Buying an Engagement Ring Online: Everything You Need to Know
...and what to look for in a reputable seller.
Buying an engagement ring online can seem like a bit of a daunting task, but with the right jeweller, it really doesn't have to be. When done carefully, you can find the perfect ring without ever leaving your home - and today, we're here to guide you through this process.
First off: Why should I buy online?
The biggest advantage of buying your engagement ring online is the convenience. It's a pretty obvious one, but you can browse through countless options from the comfort of your sofa, at any time that suits you. Plus, many online jewellers don’t have the overhead costs of physical stores, so they can offer you more competitive prices. This means you can save a significant amount of money while still getting a high-quality ring like these stunners.
Lab-Diamond Vintage Oval Cut Halo Engagement Ring (click)
Lab-Diamond Oval Cut, Double Halo Engagement Ring, Tiffany Style (click)
Make sure to do your research
Just like any online purchase, it's crucial to first do your research. Make sure you're buying from a reputable seller. Check reviews, look at their ratings, and see if they have a strong online presence. Also, be aware of their lead times, shipping details, terms and conditions, and especially their returns policy. We, for example, are very transparent about each of the above - and see it as a sign for our customers to know we're a serious, reputable, and quality seller.
We specialise in the finest quality lab-grown precious stones, focusing on dazzling engagement rings. For us, Lab-Diamonds are probably the most popular choice right now as they are an ethical and budget-friendly alternative to traditional diamonds.
Lab-Diamond Oval Cut Engagement Ring, Classic Style (click)
Lab-Diamond Vintage Oval Cut Engagement Ring (click)
Looking at the '4 Cs'
When buying precious stones, both lab-grown and mined, they are ranked using the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat. Here’s a quick rundown of what each means:
Cut
The cut of a stone affects its brilliance and sparkle. Cuts come in many shapes, and each one is graded from poor to excellent. An excellent cut will have high brilliance and scintillation, while a poor cut has weak proportions and little sparkle.
Clarity
Clarity refers to any blemishes or inclusions within the stone. The highest-valued stones are clear with no imperfections. Clarity is ranked from FL (flawless) to I3 (eye-visible inclusions).
Colour
Colourless stones, like moissanites and diamonds, are graded on their closeness to being colourless. The grading starts from D-F (most valuable) to W-Z (light yellow hint). Coloured stones, such as rubies and sapphires, are graded on hue, tone, and saturation.
Carat
Carat represents the weight of the stone. A moissanite is about 15% lighter than a diamond, so a 1-carat moissanite is larger than a 1-carat diamond. Moissanites can be described by both carat weight and size in millimetres.
While the 4 Cs are a useful guide, what really matters is finding a stone you love. Whether you prefer a clear, colourless gem or one with unique inclusions, choose what makes your heart sing – after all, it’s your special, once-in-a-lifetime piece.
Now with all of this in mind, you can more confidently buy your engagement ring online and find a piece that perfectly symbolizes your love for that special other. Be sure to take a look at our full range of Lab Diamond Engagement Rings while you-re at it - and happy shopping!