Few pieces of jewelry carry such weight and significance as an engagement ring, which is why picking the right one can feel so important. The best engagement rings match your partner’s style and your budget. Fortunately, modern jewelers—from Blue Nile to Vrai—have revolutionized the process of shopping for engagement rings online, and the experience is just as good as (if not better) than browsing in a store. At Forbes Vetted, we have tried and tested many pieces of jewelry and ahead you’ll find our top recommendations for the best engagement rings.
The best engagement rings capture your unique style and feature high-quality stones and settings.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
All of the jewelers in this guide have been vetted by the Forbes team, including our resident jewelry expert and deputy editor Kari Molvar, for the quality of their designs and craftsmanship, ethical sourcing and sustainability, and customer satisfaction (an engagement ring is designed to last a lifetime, after all). Whether you prefer classic or unique styles, we have options for a wide range of preferences. Here, the best engagement rings:
One of the most popular ring style, a halo design features a center stone surrounded by a “halo” of smaller gemstones in a pave setting, which adds sparkle and also enhances the appearance of the center stone.
Blue Nile earned the top spot on our list of the best places to buy engagement rings online, based on its impressive selection and customization options. If you’re looking for halo rings, the jeweler has more than 1,300 options to choose from, including this classic setting with pave diamonds wrapping halfway around the band and fully circling the perimeter of a round-cut diamond in the center. For convenience and white-glove service, Blue Nile offers free overnight shipping and hassle-free returns, along with complimentary engraving and a lifetime warranty.
Vrai: Glittery Cushion-Cut Diamond And Pave Band
VRAI
Vrai The Halo Cushion Engagement Ring
Engraving Offered: Yes | 360 Degree Viewing: Yes | Shipping: Made to order ships in approximately two weeks; $50 for overnight and $10 for two-day| Return policy: 30-day returns; full return policy on website | Virtual consultations: Yes
Vrai specializes in sustainable lab-grown diamonds, which they produce in their emissions-free foundry in the Pacific Northwest, using greenhouse gas. This halo ring features a cushion-cut center diamond—a square shape with rounded corners that resembles a cushion—that’s designed to sit low on your finger and flush with a wedding band. The sling that runs underneath the ring allows light to pass through, so the diamond shines extra bright.
Solitaire Ring Styles
With a single stone set on a classic plain band, solitaire rings are extremely popular and timeless. The center stone is often held in place by either six or four prongs that elevate the diamond and allow it to catch the most light.
Brilliant Earth: Catches The Light Just Right
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth Petite Esme Solitaire 6-Prong Engagement Ring
Engraving Offered: Yes | 360 Degree Viewing: Yes | Shipping: Free shipping in two weeks, depending on center stone | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Virtual consultations: Yes
This sleek ring from Brilliant Earth features a round diamond that’s precisely cut to feature more than 56 facets that allow for optimal sparkle. The symmetrical, eye-catching shape is matched with a minimalist band that comes in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and platinum. Delicate and feminine, this pick has classic prongs that hold the center stone in place—both lab-grown and natural options are available.
Blue Nile: Classic Sparkler In A Minimalist Setting
When you think of an engagement ring, this style is likely one of the first to pop into your head. This particular setting from Blue Nile is both timeless and simple, letting the round stone itself take center stage. You can pick from platinum, rose gold, yellow gold and white gold options, depending on the recipient’s preferences; then, pick your desired diamond or gemstone.
Quince: Minimalist, Affordable Pick
Quince
Quince 14K Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Price range: $130 to $750 | Custom options: No | Virtual advisors: No | At-home try-on: No | Return policy and warranty: 365-day returns, no warranty | Financing: Yes
Quince, although not a conventional jewelry store, provides top-notch rings at reasonable prices, and this extends to their engagement-style rings. The designs are modest but elegant, with most options priced at or below $900. Similar to pricier jewelry stores, their rings are typically made of 14k gold, and they ensure their diamonds are sourced responsibly. Overall, Quince is a solid choice for buyers on a budget who prefer a streamlined selection and minimalist styles.
Three-Stone Ring Styles
Sophisticated and stunning, three-stone rings symbolize a couple’s journey together, with each stone representing the past, present and future. Traditionally, the diamonds are the same shape with the center diamond larger than the two sidestones.
Grown Brilliance: Dazzling As Far As The Eye Can See
https://www.grownbrilliance.com
Grown Brilliance Round Lab Grown Diamond Three-Stone Ring
This design is ideal for a sentimentalist: The three stones represent the couple’s past memories, the present love and the future together, which has a striking visual impact. The way the two smaller stones flank the central stone also enhances its appearance and makes the ring especially eye-catching, whether you opt for a yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum setting.
Clean Origin: A Sophisticated Ring That Brings The Glamour
Clean Origin
Clean Origin Odyssey Emerald Ring
Engraving Offered: Yes | 360 Degree Viewing: Yes | Shipping: Free FedEx 2 Business Day shipping | Return policy: 100-day returns in original condition | Virtual consultations: Yes
Not all three-stone designs feature round cut diamonds: Instead, Clean Origin’s design features a trio of lab-grown emerald cut diamonds, with a single stone placed in the center and one on each side of it. The finished design is mounted on a simple, elegant plain band, making this ring just sparkly enough without being too flashy or ostentatious.
Classic Ring Styles
Classic rings can be understated or eye-catching but always emphasize timeless designs that never go out of style. Typically, the ring’s setting emphasizes the beauty of the center stone without too many showy embellishments.
James Allen: Chic And Swoon-Worthy
James Allen
James Allen Cushion Cut Diamond Pavé Engagement Ring
Engraving Offered: Yes | 360 Degree Viewing: Yes | Shipping: Free overnight shipping | Return policy: 30-day returns in original packaging | Virtual consultations: Yes (real time diamond inspection)
As the name implies, cushion cut diamonds are meant to look like a cushion—since from the side it looks like an actual pillow. James Allen’s ring shows off this classic shape beautifully, and can be designed with either lab-created or natural diamonds. A halo of diamonds around the center stone adds a touch of dramatic flair, while the pavé band bestows a feeling of elegance. Cushion cuts were originally used in royal crowns, which explains their undeniably regal appearance.
Jean Dousset: Elegant Classic With Brilliant Sparkle
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