14 Best Online Jewelry Stores: Buy Diamond Engagement Rings, Earrings, and Necklaces Online

 Here's what you need to know about top jewelry websites, from the best value to the best for diamonds!

Best Online Jewelry Stores: First Look

1. Best online jewelry store overall - James Allen
2. Best jewelry gifts - Monica Vinader
3. Best unique fine jewelry - Kobelli
4. Best online diamonds - Whiteflash
5. Best online jewelry store for diamond jewelry sets - Yadav
6. Best jewelry website for quality costume jewelry - PR Jewel
7. Best for inexpensive jewelry - Angara
8. Best cheap good quality jewelry - LilyFair
9. Best online jewelry shop for men - Rockford Collection
10. Best everyday rings - Stella & Dot
11. Best minimal jewelry - Blue Nile
12. Best affordable luxury jewelry - Littman Jewelers
13. Best gold jewelry - Kay Jewelers
14. Best silver jewelry brand - Zales

The best online jewelry stores for you will depend on what you're looking for. However, from fine jewelry to fashion jewelry, quality retailers have a few things in common. Top jewelry shops offer a wide selection, an easy ordering process, and great customer service.

1. James Allen - Best Online Jewelry Store Overall

Pros

• Wide variety of options
• Perfect choice for fine jewelry
• Selection of price points
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• International orders may pay customs
• Custom orders take 1-3 weeks

For engagement and wedding rings, James Allen offers a wide variety of custom and pre-designed pieces. They show their designed pieces online with a 360-degree view. I found their handmade Danhov collection, which is delicate and whimsical, particularly appealing.

If you're looking for a unique piece, you can create your own ring using their "Design Your Own Ring" process. However, keep in mind that custom orders may take several weeks to create.

2. Monica Vinader - Best Jewelry Gifts

Pros

• Variety of fashion jewelry
• Uses ethical suppliers
• Includes import duties in price

Cons

• Warranty expires after five years
• No solitaire options

When you're looking to give jewelry as a gift, Monica Vinader blends fashion and fine jewelry perfectly for pieces that can be worn either casually or more formally.

While diamond selections are limited, the site offers a wide selection of stones, including amazonite and moonstone. Read descriptions carefully, as some items are only gold plated (or silver plated) instead of solid gold.

The Signature collection offers both wedding and engagement bands at reasonable prices ($85-$295). I found the rings' unique flat-topped look and stackability attractive.

3. Kobelli - Best Unique Fine Jewelry

Pros

• Offers one-of-a-kind pieces
• Selection of financing offers
• Donates 1% to charity

Cons

• Lifetime warranty is limited
• Returns within 30 days only

Kobelli provides a wide selection of diamond rings. Their "One of a Kind" rings are particularly appealing for those proposing marriage or who just want a unique gift. Note, however, that if you custom-order a ring, your purchase may only be partially refundable, or not refundable at all.

All of Kobelli's rings are conflict-free, meaning that none of the diamonds were mined or used in financing civil wars. In addition, they donate 1% of the purchase price to a charity of your choice, at no cost to you.

4. Whiteflash - Best Online Diamonds

Pros

• AGS certified ideal diamonds

• Reseller for designer brands

• Educational guides

Cons

• 10-day return on virtual selection

• No lifetime warranty

Whiteflash offers a wide selection of AGS 0 diamond pieces: these are diamonds rated ideal by the American Gem Society Laboratory. The expert jewelers on the site provide extensive guides to help you make your jewelry purchase from among this high-quality selection.

Because top-quality diamonds are at the center of Whiteflash's selection, note that they may be sold separately from settings. For example, I found their Benchmark Collection of rings to be classically beautiful and reasonably priced. However, the diamond at the center of these pave rings costs extra.

5. Yadav - Best Diamond Jewelry Sets

Pros

• Wide diamond selection
• Lifetime guarantee
• Lifetime upgrades

Cons

• Choices can be overwhelming for new buyers
• Returns only within 30 days
• No returns on customized pieces

When your gift includes not only a diamond ring but also diamond earrings, a necklace, and/or a bracelet, Yadav is your best bet. You can sort diamonds according to shape, color, clarity, cut, carats, and price using the "Create Your Own" line for a set that matches or as complementary pieces, like earrings and a ring.

