Are you planning to buy an engagement ring on Etsy, but you’re nervous to do so? Don’t panic. Most people hesitate when buying something online, especially something as important as an engagement ring.
But if you’re wondering whether buying an Etsy engagement ring is a good idea, you’re not alone — and you’ve come to the right place.
It’s good to be cautious because rings are expensive, and the last thing you want to do is get scammed out of hard-earned money by shopping online from an unfamiliar seller.
But when done properly, shopping for an engagement ring on Etsy is safe and easy to do and rings are terrific quality. But you need to know exactly what to look for… which is where I come in! 🙌
In this blog post, you’ll learn tips for getting an engagement ring on Etsy safely, how to avoid getting scammed, and discover the best places to shop from top-rated sellers with ✨sparkling✨ reviews.
And you may be wondering what makes ME such an expert. I totally get it! In addition to supporting and promoting handmade wedding products since 2009, I’m an avid shopper and fan of Etsy. I’ve purchased home goods, clothing, accessories, beauty products, pets, baby clothing, kids toys, wedding decorations, bridal accessories, and yes, even jewelry.
I even have this cute little Byeeeeee plaque arriving to my doorstep this afternoon!
You name it, I probably got it on Etsy. 😂
After years of browsing, shopping, and discussing the process with buyers and sellers, I’m confident in the process of buying anything on Etsy, even something as momentous as an engagement ring.
So, read this guide to unlock the secrets to buying an engagement ring for your upcoming proposal.
IN THIS BLOG POST:
• What Is Etsy? How Does Buying Online Work?
• Is It Safe To Buy an Engagement Ring on Etsy?
• How To Shop Engagement Rings
• Best Engagement Ring Shops on Etsy.com
First, is it safe to buy something so important as an engagement ring on Etsy? Let’s discuss it.
Is Etsy A Good Place To Buy An Engagement Ring?
There are many places to buy a ring online, but is Etsy a good place to do it?
Yes!
Etsy is a handmade marketplace where independent sellers create, market, and sell their products. Each seller has an individual storefront page and list of products, so you know exactly who you’re purchasing from directly
This makes many pros when you’re shopping on Etsy for an engagement ring, considering the number of sellers on the site and the different options and price points available at each store.
In addition, they offer an incredibly helpful ratings and review system with real experiences from customers, along with photos of the product in-hand. This is a huge benefit for something like a ring, as you’ll get to see a picture of it on someone’s hand.
Etsy engagement rings are just as good, if not better, than what you find in a factory-made store.
Here’s why.
When you shop at a major big-box chain, what you see is what you get. And when you buy it, you’re purchasing a mass-produced item that others all over the world have, too.
But when you get your engagement ring from Etsy, you’re buying a ring directly from the jeweler!
• If you have any questions, you can send a message directly to the artist.
This kite diamond ring is stunning!
• You can have a custom piece created, by hand, just for you.
Case in point? You just don’t find something like this in a factory. You just don’t!
• You can request special sizing.
When you buy an engagement ring on Etsy, you can personalize it to the max! And when you’re shopping for a ring, getting it perfect is crucial.
Now, let’s talk about exactly how to shop safely on Etsy for an engagement ring or anything, really.
How To Buy an Etsy Engagement Ring
This blog post was inspired by an Ask Emmaline question (keep ’em coming, guys!) by Michael. He wants to know where to buy his girlfriend an engagement ring on Etsy from a shop she likes. He writes,
“Hi Emmaline! I found a blog post you wrote on non-traditional engagement rings and my girlfriend likes a ring in particular. I’m planning a proposal soon and I’m ready to buy the ring, but I’ve never bought an engagement ring before much less an Etsy engagement ring so I’m nervous about how to do it right. Do you have any suggestions? I guess my biggest question is should I buy an engagement ring on Etsy? And are engagement rings on Etsy real? They look good in photos but I’m nervous of buying something sight unseen. Thanks so much for your help!”
Ah, great questions, Michael! I’m happy to help you with your upcoming proposal… congrats, by the way! The good news is you already have the hard part: finding an awesome partner! Your next step is figuring out how to buy an engagement ring safely on Etsy, and that’s pretty easy with these helpful tips. :)
So, the big question people usually ask is are engagement rings on Etsy good? And more importantly, are they real?
It depends on where you shop and how you do it.
Certification
For any jewelry piece you buy online, you should always find out the materials used in making the piece. Most shops list everything that is added to the ring, including the type of gemstone, its rating, clarity, cut, etc. The metal is also listed. When you purchase a diamond or gemstone, you should be able to get a certification proving it is real so you won’t wonder if yours is a fake.
