Everyone knows that buying online means lower prices and greater selection. But for the largest and most important purchases, people still think twice about buying online.
Case in point: Many people wonder if it’s a good idea to buy diamonds online. Particularly if you’re shopping for an engagement ring, which can be one of the most nerve-wracking shopping experiences in your life.
In fact, most people do about 6 weeks of research before selecting a ring, and one of the toughest questions can be whether to buy a diamond online vs in a traditional retail store. For example, a lot of people are turned off by the high pressure sales tactics in a retail environment, not to mention the often limited jewelry inventories full of mass-produced designs.
On the flip side, how do you know whether an online jeweler is reputable and trustworthy? What if the ring on your screen doesn’t live up to your expectations in real life? What if you need to get it resized, or return it?
Online Jeweler Comparison
With an industry-disrupting business model, Ritani solves these concerns with a best-of-both-worlds solution: The Free In-Store Preview. The In-Store Preview service allows you to order a handcrafted engagement ring online with guidance from expert gemologists, then preview it free of charge at your local independent jeweler.
But how does Ritani stack up to its online competition? Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the top online engagement ring sites.
| Ritani | James Allen | Blue Nile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Shipping & 30-day returns | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diamond Price Matching | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Gemologist | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free In-Store Previews | Yes | No | No |
| Free Jewelry cleaning and in-store services | Yes, at any one of 200+ partner retail stores | Yes, but $30 for shipping and takes about 2 weeks | Yes, but limited locations or you must pay for insured shipping |
| Free In-Store pickup and returns | Yes | No | No |
| Custom Engraving | Free | Free | $25.00 |
| Guaranteed Handcrafted in U.S | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free Custom Ring Design | Yes | Yes | Yes with non-refundable deposit |
| Custom Designed Ring Delivery (once final design is approved) | 1-2 wks | varies | 8-12 wks |
No matter how many reports you read, pictures you see, or videos you watch, it’s almost impossible to get the same impression of a diamond online as seeing it in person. And while most online jewelers let you return a ring that doesn’t live up to your expectations, it can tie up quite a bit of cash while you wait for that return to go through.
With Ritani’s Free In-Store Preview, you can choose your diamond and ring setting from a vast online inventory, add custom detailing, and view it at your local jeweler with absolutely no obligation to buy. This free service allows you to gain complete confidence in your choice of diamond and ring setting before you buy. And if you don’t like what you see, you can simply walk away. As we like to say: Love it–or leave it.
We think this is a pretty slick program, but don’t take our word for it. Read comments from happy Ritani customers:
“I do not think it’s possible for me to be happier with my Ritani Masterwork engagement ring. When my fiancé popped the question, I literally gasped when he opened the Ritani box. The ring is breathtaking. It is absolutely stunning and not a day goes by without me receiving multiple compliments on it. Every time I look down at my left hand (which is very often, I must admit) I can’t help but smile and fall in love over and over again with my ring and my fiancé. The ring is very well-made, durable, and strong; as well as beautifully crafted, made from the highest quality stones, and so sparkly! I am proud to wear this ring every day and am so pleased with Ritani’s attention to detail and quality in my masterpiece. Ritani has made my every wish come true and I feel like the luckiest bride for finding the man of my dreams and getting the ring of my dreams! Thank you Ritani.
– Samantha R. Philadelphia, PA
The best online jewelry stores know that buying an engagement ring is both an extremely exciting and very stressful purchase. That’s why we offer a lot of services to help ease your way. In the end, you should choose the retailer that offers you the most flexibility and gives you the most confidence in your purchase.
The Ritani Difference
Ritani has revolutionized the way people purchase custom-made engagement rings, loose diamonds, and fine jewelry. The unique free-in-store preview service allows you all the flexibility and selection of purchasing online without foregoing the services you need from a local jeweler: in-person viewing, easy returns, free ring cleanings, and ongoing maintenance.
Ritani engagement rings are all handcrafted and made to order in our factory in New York. Each and every ring is special to us and goes through its own incredible journey on its way to you. See how each ring is designed and created in the video below.
Looking for more info on diamond buying? Learn how to select a high-quality diamond.