vendors get mentioned repeatedly, with pictures of their diamonds and pieces. It's like anything else you research on the internet. There is homework to do until YOU get comfortable.

And, people like me, who do trust the vendors but are super picky about the diamond, will choose vendors that have great return options, buy the stone, ship it home, examine it and live with it for days/weeks, to make sure we like it. And if we don't, we return it, and try again. Rinse, repeat. It's some work, but for the truly anal, it's what we gotta do.

Once I find the diamond I want, then I send it to the jeweler I want to send it. Some people have the vendor they bought the diamond from set it as well. A lot of jewelers will provide the insurance for you to ship your diamond to them. Often you just cover the cost of insurance. Only fair. Then when they're done they ship it back. Easy peasy.

...is there a listing somewhere of all the reputable, trustworthy jewelers out there as well as which ones to stay away from?
Sure. Lots of people here buy diamonds from Whiteflash, High Performance Diamonds, ID Jewelry, Victor Canera, Blue Nile, Adiamor, James Allen, Brian Gavin Diamonds, to name a few. However, read through posts yourself and decide what you want to believe.

...I'd need it resized, which I guess I don't necessarily have to do to see it first, but it would be nice to actually try it on adequately, so in that case, how is it done online?
You tell them what size you want. Or buy a ring sizer anywhere and measure your ring size and tell them. Once you get the completed ring, and it doesn't fit the way you want it to, send it back and they will resize it for you. Most don't charge. Ask for each vendor's specific policy.

...are purchase & return policies the same (or better) when you buy online?
Depends on the vendor. Do your due diligence. No matter what responses you get from people on this site, read the return policy yourself, and confirm with the vendor. Generally speaking, I prefer online vendors because they know you're buying without trying on and have generous return policies.

Forever Blue · Feb 8, 2021

LLJsmom, thanks so much for taking the time to post all of this. I think one of the main things I have to do is being able to tell which loose diamond is the best for what I'm willing to pay. Is there a scale anywhere that tells us something like $___ range is considered good for a 1 carat?

For instance, is this considered good or is the price too high?

Diamond | 0.7 ct I SI1 Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | GIA2366593458 | GIA

This fabulous 0.7 carat Round Very Good cut diamond has a clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of I.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 122147897 | GIA

www.whiteflash.com

munchee · Feb 8, 2021

Forever Blue said:
LLJsmom, thanks so much for taking the time to post all of this. I think one of the main things I have to do is being able to tell which loose diamond is the best for what I'm willing to pay. Is there a scale anywhere that tells us something like $___ range is considered good for a 1 carat?
For instance, is this considered good or is the price too high?

Diamond | 0.7 ct I SI1 Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | GIA2366593458 | GIA

This fabulous 0.7 carat Round Very Good cut diamond has a clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of I.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 122147897 | GIA

www.whiteflash.com

There are a lot of kind members here that have years of experiences and are diamond geek that will tell you the truth if its a good buy or not and sometimes they’ll give you a better option if you tell what are you looking for, how much is your budget, etc. The people in this forum gain nothing by giving you advices, its up to the person who’s asking of how to use the informations they gave. I myself have been getting a lot of informations, education and helpful advices from a lot of PSers! I can’t thank all of you enough! This forum is like getting a free diamond concierge. But just like real life, sometimes truth is hard to handle, if they think its not a good buy and they told you so, please don’t get offended and see it as negative vibe, all of the members here just wish us getting the best value from our hard earned money.

Oh just basic info:
In Whiteflash, usually people are getting their signature cut: A Cut Above (ACA), or Expert&/Premium Selection, which you can upgrade later on. The link you gave us might be a Virtual diamond, if its Virtual diamond, you better find from somewhere else that have complete information like pictures, etc.

anangel · Feb 9, 2021

Forever Blue said:
LLJsmom, thanks so much for taking the time to post all of this. I think one of the main things I have to do is being able to tell which loose diamond is the best for what I'm willing to pay. Is there a scale anywhere that tells us something like $___ range is considered good for a 1 carat?
For instance, is this considered good or is the price too high?

