Anyone shopping for a ring at some point has thought about whether they should buy engagement rings online.  While some people have luck with their local jeweler, may people have a bad experience from inflated prices, limited selection or high pressure sales tactics.  At the same time though, you have to wonder if it’s safe to buy something like an engagement ring online.  After all, you’re buying it sight unseen.

The first thing then is trust.  You want an online jeweler that has been around for a while and is going to be around for years to come.  Along with this, you want someone who has a good return policy.  That way, if you’re not happy with the ring, you can send it back.  You want someone who offers a 30 day return policy.

Of course, price is the next thing that’s important.  Online jewelry stores have several advantages over a local jeweler in this regard.  They buy in large quantities, so they can negotiate lower prices from their suppliers.  They don’t have to pay expensive rent at the mall since they don’t have retail stores.  Instead, they do business from a warehouse.  They also don’t have to pay salary or commission to sales people.

You also want a good selection.  Online stores have a huge selection, far bigger than you would find at a local store.  Plus, you can completely customize the ring and see how it will look in real time.  Not sure if a round brilliant or a princess cut is right?  Make a few clicks with the mouse and you can see.  And there’s no pressure since there isn’t a sales person hovering over you.

Keeping these things in mind, Blue Nile is about the best choice if you want to buy engagement rings online.  They actually sell more engagement rings than Tiffany does.  One study showed that their prices were 35% less than the price at a mall store.  They’ve been named Forbes Favorite Jeweler each year since 2000.  Forbes isn’t the only one to give them a good review.  The Economist, the New York Times, Business Week and Kiplingers have also written good reviews.

They have a huge selection and their website makes it easy to configure your ring any way you want.  Your purchase gets shipped in a lacquered wood box by two day Fedex if it costs less than $500 and Priority Overnight Mail if it’s more than that.  Don’t like it?  Just send it back, they offer a 30 day money back guarantee.

If you’re still on the fence, give this some thought.  They have more than seventy pages of testimonials on their site from satisfied customers just like you.  Click Here to check them out.