Ask for Materials Used
I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews from reputable brands on Etsy who sell real diamonds, gemstones, moissanites, and other varieties of gemstones with their products. When they are quality makers, they are happy to provide any certification to prove their work is, in fact, the real deal.
Here are some tips for anyone planning to buy an engagement ring on Etsy.
How to Buy an Etsy Engagement Ring
First things first: make an account. It’s free and you’ll be happy to have one ready-to-go when you find The Perfect Ring.
1. Define Your Budget.
Set a realistic budget for your purchase and know your options. Are you looking for a diamond? Gemstone? Moissanite? Do you want white gold or yellow? Know these things when going in and estimate how much the ring will cost.
2. Do Your Research.
Make sure you evaluate sellers and their rings, read reviews, and make sure the shop has been in business for a substantial amount of time. What do the reviews look like? Are the ratings in line with the quality you expect based on the price-point?
3. Ask Questions.
Get clarity on any questions you have BEFORE you purchase. After all, you can’t go back! Once you buy the ring, it’s yours. Make sure the ring specifications and description is clear so you know what you’re buying before you buy it.
4. Make an Informed Decision.
Choose the best ring to suit you or the wearer’s needs. A pearl ring may make a nice alternative, but will it withstand the rigors of daily use? A diamond ring might sparkle and shine, but does your partner prefer to wear a moissanite or a gemstone? Make sure you’re choosing the ring they want to wear daily for maximum value and, most of all, enjoyment. A ring is to be enjoyed!
5. Get More Value.
Depending on what kind of ring you’re after, you may be able to save money by shopping on Etsy. This happens often due to cutting out the “middleman” as they do in large jewelry stores. By purchasing directly from the maker, you can cut out additional and unnecessary costs.
This isn’t always the case, though, and you are paying for quality. For custom rings, the cost may be more, but you’re getting a one-of-a-kind product, so you have to weigh the cost advantages and disadvantages.
Don’t forget to look for discounts and offers from the seller. There are sales happening all the time, so check in on this page to see the latest. Ask if the shop has a discount if price is of a concern; find out if they offer free shipping to cut costs further.
And lastly, consider buying your engagement ring on Etsy and getting the wedding band with it at the same time. You can sometimes get a discount for bundling the items together, but most of all, you’ll cut costs on shipping the wedding band later down the road. And you’ll get a perfectly complementary set, too! Win-win.
How To Buy an Engagement Ring on Etsy
Ready to get started? Here is how to get started on Etsy, especially if you’re a first-time shopper.
1. Create an Etsy account (FREE!)
First, before you do any searching for ring types, styles, etc., you’ll want to create an account on Etsy. It’s free to make an account and you don’t have to buy anything. The reason I say this is the first step is because if you have any questions on the rings, prior to purchase, you’ll need an account to send the seller a message.
This is very important, since you cannot contact the seller without an account.
In addition, you’ll be able to “heart” or “save” your favorites, so while you’re browsing their, say, 12,938 different rings, you can keep your favorites organized without losing them in your bookmarks or search history. :)
Next, you’re going to figure out which ring(s) you like and make sure you know your partner’s size.
2. Get Their Ring Size.
What is their ring size?
► Use a Sizer on Existing Ring: If you need to be secretive, find a ring they like to wear often and use a ring gauge sizer like this to see what size it is.
► Measure Their Finger: If you can’t be as sly, use a ring sizer like this if she’s already aware of an upcoming ring at some point.
Or, you can just ask. :)
3. Shop Etsy Engagement Rings and Add Your Favorites.
Next, you’re ready to shop!
You mentioned our blog post on alternative engagement rings, which is a great starting point; those are all quality rings by amazing designers.
If you want to venture into the website itself, head to this category page and begin your search.
How To Sort Your Search to Find the Best Ring For You
Here are some tricks when shopping on Etsy to sort your search and filter by budget, location, shipping, and more.
Define Your Budget
Shopping on Etsy is organized, especially when it comes to jewelry, as you can sort by all types of filters. You can set your budget, so it only shows you rings within your price range; you can set the metal tone, the type of gemstone (diamond, moissanite, birthstone, etc.) You can even sort by location.
All sorted? Great. Next, you’ll find the perfect engagement ring on Etsy.
Browse + Add Your Favorites
Next, have a look! Look around at the engagement rings available and add your favorites to your list by adding a “heart” on an image.