Diamond | 0.7 ct I SI1 Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | GIA2366593458 | GIA

This fabulous 0.7 carat Round Very Good cut diamond has a clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of I.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 122147897 | GIA

www.whiteflash.com

Price aside, I don’t think most PS members would recommend that diamond. If you look up the GIA report, you’ll find it’s quite deep (64%) which equals smaller face up size, and the crown angle is concerning at 37.5 (yes, I had to check it twice!). This is not a vetted, in house WhiteFlash diamond like the ACAs or Expert selections.
You’ll find a wealth of information in this form- you aren’t the first and certainly aren’t the last to buy a diamond online and many are happy to share their experience.
Good luck

MRBXXXFVVS1 · Feb 9, 2021

Can you help us understand what shape, carat, color, clarity, and budget you have in mind? Knowing these specs will also help you better understand what to shop for.

monipod · Feb 9, 2021

I think for a newbie AND for an engagement ring, you might want to consider just buying a stone and getting is set by a jeweller you trust who is local to you so they can maintain the ring in future, and you can see the ring in person before proposing. I am inclined to think that choosing a setting online has been the main cause of headaches of late, whereas buying a stone isn't as problematic. Just my opinion.

I bought a complete ring from James Allen and had no issue, but it was a right hand ring and simple setting. I don't doubt that there are many, many people who are happy with their online purchased complete ring, but if you're nervous in any way, consider alternatives for sure.

oncrutchesrightnow · Feb 9, 2021

Play around with the sliders on BN and JA so you get a feel for an average price at a certain category.

I have bought and returned with JA with no hassle other than having to go to a FedEx store. So if you don’t like what you get you can return. I hear BN has reliable return service, too.

LLJsmom · Feb 9, 2021

Forever Blue said:
LLJsmom, thanks so much for taking the time to post all of this. I think one of the main things I have to do is being able to tell which loose diamond is the best for what I'm willing to pay. Is there a scale anywhere that tells us something like $___ range is considered good for a 1 carat?
For instance, is this considered good or is the price too high?

Diamond | 0.7 ct I SI1 Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | GIA2366593458 | GIA

This fabulous 0.7 carat Round Very Good cut diamond has a clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of I.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 122147897 | GIA

www.whiteflash.com

Just replying generally, no, there is no chart that tells you a 1 carat diamond should be priced between x and y, well at least not on PS (Pricescope) because most of us know that prices can vary widely between all vendors, from B&M (brick & mortar) to online vendors. You need to do searches yourself to see the range yourself. If you do searches on vendors who sell almost exclusive virtual inventory you will probably find many stones within similar parameters with what will seem a large range of prices, but that actually does not tell you much. That may only tell you if the particular stone you are looking at is within a reasonable range.

So here are the steps I would take if I needed to buy a stone online.

1. Decide on your budget. Let's say $10,000.
2. Decide what is most important to you in a diamond.
a. Size?
b. Color?
c. Beauty - which many on PS equate with CUT. Not shape. Excellence of the actual cut of the particular shape you want. In most diamonds, this would be maximum light return, liveliness, brightness, minimal leakage, maximum sparkle
d. Clarity?

Just a comment about cut, because this is PS, as people learn more, they often learn to value cut as the most important quality/aspect of a diamond. So on PS, you will see that regular posters, when suggesting diamonds, will choose diamonds that generally will be viewed as being most beautiful based on the what PS thinks is the "best cut". If you are not sure if you agree, follow a lot of the Rocky Talky threads. People coming on to ask for help to find the best diamond for their budget. Don't ask for yourself yet. Follow these threads and see what people ask for and what they are recommended.

3. Once you can tell people what you want (cut, color, clarity, diamond shape) given your budget, then post a thread on Rocky Talky and ask the prosumers to help you find options. Prosumers have to examine GIA / AGS certs, ASETs, IS images, to try to give you the most accurate input, because most people on PS believe that best cut diamond results in the most beautiful diamond.

If you decide that you don't care about cut and you just want a big white diamond, you should tell people that. Or may be you want an "ok", but you care that the diamond is super high in clarity or color, tell them. Their suggestions to you will vary based on your priorities. If you don't say you want something other than a beautifully cut diamond, PS prosumers will assume that is what you want.

4. Decide on the type of vendor. Do you care about an upgrade program? Lots of people upgrade and some vendors have great programs. Days for return? Super ideal diamonds?

5. Then get the best diamond for you within your budget. There are people that wanted a 2 ct diamond, with the best upgrade program (WF, HPD, VC) (a $1more than you spent), that is a D-F, VS1 and above, there just aren't any diamonds that fit this criteria and the buyer's gotta revise his/her criteria.

