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Buy the ring in the store.

you have very valid concerns, this is why you should buy the ring at a reputable store…

My ring is from and it’s amazing. Most online stores don’t have any polices like that which I guess is a downfall if you’re one for all their gimmicks. I have my insured under our renters policy so if anything happens to it, we can file a claim and it will be fixed. It’s really no big deal….just put it on either your homeowners or renters insurance….or buy a separate policy altogether for it.

It depends. If there are stores (like Kay’s or Zales), it might be okay. And you should make sure that there’s a shipping & handling policy that allows you to return anything broken or damaged.

And most reputable jewelers allow you to buy an insurance & maintenance policy, which will allow you to bring it to a store to be cleaned and/or repaired. If the diamond falls our and you lose it though, you’re out of luck (it’s too expensive for them to replace diamonds).

But unless you’re 100% sure of your ring size and what you want

Bluenile does offer insurance.

I would say that you need to look at a jewelry store in your area to see how much it would cost to clean your ring. I would guess that it would be rather reasonable.

When you can estimate that, then you can tell if you are really saving money by buying online.

i wouldn’t suggest you buy the ring online. there are lots of well respected jewellery stores to go to - both big box stores and small independents. surely one of those will have the ‘perfect’ ring for you sweetie. don’t buy it online, its only asking for problems.

please don’t buy your diamond online. stick with a store, but stay away from the mall chains (they are marked up higher than stand alone retailers). If you buy it in a store, you will feel more comfortable than online. Personally, I don’t trust online stores - I think with this type of a purchase you should be able to see, feel, and inspect your purchase. The fact that you have these concerns also shows me that you will not feel comfortable with an online purchase either. If you go to a store and look for a nice ring with certifications and know the people who will be cleaning and possibly fixing the ring, you will probably feel better about the purchase. Good luck!

EDIT - In response to “Blondee”. Be careful with putting your ring under home owners (and especially renters) insurance. Some policies only cover theft, not loss or missing stones/damages. All policies are different. Also, it depends on the cost/price range you are looking at. Many insurances will only allow jewelry (as a whole, not per piece) up to $3,000-$5,000. If you have an engagement ring, wedding ring, husbands band, and any other jewelry, that is all included in that insurance amount.

Regardless of where you buy it, you should have the ring privately insured - Jewelers Mutual is pretty good as a policy. However, some jewelry stores have their stones covered for a period of time and will do any needed tune-ups and needed cleanings. (a separate thing)

EDIT - For “Kelly”… most people who do that type of trade loose money. Diamonds and gold/platinum typically increase over the years. If you allow the store to give you credit for what you paid initially, you are probably loosing out because the ring is most likely worth more than when you bought it. Don’t do that! Get new appraisals every two years to make the value is correct, and then use that appraisal for a trade at a store.

I would never buy something as valuable as a ring online. You’ll want to have insurance on your ring just incase the diamond falls out, etc. A good thing about some jewlery stores is if you buy a ring but in say 5years you want to upgrade to a better ring they will take the money you paid for the first ring and subtract it from the price of the new ring. So you get to trade up and get the complete cost of the first ring towards your new ring. Ex. You buy a wedding ring for 2,000 in five years you decide to want a bigger diamond and say that ring is 6,000 they will take 2,000 you paid for the first ring off so you only pay 4,000 for your new ring. Its a great idea because most people always upgrade their ring when they get older and can afford more.

I would not buy an engagement ring online. My fiance got my ring at Zales and I’m really glad he did, because there are Zales pretty much everywhere so if I ever need it cleaned, inspected, or anything like that.. I can just take it there.
The price might be better online to buy a ring, but in the long run, it’s a waste of money. I would rather pay more for a ring than to get a ring that’s cheaper online and not be able to get it fixed and pay a lot of money for someone else to fix it.
They might have a “mail-in” type policy to get it fixed and stuff, but I still wouldn’t trust that. There could be a chance it would get lost in the mail or the people might take forever to get it back to you.
Just buy it at a store.. it’s safer and better.

I would not buy online you can’t see how it looks or fits and in store you can find the perfect ring and if something shall happen to it you can take it back to the store online is just not safe you might get fake diamonds or something you never know

I would want to buy a ring in a store. It’s more personal and intimate that way. And for the same reasons you posted. You might get a better deal for the ring, and convenience since you don’t have to go out and browse jewelry stores if you buy the ring over the internet, but you don’t have guarantees when it comes to maintenance and insurance.

My hubby is a frequent shopper of blue nile, and Abzias, they have life time replacements, and great prices…Plus, you can bring it to the local store for cleaning, have them inspect and write it down, so if anything happens after that, they are responsible.
They also have a 30 day return for any reason…no questions asked, just call and let them know you are returning it…I have yet to be disappointed..try not to buy from a local jeweler, they are almost twice the price.. My wedding ring was a third less then it would have cost me local, and a better Quality diamond…

every where I check for a 2ct local the price was crazy..I got a 2ct center, better quality, and color for 1/3 less.. It is so beautiful, It sparkles on my hand..Be sure to find a super ideal cut, if you do down in grade..that cut will shine like the sun…I have a lot of jewelery(not boasting) from my husband..and they are eye catchers..I know alot about stones…you can e-mail me with some questions if you like…

Blue Nile is a very credible website. Four of my friends have purchased from them. It’s also GIA certified so you have proof of what exactly you bought. It is more inexpensive than some jewelery stores. Only purchase online if you are sure of what you want. Make sure you looked and did all of your research. Online stores have many policies to cover their customers. If you get a loose diamond and get it custom made on a band see if the jeweler has a policy as well. He/She will be the one that makes sure the diamond will stay in place. To be safe, get insurance right away. You can take your ring anywhere to get cleaned. There are kits to even do it at home.