However, if you don't know much about diamonds, this choice can be overwhelming, and customized pieces can't be returned. For new buyers, pre-designed pieces are your best bet.

6. PR Jewel - Best Quality Costume Jewelry

 

Pros

• Low price points
• Hundreds of options
• Free shipping with $20+ order

Cons

• Lacks real stones
• 14-day returns
• Only exchanges defective items

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is the traditional costume option for diamonds. PR Jewel has hundreds of CZ rings in silver sterling, gold, and rose gold settings. Prices start at less than $5 and go to $30+.

However, keep in mind that these aren't real diamonds. Furthermore, the return policy is strict; returns must take place within two weeks. In addition, you won't be able to exchange items unless they're broken or otherwise defective.

7. Angara - Best for Inexpensive Traditional Jewelry

 

Pros

• Hundreds of ring options
• Lifetime warranty
• Free shipping and returns

Cons

• 30-day return policy
• Enhanced warranty costs extra
• Item prices vary by options

When you picture a traditional diamond ring, chances are that you're imagining an item that Angara carries. From eternity bands to solitaire rings, Angara's online diamond ring selections start at $99.

Be careful as you select an item, however, as some options add significantly to the cost. In my favorite line, "Love Naturally," for example, the blue sapphire and diamond twisted vine ring starts at $919 but can go as high as $10,809, depending on options.

8. LilyFair - Best Cheap Online Fashion Jewelry

Pros

• Highly unique pieces
• Low price points
• 45-day returns

Cons

• Lacks real gems
• Free shipping starts at $50+
• No returns on custom designs

When you want a cheap diamond-like ring in a fashionable setting, LilyFair has a variety of unique pieces. These include finger cuffs, ring sets, and dangling rings. These kinds of statement pieces catch the eye and start at less than $10.

However, keep in mind that LilyFair does not offer real diamonds. Instead, their pieces feature rhinestones or cubic zirconia. For a fun, non-traditional approach to an engagement ring, though, you may find the right piece in their Bridal collection!

9. Rockford Collection - Best Place to Buy Men's Jewelry

 

Pros

• Specialist in men's rings
• Lifetime warranty
• Risk-free sample ring

Cons

• 14-day refund policy
• $150 restocking fee on returns
• $150-350 fee on exchanges

Diamond rings aren't just for women. At Rockford, you can find a wedding ring for a man featuring high-quality metals and stones.

Featured in GQ and Esquire, these wedding rings avoid the delicacy associated with women's rings, taking on a heavier masculine aesthetic instead. I found their black diamond bands especially striking.

However, Rockford's refund and exchange policy is strict. Make returns within two weeks; you'll pay a $150 fee. That fee may go up to $350 for exchanges.

10. Stella & Dot - Best Everyday Rings

Pros

• Wide selection of wearable pieces
• Low price points
• Delicate and statement items

Cons

• No fine jewelry rings
• Cash refund only within 30 days
• Purchase policies through Ambassadors vary

If you want the engagement ring you buy to be an affordable, everyday piece, Stella & Dot offers a selection of rings starting at $32. While they do not feature real diamonds, rings like the Elina feature CZ that also shine brilliantly.

Stella & Dot sells both directly to consumers online and through their brand Ambassadors. Their online store has a set policy on refunds and exchanges. However, if you buy through an Ambassador's Trunk Show, you will need to negotiate the return or exchange with them directly.

11. Blue Nile - Best Minimal Jewelry

 

Pros

• 20+ years' experience
• Ethically-sourced, GIA-graded diamonds
• Dozens of lab-grown diamond options

Cons

• Financing only through store credit card
• Returns only within 30 days
• Separate return process for $2,000+

If you want a minimalist, classic piece, Blue Nile has hundreds of ring options to choose from. I found their Lightbox lab pieces particularly appealing for this aesthetic. Items in this line have a simple elegance to them.

Purchasing more expensive pieces through Blue Nile can be tricky, as their only financing option is their own credit card. In addition, if you need to return a piece that costs more than $2,000, you'll have to call their customer service line first.