LLJsmom · Feb 9, 2021

anangel said:
Price aside, I don’t think most PS members would recommend that diamond. If you look up the GIA report, you’ll find it’s quite deep (64%) which equals smaller face up size, and the crown angle is concerning at 37.5 (yes, I had to check it twice!). This is not a vetted, in house WhiteFlash diamond like the ACAs or Expert selections.
You’ll find a wealth of information in this form- you aren’t the first and certainly aren’t the last to buy a diamond online and many are happy to share their experience.
Good luck

This is a great example of finding a diamond, which seems reasonably priced for the carat size, but for PS standards, I think it is safe to say no PSer would recommend it. So little does it serve you to know that the price seems reasonable (if it does, I didn't even look at the stone) if its an undesirable stone. I don't want a good deal on garbage. KWIM?

missy · Feb 9, 2021

LLJsmom said:
I don't want a good deal on garbage. KWIM?

Exactly. A deal is only a deal when you are getting something you want.

tyty333 · Feb 9, 2021

Start with the search engine at the Top of Pricescope (near the menu). Set your parameters to what you think you would
like.

When you hit "Search" a table will come up with a list of stones that fit your parameters. The Vetted stones are in-house. The Virtual
stones have to be ordered from where they are located (not a big deal). Stick to stones where the HCA is "EX".

Click on a diamond and it will take you to the website where you can get more info on the stone. The USA Certed stones
usually come up the least expensive. He is sort of a bare-bones vendor (which tends to be a good value for some but
others prefer more benefits). 7-day return at your cost so be sure and look at all benefits before ordering a stone.

Actually, put the stone on hold and ask PSers about the stone before purchasing it.

If you find a stone from a vendor, that is not in this table, run it through the HCA tool to see how it scores. Look
for stones that score 2 or under. We usually eliminate stones that score over 2 but if it is close (low 2s) it might
be fine if we have an Idealscope or Aset image we can view.

Stick to stones that there is a picture of. We can tell a lot from a picture.

Another easy way to get started is to post your budget and the specs you think you want and to ask for help. PSers will help you
find a well-cut stone in your budget.

Have the vendor you get the stone from set your stone in a setting/ring. That way it is insured during the setting process.

denverappraiser · Feb 9, 2021

Vet the vendor, not just the diamond. Everyone has footprints. Google them. Ask your friends. Look at what people say about them in the forums like this one. If you can’t find a history of the business and/or the owners, don’t shop there. There's plenty of competition in this business.
Learn and understand the language that sellers use to describe diamonds. Clarity. Color. Cut (this is a tricky one) Enhancement. Certificate. Treatment. Natural. GIA. Etc.
Require GIA paperwork on major, and sometimes not-so-major, diamonds. Do not accept a lab you don't recognize. What counts as major is up to you but most people will put it at a couple of thousand dollars. Some will be as low as a few hundred.
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Pay special attention to the returns section. No returns = no sale. No exceptions. Mark on your calendar when you need to ship it back, if you are going to ship it back, and make sure to keep all of the paperwork and packing materials for this purpose.
Use a credit card unless you personally have a relationship with the vendor. Use a bank-issued card, not Paypal.
Look at it critically as soon as you get it. Show it to your friends, your mom, your bride (if it’s not a secret), and anyone else whose opinion you value. Even competitive jewelers. Get it appraised by an independent appraiser and ask whatever questions you may have. Do this before the return period expires.
If you return it, make sure you pack properly and meet their shipping methods and schedule. This should all be described on the seller’s website and you knew it all in advance because of #3 above. Follow instructions.

Note that all of this applies whether you're shopping online or in a store.

Forever Blue · Feb 9, 2021

Thank you all for taking the time to post! I'll have to reread this a couple of times to let it sink it. I'm the bride-to-be. I'm the type of person who likes to pick out something like this myself so I completely love what I'm getting. I've been having fun looking up rings online, but I admit that all this depth, cut, etc. is a frustrating headache & like having to take a college course & I wish it didn't have to be that way. I really don't want to look at scales,%s, etc. I just want the best of the style I want for the budget price range.

