Buying a Designer Engagement Ring Online, Which Designer is Right for Me?

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Buying a Designer Engagement Ring Online, Which Designer is Right for Me?

For the savvy buyer, there are huge perks to purchasing an engagement ring online, but the savviest of buyers will understand that buying a designer engagement ring online can be one of the most money-saving and beautiful purchases that you can make; but only if you know where to shop.

To make your decisions a little easier, I have created this guide to some of the perks of shopping online and where to go to get the most for your money. These little snippets about the designers and their styles can help you to find the designer that is right for you.

Why Buy Designer Engagement Rings?

Buying a designer engagement ring is essentially buying an engagement ring that comes with a promise; the designer puts their name to this jewelry and with it, a promise of a high-quality finish, skilful craftsmanship and an inherent understanding of what works when it comes to diamond engagement rings. Precise setting techniques, personalisation, metal quality and durability are just a few of the perks that a quality designer engagement ring can offer. Often their years of experience in the field means that buying designer will also offer a strong focus on customer satisfaction, returns policies and warranty and upgrade schemes.

Why Buy an Engagement Ring Online?

Online vendors do not carry the same overheads as a traditional bricks and mortar store. As a result of this, they are able to carry huge portfolios of diamonds and engagement rings that are a fraction of the price. When it comes to designer rings, the brand will choose their trusted and verified online retailers. Lists of these retailers can be seen on the designer’s website so you can be sure you are getting an authentic designer engagement ring. Bricks and mortar jewelers simply cannot deliver jewelry of the same quality at the same price as online stores. Furthermore, you are able to make well informed choices, taking your time to browse through collections and compare prices without the influence of a salesperson.

Where to Buy Designer Engagement Rings?

This is a shortlist of some designers that you may consider for your engagement ring, plus the authorised retailers that stock them. Like selecting the engagement ring itself, choosing the designer that is right for you will be based on budget, personal taste and the services which are most important to you. I have selected six designers to give you an idea of the huge differences in style that designer brands have to offer.

  • Looking for more designer engagement rings? I can recommend Whiteflash for their impressive portfolio of world-class designers. Crossing a broad range of styles, it is a great way of browsing designer rings all in one place. I would also consider James Allen and Blue Nile.

Tacori

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Ideal for: The ‘Distinctively Elegant’ Bride

Tacori is a family run business based in sunny California. The company was founded by couple and business partners Haig and Gilda Tacorian, who felt the bridal market was in need to of revamp. Their designs draw from the couples’ European background, but weave these motifs with a cool, Californian twist. Tacori rings are distinctive without being overbearing. Their signature feature is the use of elegant crescent shapes throughout their design. Their engagement rings giving striking side profiles, while still drawing all the attention to the centre diamond.

This diamond engagement ring from the Botanical Beauties collection is feminine and elegant. The use of the crescent detailing can be seen in the shank, and the open spaces also light to flood the melee as well as the centre stone. The ring is finished with the Tacori ‘signature’; a single crescent, set with a round brilliant diamond on the lower shank.

Available at Whiteflash and Robbins Brothers.

A.Jaffe

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Ideal for: The ‘Timeless’ Bride

A.Jaffe hold a rich history within the world of bridal jewelry. Setting up shop on 47th Street, Downtown New York, Abraham Jaffe set himself in the centre of diamond jewelry in 1892. A.Jaffe have continued to conceive, create and innovate stunning engagement ring designs that bring together experience and adaptation. Their standards have not faltered and their ability to predict and deliver on trend rings that stand the test of time makes them a firm favourite amongst brides to be. Their signature feature is a patented squared shank which stops the rings from twisting around your finger. This makes them a great choice if you are going for a large diamond (1.50ct and above) as even heavier diamonds will stay central on their clever design.

The signature squared shank, double platinum prongs and an elegantly crafted ceiling; this Seasons of Love engagement ring is a testament to the skill and experience of this beloved designer.

Available at Whiteflash and Solomon Brothers.

