Is It Better to Buy an Engagement Ring Online or In-Store?
When you’re buying an engagement ring, there are essentially two routes to take: buy from a brick-and-mortar store or buy online.
Both present their own potential positives and negatives; being aware of these can help you choose the one that is best for your individual wants and needs. In this article, I’ll be covering the Pros and Cons of buying an engagement ring online vs. in-store.
Pros & Cons of In-Store Purchase of Engagement Ring
As alluring as online options may be, there's no doubt the in-store experience still has something special to offer. Let’s READ THE PLUSES AND minuses OF SHOPPING IN PERSON.
Pros
Physical Inspection
Shopping in-store also gives you the opportunity to touch, feel, and try on various rings so that you know what kind of quality, design, and fit that you’re getting. Additionally, having the ring in your possession can be exciting and help you feel secure about your upcoming big day. You can get right up and look at a diamond and see how the stone sparkles and fires, and be sure there are no inclusions.
Expert Guidance
Experienced jewelry makers and sellers can help reply to questions, clarify diamond grading, and present styles that are derived from your budget and preferences. This knowledge can be essential, especially for first-time buyers. And, it can feel magical and inspiring to personally receive the care and attention of an expert when you are making one of the most meaningful jewelry choices of your entire life.
Immediate Gratification
Many stores allow you to walk out with your preferred ring that same day (with in person purchases), eliminating the wait time of shipping online. Especially if you're on a tight timeline for the engagement, this instant gratification can sound pretty appealing.
Cons
Limited Selection
A few brick-and-mortar shops might not offer as nice of a variety as online stores, limiting what’s available to you. You could miss out on a one of a kind style or a particular kind of diamond if you don’t know enough to ask about other options.
Time-Consuming
Shopping in person to locate the ideal ring involves carving out time and can often involve a long commute if you don’t live close to a store. Plus, it may be time consuming, particularly during peak times, to make appointments and wait for sales personnel to help.
Higher Price Points
Some in-store engagement rings may be more expensive because of the cost associated with the overhead expenses necessary for keeping a physical store.
These expenses can include rent, utilities, and overheads that can also be delivered to the consumer in the form of higher prices. The silver lining is that this isn’t something you’ll find at every store. Even at London Gold we have unbeatable prices with a brick-and-mortar store.
Pluses & Minuses of Buying an Engagement Ring Online
The investment in a diamond engagement ring — you know, that “month’s salary” marketing campaign evolved into two, then three, then — will support the mining of more diamonds.
Purchasing an engagement ring on the internet is a convenient way to shop in the digital age. But is it right for you? Let’s take a good look at the Pluses and Minuses to help you decide.
Pluses
Wide Selection
Online retailers have so many engagement ring choices that you can browse through a huge collection of styles, cuts and price points without ever leaving your house. You can explore infinite design possibilities without the restriction of space verifying a perfect ring to compliment your taste.
Convenience
Shopping for an engagement ring on the web brings the ability to shop and buy from the home, day or night. Whether you are a career person on the go or you like the informal style of home shopping, online retailers offer an easy shopping experience.
Information at Your Fingertips
Full descriptions, high quality photos and diamond reports make this selection one for an educated decision. You can read up on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) of diamonds and compare various styles with one another to make sure you find the best ring for both your budget and your tastes.
Minuses
Limited Physical Inspection
Online shops can offer good descriptions and clear images of the ring, but you can't see the ring or try it on before you buy it. Without feeling the ring yourself, you may struggle to evaluate the quality and workmanship of the ring and be unsure of how it will look or fit.
Less Personalized Service
First time buyers, or those who may be uncertain about certain aspects of the ring (quality of the diamond, available setting options, etc.) may miss a personalized touch and the expert guidance of a jewellery. And although some online retailers provide customer service via chat or email, it is not quite the same as the live experience.
Shipping Delays
Having to wait around for your ring to show up on your doorstep can add hassles and inconvenience to the buying experience. Although the majority of online sellers in charge of rush shipping, also fluctuations or problems in transit or processing can delay when your ring will show up. This can be particularly hairy if you have a specific proposal timeline in mind.
Selecting the Right One for You
There are a few things to consider when choosing between an in-store and online engagement ring purchase, including your budget, degree of convenience adds or your need for physical hands-on inspection. In-store shopping is probably the best option for shoppers who live for the personal touch and instant gratification. On the other hand, if variety is what you want and you don't mind an online transaction, buying online might be a better option.
Shop For Your Engagement Ring in Person at Luna Felix Goldsmith
At Luna Felix Goldsmith we have a wide range of quality and stylish rings to cater to every taste and budget, as well as your very own custom designed engagement ring.
For bespoke quality creation, cleaning and resizing at very affordable prices, vs the in-store experience with an expert, hands on approach, we're here help to help find that perfect ring to signify your love and commitment. Visit our selection and find the perfect ring for you at our store in Santa Fe, NM at 116 W San Francisco St # 208, Santa Fe, NM 87501.