We all shop freely online for flights, clothes, and books, but when it comes to something as important, expensive and special as an engagement ring, we tend to be a lot more wary. There are some amazing jewellery shops in Ireland, and great options for having a ring custom designed, but with the likes of Instagram, Pinterest or Etsy, we're also discovering talented designers and gorgeous rings from around the world. If you've fallen in love with an engagement ring overseas, we've rounded up some tips and advice to help you make buying an engagement ring online as stress-free and safe as possible.
1. Only Buy from Reputable Sources
This probably goes without saying, but just in case; make sure you check independent reviews for anyone you're buying from, and ensure they are legitimate. When it comes to diamonds in particular, look for certification to ensure the stones are as described, and ethically sourced. Look for a full address of the trader, if it's not on their site, they are obliged to provide it to you - an email address or a post office box is not enough! Beware of any websites that have only recently been set up as they may be fraudulent.
2. Check the Terms and Conditions
It's lengthy, it's boring, it's filled with jargon, but before you make your purchase, especially if it's a made-to-order ring, read any Ts&Cs on the site, or contract sent to you by the jeweller. Make sure you're aware of the different stages of the design, and until what point you can still make changes. If you're buying from a set collection, check if you'll be able to get a refund.
If you're buying from within the EU, you can avail of plenty of rights when it comes to changing your mind and getting a refund (as long as it's not a made-to-order ring) whereas buying online from the US or further afield, this tends to be at the discretion of the retailer. You'll get more info on consumer rights for online purchases within the EU here.
3. Ask to See a Video
Videos can be far better than photographs for seeing the scale of a ring, how a ring sits on a hand, if it's too high or too flat. A video can sometimes give you a better scope of the quality of the stones too, as twinkle and polish can often be added to pictures. If they don't already have videos on their site, ask the seller if you can see one - even a very basic one - with somebody wearing the ring.
4. Use a Credit Card
If possible, use a credit card to buy your engagement ring online, or failing that, a debit card protected by one of the major credit card companies. Never send cash, a bank transfer, or money wiring service, as you'll have no comeback if there is an issue down the line.
Likewise, ensure that you're paying over a secure website - look for the closed padlock symbol in the corner of your browser window, check that the website address begins with ‘https://’ (the s is for a secure page) and click on the security icon to see that the retailer has an encryption certificate.
After the purchase, check your card statement to ensure you've been billed the right amount, and that no unusual transactions have occurred.
5. Consider Buying a Mount-Only
As the main stone is often the most expensive part of the ring, you can always chat to your jeweller about buying a semi-mount or mount setting - that means just the metal setting, before the stones have inserted.
While this won't work if you've chosen the ring specifically for its unique gemstones or unusual cut, if it has a more common stone, it might give you peace of mind to purchase the stone in person and have it added, once the ring has arrived. That way you can choose it safe in the knowledge that it has the clarity (and sparkle!) you're after, without relying on pictures or video.
6. Get the Final Price Before You Buy
This applies particularly to custom designs, but it's worth keeping in mind either way - get a final price before you've made the order. Engagement rings often come with a 'from' price as there are variables to consider when it comes to the materials used, tweaks to the final design, and of course postage. Make sure you have that final figure locked in before you finalise the order, so you don't have any nasty surprises when it's too late to back out.
7. Order Early
If you're buying an engagement ring online, and you have a specific proposal date in mind, order it as soon as possible, especially around busy periods like Christmas or Valentine's Day. Not only will a made-to-order or custom ring take a long time to make, you need to factor in at least two weeks for delivery. Plan for more time than you think you'll need, just in case you encounter any issues along the way.
8. Remember International Sizing
Ring sizing can differ from country to country, so make sure you and the vendor are on the same page about the size of the ring before you make the order. (Here's some tips on working out your partner's ring size).
9. Have the Ring Insured for Postage
If you're buying an engagement ring online and having it shipped from overseas, make sure you get the package insured, and sent with a reliable courier company - and get the vendor to send you documentation as proof of secure postage.
If you're worried about it arriving to your house when no one is in, have it sent somewhere secure (a workplace with a manned reception tends to be the best option), where there will be someone reliable to sign for it and look after it.
10. Don't Forget the Tax
When you're buying online from outside the EU, don't forget to factor in the tax into the overall cost of the ring. It could run into the hundreds, or even thousands depending on what you've spent on the ring, and as many courier companies won't deliver until you've paid the tax, make sure you have the funds accessible to you in time for the delivery.
If You Do Have Any Problems...
If you receive your ring and you're no happy with it, try to remedy it as soon as possible.
If it's faulty, take pictures straight away, and get in touch with the vendor immediately. Be polite, outline the problem as clearly as possible, and let them know how you'd like them to address it. If it's something small like a loose stone or a sizing issue, it might be easier for them to cover the costs of you having the ring fixed locally. If it's a bigger issue, you may have to send the ring back.
If you simply don't like it or have changed your mind, as we said above, your entitlements differ depending on whether you've bought the ring from a vendor within the EU or outside of it. If it's in the EU, the European Consumer Centre has lots of information on your rights. If it's outside of the EU, go back to your terms and conditions, and talk to the vendor about a solution.
If you have a bigger issue like a fraudulent vendor, contact your credit card company to report fraud and try to have the payment stopped. And again, if it's within the EU, report your issue to the EEC and they'll be able to advise you of the next steps.
More helpful reads and advice on engagement rings:
- How much you should spend on an engagement ring?
- Why you should consider a token engagement ring
- How to work out someone's ring size
- Where to buy an engagement ring in Ireland
- How to design your own engagement ring
- Why you should think twice about proposing with an inherited ring
- What to do if you don't love your engagement ring
- Engagement rings for men
- The ultimate guide to engagement ring styles
Feature image: This Is Glamorous
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