12. Littman Jewelers - Best Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Pros

• Low price point
• Whimsical designs
• 60-day return policy

Cons

• Lower quality diamonds on cheaper items
• Special orders in-store only
• Jewelry repairs in-store only

If you want to buy a diamond ring but don't have thousands to spend, Littman offers a selection of designs at low price points. For example, their Diamond Accented Cat Fashion Ring in Sterling Silver is currently on sale for $75 (originally $100) and features a cluster of real diamonds.

However, diamond quality varies. The cat ring, for example, features diamonds of only 0.05 carats, which are very small. Higher-quality and larger diamonds on the site cost significantly more—up to $16,150 for a ring featuring 6-ct stones.

13. Kay Jewelers - Best Gold Jewelry

Pros

• More than 1,000 gold rings
• Three types of gold
• Outlet options

Cons

• Complex financing options
• Repair guarantee for six months only
• Warranty inspection required every six months

If you have your heart set on a gold ring, Kay is the best choice. They have hundreds of white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold rings. These include 10k gold, 14k gold, and 18k gold, with a choice of solid gold and gold-plated wedding bands and engagement rings.

Keep in mind that a Kay ring is an investment. While they do offer a warranty, this takes some commitment on your part: you will need to bring your ring into a store every six months to keep it covered.

14. Zales - Best Silver Jewelry Brand

Pros

• 4,000+ silver rings
• Wide variety of prices
• Outlet options

Cons

• Complex financing choices
• Repair guarantee for six months only
• Warranty inspection required every six months

If you have a silver engagement ring in mind, Zales is the first place you should look. Their nearly 5,000 silver rings start at under $50 and go to $1,999, giving you budget options as well as more luxurious choices.

As with some other sites that offer both online and in-store purchases, Zales' warranties require that you bring your item in every six months for inspection. While this keeps it covered, it can also be a hassle, so ensure you are ready to make this commitment.

Buying Guide for Engagement Rings

Why Should I Buy Jewelry Online?

Buying jewelry on the internet gives you the chance to see a huge variety of items. You can comparison shop rings with different metals, settings, and stone qualities, ensuring that you get the best price.

Online jewelry shopping is already likely to give you a better price than an in-store purchase. Brick and mortar jewelry stores have to pay rent or a mortgage as well as staff, making their overhead costs much higher. These charges are then reflected in prices.

In addition, many people prefer buying jewelry online because the shopping experience is more relaxed. There are no salespeople pressuring you to make a purchase, as there can be in a jewelry store; you can do it at your own time and in your own way. There's no pressure at an online store to add earrings to your purchase if you only came in for a ring!

How Should I Choose the Best Online Jewelry Store for Me?

First, determine what you want to buy. This can be general, from "a gold engagement ring" to "costume diamond jewelry" or "earrings and ring set." Then, skim the above categories to see our recommendations for each product category.

Next, set a budget. This may limit your quality options, so determine which is more important to you: quality or price.

Finally, look at customer reviews and store policies. It's important to keep policies like returns, customer service hotlines, and money-back guarantees in mind, particularly if you're purchasing jewelry for somebody else.

How Can I Save Money Buying Jewelry Online?

The best way to save money on online jewelry purchases is to comparison shop. When you find an item you like, don't automatically buy it. Instead, look on other sites to see if there are comparable items at lower prices.

You can also look for coupon codes to reduce the price of your purchase. Many online retailers also offer a percentage discount at certain times of the year or when you sign up for their newsletter, so keep an eye on pop-up ads on each site. Keep in mind that your jewelry can also be an investment that you can sell at a later time.

Where Can I Buy Diamond Engagement Rings Online?

A wide selection of online retailers offer diamond or diamond-like engagement rings, including those listed above. Pay close attention to cheaper sites, however, as rings may be rhinestone or cubic zirconia (costume) instead of real diamonds.

When you're just getting started with diamond jewelry, whether this is a ring or earrings, James Allen is a good beginning point. You can play around with a variety of options to discover what you want.

The Best Online Jewelry Stores: Takeaways

Buying an engagement ring, particularly a diamond one, is a huge investment—and an important one.

These trustworthy sites, particularly: James Allen, Monica Vinader, and Whiteflash are your best options for finding ethically sourced diamonds and beautiful rings with customer-friendly policies to ensure you don't regret your purchase.

Have you bought a diamond ring or other diamond pieces, like earrings from online jewelry stores before? What does your jewelry look like?