Where to Buy Your Wedding Band – Comparing In-store vs. Online

These days, shopping for jewelry can be done from the comfort of your own home or in person, whichever is convenient. We'll compare shopping online versus in-person so you can see the pros and cons for each and decide which option works best for you.

Convenience

It's hard to overlook how convenient shopping online is. You can easily browse so many men's and women's wedding bands from retailers all over the world. Plus, you can do this late at night when you have some extra time or during your lunch break at home. Online retailers are always open, so it's easy to shop.

One benefit of in-person shopping is that you can physically see and try on wedding bands. This helps you make an informed decision but limits your options to whatever is available from the retailers in your area. You also might need to drive farther if you don't have enough options in the nearby stores.

Selection

Online retailers have an incredibly large selection of wedding bands, and this includes plenty of unique options and rings that you can customize to fit your style. If you have a specific wedding band in mind, such as a diamond band, then shopping online might have more options for you.

The selection in-store is more limited compared to the options at online retailers. While you get to see and touch the bands before purchasing, you can only choose from the wedding bands in-store. Customization options are typically more limited in physical stores because they only have a large inventory.

Price

Online retailers often have lower prices because they have reduced overhead costs for the retailer. There isn't the cost of a brick-and-mortar building and all of the extra costs that go with that.

Shopping in-store might have higher costs because more customers prefer to negotiate the costs of jewelry. Some physical stores also offer in-store promotions.

Customization

One of the most notable benefits of online retailers is the ability to customize and personalize your wedding bands. You can usually choose the metal and sometimes can choose the gemstones or the diamond's total carat weight to make the wedding ring your own. Online retailers typically offer virtual appointments if you want to discuss completely custom rings or want to chat about customization options. You can also engrave the inside of the wedding band with a personalized message, date, quote, or an inside joke.

Some physical stores also offer customization options. Meeting face-to-face lets you easily discuss your preferences about your customized wedding band. You can ask questions and see examples of the options you're discussing.

Quality and Assurance

It's essential to do your research with all available online retailers. Look at customer reviews, research about them, and check their company policies. You want to ensure they're a reputable company offering high-quality wedding rings.

Shopping for wedding bands in person allows you to see the quality of the rings firsthand because you can see and feel the jewelry. You can also ask questions and get immediate help if there are issues or concerns.

Shipping and Returns

Online retailers have varying policies, so you'll want to look at shipping timelines, return policies, and potential fees if you return rings, such as shipping/insurance and restocking fees. Researching ahead of time helps set expectations and allows you to see how much time to allow for shipping.

If the retailer has your ring in stock, you don't have to worry about shipping. You can also return or exchange rings in-store if needed. Research their policies so you're not surprised if you must return or exchange your wedding ring.

Experience and Support

Shopping online may not be as personal as shopping in a store. Some prefer this type of shopping experience where they can browse how they want and chat, call, or message the company to ask any questions. See if they have virtual appointments. With Clarity has the option of virtual appointments. You can speak with expert gemologists without any commitment.

Interacting with jewelry store staff in-store allows you to ask questions and get more personalized assistance in the shopping process. Sales personnel can pull out different wedding rings for you to look at and compare.

Risk

Buying wedding bands without seeing them in person can be disappointing if you don't research and are disappointed in the rings you receive. Look for retailers that offer pictures and videos of rings from various angles. Make sure you can zoom in on details to examine each ring carefully.

In-store shopping minimizes the risk of being surprised by the wedding band you receive. You get to see the rings and try them on, so you know what you're getting. Researching the retailer to ensure they have high-quality jewelry and good customer service policies is very important.

Conclusion

With Clarity has personalized the online and offline jewelry buying experience. Their website is easy to use, and they pride themselves on providing responsive customer support. You can also design a wedding ring and bring it to life by meeting virtually or in their SOHO New York showroom to discuss your design. Simply sketch your ring or explain your vision; the expert gemologists at With Clarity can make your dream ring a reality. Your custom design can ship in 9 business days, and they offer 30-day returns to make the process easy and stress-free.