(For example, here’s a ring by MinimalVS to show you how to add it to your Etsy favorites list.)
► Click the heart over the photo.
► The heart turns red. Now it’s added to your favorites!
To remove it from your list, just click the heart again and it will automatically withdraw from your favorites.
When you want to view your favorites page, just click on the Heart at the top-bar of the page. It will load your favorites.
Tips to Buying a Ring Without Getting Scammed
Before You Add to Cart
Once you find the perfect ring and you’re ready to buy… wait, don’t hit purchase just yet.
Do these three things first:
• Ask Any Questions: Before you buy, do you have a question? Do you need clarity on the type of gemstone they’ll use? Do you need a specialty metal tone? Are you sure on the sizing? Make sure you clear up any of these questions before you hit purchase. Once you purchase, that’s it; you don’t want to make a mistake and buy the wrong ring.
• Did The Seller Respond?: If you ask questions and the seller does NOT respond within a reasonable amount of time, that may be a hint to move on. Customer service to me is of utter importance, and if they don’t respond to inquiries within 3 business days, you may want to shop elsewhere.
• Did You Read Reviews?: Are the Etsy shop reviews positive? Are there photos attached from real customers? What do they say about the quality of the engagement ring, shipping time, packaging (did it arrive safely?), purchasing, asking questions?
→ Handling Negative Reviews: Sometimes, life happens and negative reviews occur. But don’t let one negative experience be a main deterrent from shopping a certain seller on Etsy. Instead, read why it was not a positive experience for the customer. Did the seller try to mediate the issue? Is there only one negative experience from dozens of positive reviews and happy customers? Was it a minor issue that was clearly labeled in the description of the item?
• Return Policy: Is there a return policy, and if so, what is the timeline on it? Some stores offer no refunds for obvious reasons: an engagement ring on Etsy is typically custom-made and design is for the recipient of it. They cannot create the product and receive it back, since it was made with special requests in mind.
However, some shops do offer returns and may even assist with things like resizing or exchanges for customers. Read the policies on the shop’s information page BEFORE you buy to avoid any issues later on.
Also, be sure to find out about any warranties on the engagement ring. What happens if the stone falls out? What if the ring doesn’t fit? These are good questions to ask BEFORE you order so you can feel confident and buy an engagement ring safely on Etsy.
• Your Ring In Photos: Lastly, for the positive responses, can you find the ring you’re looking for in the customer reviews? If so, you’ll feel even safer buying the engagement ring on Etsy after seeing a similar purchase from a customer and seeing a photo of it in their possession.
Buy Your Ring!
Once you’ve completed the above, congrats, you’re ready to buy! This ensures you can buy safely and you’ve done your due diligence.
And if you do buy an engagement ring on Etsy, be sure to write a review and snap a photo of it on the seller’s page. This will help the next individual who is in your shoes, wondering if they should take the plunge and purchase online from that jewelry maker.
Here are the best shops for engagement rings on Etsy where I’d 100% purchase without hesitation, based on years of quality service, commitment to detail, and happy customers.
1. MinimalVS
Known for their minimalist and eco-friendly options, this is a terrific place to shop.
2. Andrea Bonelli Jewelry
Her attention to detail and customer service is amazing. Her mission is conflict-free and eco-friendly options. She offers diamonds and moissanite options among other gemstones.
3. Artemer
These minimalist and art deco creations are one-of-a-kind.
4. OliviaEwingJewelry
Stunning raw gemstone rings and jewelry; emphasis on Montana Sapphire rings
5. Capucinne
Simple, yet elegant; these are one-of-a-kind rings you can’t find anywhere else.
6. EidelPrecious
Sparkling sapphires and gemstones with blush, aquamarine, and other dazzling colors
This is one of their most popular styles: the Blake Lively-inspired ring, inspired by the ring the actress wears.
7. ShopClementine
Boho/hippie style rings that are rustic and raw, basically amazing!
8. BravermanOren
Unique, geometric cut, raw diamond styles
I hope this guide has given you the tips and strategies you need to shop confidently for an engagement ring on Etsy without getting scammed. Make sure you purchase a high-quality ring, but be sure to set a realistic budget and research all of your options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — that’s what good customer service is there for! And lastly, make an informed decision. Don’t forget to take advantage of any discounts that are offered through the sellers when you purchase.
Special thanks to Michael for writing (and good luck on your proposal!)
If this guide helps you, please give it a share on social media below. And if you have any helpful tips to add, please write them into the comment box below.
xo
Emma