Jeff Cooper

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Ideal for: The ‘Less is More’ Bride

Working in Manhattan’s first diamond district, Jeff first developed his passion for fine jewelry. With over 40 years’ experience in the bridal jewelry industry, Jeff Cooper are the masters of refined, minimalist jewelry, relying on masterful craftsman ship and classic design to win the hearts of brides across the globe. Through an intense process, each Jeff Cooper ring is made by hand, and it is this time and effort that makes all the difference. Their rings are finished to an exceptionally high standard with a luxury feel.  
Collections include Lumiere, with its hypnotic, twisted designs, the vintage beauty of the Heirloom collection, and the timeless elegance of the Grace collection. 

Taken from the distinctive and popular Lumiere collection this Lulu Oval solitaire engagement ring features the signature twist design across the band creating sparkling streams of light that delicately enrobe the metal. It is balance, contemporary and it is truly Jeff Cooper at their best.

Available at James Allen and Since 1910.

Simon G

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Ideal for: The ‘Cool Contemporary’ Bride

The kings and queens of cool. LA based company Simon G have been winning awards for their sleek designs for over 30 years. Their chic jewelry hits on trends without being try hard, and every design is contemporary yet still timeless. While they lean towards a modern aesthetic, there is a huge diversity across their collections and they will appeal to a variety of different tastes, making them one of the most coveted bridal designers on this list. 

This Fabled Solitaire engagement ring gives a nod to a classic floral theme in a sleek and modern design. The bezel setting ensures maximum security to the stone and the asymmetry of the side-stones brings a unique twist to this ring. 

Available at Whiteflash and Since 1910.

Bella Vaughan

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Ideal for: The ‘Glamorous, Fancy and Bold’ Bride

Fairly new on the scene, Dallas based Bella Vaughan created a collection of engagement rings especially for Blue Nile. Their creations are daring, bold and heavily ornamental and they work fancy cuts into their design with effortless flair. I have included them in this list as they offer rings that are truly unique in design; they may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those brides looking for something with serious impact, Bella Vaughan would be a great choice.  

This Trinity Halo by Bella Vaughan for Blue Nile (seen above) shows what this brand are all about. Bearing little resemblance to a traditional trinity ring, this striking design incorporates glamorous gothic elements and diamond melee on an anti-twist shank. The expert use of fancy cuts is the final signature of this distinctively different engagement ring. 

Available only at Blue Nile.

Verragio

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Ideal for: The ‘Fairy-tale Princess’ Bride

Founded by master designer Barry Verragio, this esteemed brand uses the tagline, ‘unlike any other ring’ and their designs certainly stand out for all the right reasons. A graduate of the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, Barry has honed his craft over several decades and his appreciation for the finest details can be seen in each of Verragio’s detailed and decadent rings. With an inspired use of mixed-metals and two-tone effects and intricate beading and scroll-work, it is impossible to observe the work that goes into these rings without them conjuring up feelings of magic and fairy-tales.

With intricate twists, fine beadwork and a delicate diamond melee this Three Stone ring from the Venetian collection showcases some of the brands signature details. Seen here in blushing 20k rose gold, it is truly a work of artistry, craftsmanship and perhaps a touch of magic.

Available at Whiteflash and Rogers and Hollands.

Vatche

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Ideal for: The ‘Beautiful Modest Budget’ Bride

Vatche have gained a strong reputation within the world of bridal jewelry. Their designs are classic and minimalist and are always executed to the highest standards of craftsmanship. For a bride on a modest budget who does not want to compromise on beauty and quality, the highly affordable designs that Vatche create are the perfect choice. A smaller budget should not mean compromising the durability of your ring; an engagement ring should last a lifetime, and a Vatche engagement ring will not let you down.

Named after the Goddess of love, this Venus solitaire engagement ring is delicate and sleek. The clean lines secure the central stone in a minimalist and highly wearable design.

Available at Whiteflash.

Richard Jenkins
Richard Jenkins
Richard Jenkins, known as Your Diamond Guru, is a diamond enthusiast who became an expert after searching for an engagement ring for his fiancée. Frustrated by the lack of guidance, he studied diamonds and became the go-to person for advice on buying the best diamonds. Richard launched Your Diamond Guru to provide unbiased reviews and resources to help others make informed purchasing decisions. He emphasizes the importance of considering factors beyond size, such as cut, color, clarity, carat, certification, and light performance.