I wish it was simple: The budget's $4-5K GRAND TOTAL (main stone included) or hopefully less, so whatever THE BEST /sparkliest, etc. is that I can get for the halo style I want & I have a few (halo) styles in mind. I'd probably want a round shape diamond for the style ring I want. Since I see the center stone diamond price is separate, I prefer it to be NO MORE THAN $1000-1500 (so the entire ring totals $4-5K or less) for as close to 1 karat as I can get. I like these rings so far:

I've seen this as low as $3300 & told Robbins Bros. that I want to see this in-person. I don't know if they price-match or not. They almost required a fee to see the sample in-person of my size:

Simon G. NR453 Passion Halo Diamond Engagement | 3540

Solitaire Engagement Rings | The Simon G. NR453 Passion Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is part of the Passion Collection. It is embellished with 56 round brilliant melee, (0.22ctw, G/H VS), 12 princess melee (0.22ctwm G/H VS) and holds a 1.00ct center diamo | 3540

www.whiteflash.com

Or actually this, which is a reasonable, starting price of $2002 since the diamond's going to be another $1000-2000...eh:

Zeghani Vintage Vixen Engagement Ring ZR1172-A

Present your symbol of love with this halo engagement ring from Zeghani. Whether you're loved one likes unique designs or classic stylings, this milgrain, vintage engagement ring is the one she’ll cherish forever. If you hunting for a unique twist on a timeless design, Zeghani offers this ring...

www.tdfj.com

Ideally, I want to just buy in-person at a local, trustworthy store, but I seem to see styles that the stores around here don't have & w/ COVID, I've been extremely cautious & not trying to go all over to really search high & low. I really don't really want to buy diamonds online & have to return them.

I wish someone could give me some links of all the stones as close to 1 karat as possible that's the best quality & as sparkliest as possible for the price range I said above to equal a grand total of what I said above.

Cerulean · Feb 9, 2021

Forever Blue said:
Thank you all for taking the time to post! I'll have to reread this a couple of times to let it sink it. I'm the bride-to-be. I'm the type of person who likes to pick out something like this myself so I completely love what I'm getting. I've been having fun looking up rings online, but I admit that all this depth, cut, etc. is a frustrating headache & like having to take a college course & I wish it didn't have to be that way. I really don't want to look at scales,%s, etc. I just want the best of the style I want for the budget price range.
I wish it was simple: The budget's $4-5K GRAND TOTAL (main stone included) or hopefully less, so whatever THE BEST /sparkliest, etc. is that I can get for the halo style I want & I have a few (halo) styles in mind. I'd probably want a round shape diamond for the style ring I want. Since I see the center stone diamond price is separate, I prefer it to be NO MORE THAN $1000-1500 (so the entire ring totals $4-5K or less) for as close to 1 karat as I can get. I like these rings so far:
I've seen this as low as $3300 & told Robbins Bros. that I want to see this in-person. I don't know if they price-match or not. They almost required a fee to see the sample in-person of my size:

Simon G. NR453 Passion Halo Diamond Engagement | 3540

Solitaire Engagement Rings | The Simon G. NR453 Passion Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is part of the Passion Collection. It is embellished with 56 round brilliant melee, (0.22ctw, G/H VS), 12 princess melee (0.22ctwm G/H VS) and holds a 1.00ct center diamo | 3540

www.whiteflash.com

Or actually this, which is a reasonable, starting price of $2002 since the diamond's going to be another $1000-2000...eh:

Zeghani Vintage Vixen Engagement Ring ZR1172-A

Present your symbol of love with this halo engagement ring from Zeghani. Whether you're loved one likes unique designs or classic stylings, this milgrain, vintage engagement ring is the one she’ll cherish forever. If you hunting for a unique twist on a timeless design, Zeghani offers this ring...

www.tdfj.com

Ideally, I want to just buy in-person at a local, trustworthy store, but I seem to see styles that the stores around here don't have & w/ COVID, I've been extremely cautious & not trying to go all over to really search high & low. I really don't really want to buy diamonds online & have to return them.
I wish someone could give me some links of all the stones as close to 1 karat as possible that's the best quality & as sparkliest as possible for the price range I said above to equal a grand total of what I said above.

I'd personally get a simpler setting and a nicer diamond and flip the budget allocation. $1200 will not get you close to a carat. Half? Yes, depending on your other preferences...like color, cut, clarity.

Everyone has given very good advice so far. Retail prices are often much higher in local stores. I understand the desire to buy locally, and I wanted the same but inventory online is much greater.

tyty333 · Feb 9, 2021

You are going to chew up most of your budget on the setting. Even if they did price match that would only leave you $1700 for
the stone which gives you about a .6 ish stone (which according to the setting is too small). The setting takes a .7 on up.

What size finger do you have?

Edit...I do suggest you try that Simon G setting on before ordering it. Sometimes when we see something on our finger its not
as we expected (or sometimes it is and we have to have it!)

Also agree with @Cerulean . I think you should pick out a less expensive setting so you have more for you center stone.

MRBXXXFVVS1 · Feb 9, 2021

@Forever Blue Would you consider lab diamonds for your engagement ring? You will be able to stretch your budget a lot further and get close to 1ct. Take a look at James Allen, Lightbox (they often have sales at Bloomingdale's - you'll have to get a pendant necklace reset into a ring, there are threads on this), and/or Vrai!

Forever Blue · Feb 9, 2021

COntiued thanks to you! Maybe we can go a little higher than $5K grand total so I'm willing to get the smallest size stone that would still fit so if it's a .70 karat, then great, just as long as there's not too much space between the stone & the prongs & it sitll looks good enough. And I want a substantial, thicker band, not a single or plain band because I don't want that 2nd or even 3rd band that accompanies the band w/ the diamonds. And never cared for solitaires. I want more embellishment.

My ring size is big, so I realize a stone on a smaller-ringed person will look bigger, I guess. I'm like a 8.75.

No, sorry. I want a REAL diamond...none of this cubic zirconia, moissonite, or lab-grown stuff, etc.

lovedogs · Feb 9, 2021

Forever Blue said:
Thank you all for taking the time to post! I'll have to reread this a couple of times to let it sink it. I'm the bride-to-be. I'm the type of person who likes to pick out something like this myself so I completely love what I'm getting. I've been having fun looking up rings online, but I admit that all this depth, cut, etc. is a frustrating headache & like having to take a college course & I wish it didn't have to be that way. I really don't want to look at scales,%s, etc. I just want the best of the style I want for the budget price range.
I wish it was simple: The budget's $4-5K GRAND TOTAL (main stone included) or hopefully less, so whatever THE BEST /sparkliest, etc. is that I can get for the halo style I want & I have a few (halo) styles in mind. I'd probably want a round shape diamond for the style ring I want. Since I see the center stone diamond price is separate, I prefer it to be NO MORE THAN $1000-1500 (so the entire ring totals $4-5K or less) for as close to 1 karat as I can get. I like these rings so far:
I've seen this as low as $3300 & told Robbins Bros. that I want to see this in-person. I don't know if they price-match or not. They almost required a fee to see the sample in-person of my size:

Simon G. NR453 Passion Halo Diamond Engagement | 3540

Solitaire Engagement Rings | The Simon G. NR453 Passion Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is part of the Passion Collection. It is embellished with 56 round brilliant melee, (0.22ctw, G/H VS), 12 princess melee (0.22ctwm G/H VS) and holds a 1.00ct center diamo | 3540

www.whiteflash.com

Or actually this, which is a reasonable, starting price of $2002 since the diamond's going to be another $1000-2000...eh:

Zeghani Vintage Vixen Engagement Ring ZR1172-A

Present your symbol of love with this halo engagement ring from Zeghani. Whether you're loved one likes unique designs or classic stylings, this milgrain, vintage engagement ring is the one she’ll cherish forever. If you hunting for a unique twist on a timeless design, Zeghani offers this ring...

www.tdfj.com

Ideally, I want to just buy in-person at a local, trustworthy store, but I seem to see styles that the stores around here don't have & w/ COVID, I've been extremely cautious & not trying to go all over to really search high & low. I really don't really want to buy diamonds online & have to return them.
I wish someone could give me some links of all the stones as close to 1 karat as possible that's the best quality & as sparkliest as possible for the price range I said above to equal a grand total of what I said above.

IMHO the settings you like wont look great with smaller center stones. They are made for more substantial stone sizes (1ct or more). I think a .7 center stone in the Simon G just wont look the way you want it to.

Unfortunately what you want and your budget dont match. I am not trying to be harsh but that's the reality. You cant get a well cut good looking 1ct diamond with a 1700 budget. So something has to give here. Either the setting style, or the budget, or the stone itself.

Cerulean · Feb 9, 2021

I have big fingers too, so I know your pain!

Lab diamonds are diamonds, they are just made in a lab.

Anyways...another idea (may not be your cup of tea) - you can still get a setting with embellishments, but maybe less "bling" to maximize your center stone budget. Like engraving or filigree. I do think @lovedogs is right.

Possible "chunkier" styles that are ornate, but not covered in diamond pave and I would bet money are far less $3k and probably under $2k...