A Guy's Guide to Design an Engagement Ring part 5 of 5 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) "Here's Where You Should Design and Buy Your Engagement Ring . . ." My top two choices (and they're based in different states, so you can make sure to avoid sales tax), ARE...   MONDERA-- Mondera is based in New York, so if you live in New York, you'll want to buy from Blue Nile Instead. For everyone else, Mondera has my highest recommendation. They have been selling diamonds for over 100 years. If you followed the tutorial and have built a ring with the Mondera ring-building tool, then you're all set. You've already built your ring, and it's sitting there waiting for you to buy it in your shopping cart. (If you didn't see the tutorial, click here). In fact, now you can see that the reason I chose to walk you through Mondera's ring-building tool, is because I consider Mondera the most reputable place to buy online. And their prices are among the lowest as well. BLUE NILE-- Blue Nile is based in Washington State, so if you live in Washington, you'll want to buy from Mondera instead. Blue Nile is an excellent online merchant. Their ring-building tool is similar to Mondera's, and so are their prices. "Should You Design and Buy an Engagement Ring Online?" Some people fear they might regret purchasing their diamond online. Here are some of the typical reasons:   1. I can't see the actual ring before I buy it: Some people are concerned about the fact that they can't see the ring before they buy it. This is an understandable concern. But the fact is that when you buy a diamond online, you do see a very good picture of your ring before you buy it. And this will tell you as much as holding it in your hand at a jewelry store anyway. There are other drawbacks to buying your ring in a store. For example, you usually cannot design your own engagement ring in a store. So there's less variety. And you really can't tell any more about the quality of a diamond looking at it in the store than you can from a picture online. Really! Not, that is, unless you are a professional appraiser, and you have your eye piece with you! Also, whether you design and buy an engagement ring online, or pick one out in a store, it is always a good idea to get an independent appraisal once you purchase your ring. Finally, when you buy online, there is no salesperson there with an interest in a commission to cloud your judgment. 2. I don't feel comfortable giving credit card information over the internet: Some people are concerned with the safety of their credit cards. Again, this is an understandable concern. However, credit card companies insure you against fraud, so it shouldn't be as much of a concern as you might think. Furthermore, you take far more chances with your card when you give it to a waiter at a restaurant and let him disappear around the corner with it, than you ever do giving it to a reputable business with a secure connection on the internet. Make sure you work with a reputable company (like Mondera or Blue Nile). Then you won't have any problems. Furthermore, at stores like Mondera and Blue Nile the credit card processing procedure is all automated, and humans typically don't see your card number at all. 3. I can't pay with cash or a check online: You don't want to pay cash anyway! There's no way to track the sale if something goes wrong. When you pay with a credit card, you are protected in many ways. The credit card company knows which merchant account made the charge, and will insure your purchase, too. The nightmare is when you pay cash in a mall, find out later the ring is a fake, return to the mall, and there's no sign of the guy you bought it from. You're screwed pal :-( As you can see, these misgivings are understandable, but in the end they are somewhat misguided. Furthermore, there are some other very good reasons to design and buy an engagement ring online.   1. NO SALES TAX!!!: If you buy from a dealer that is not based in your state, you usually don't have to pay any sales tax (YET! State and local governments are trying to figure out a way to part you from more of your money, but so far no sales tax.). With sales tax rates averaging 8%, you can save $240 on a $3000 ring! 2. 30%-50% below retail: Wow!! This really shows you how much you can lose if you opt for the jewelry store scene. (See part one of this guide for a description of a typical jewelry store episode) 3. Shipping is often free: Both Mondera and Blue Nile offer complimentary shipping. And, if your order is big enough, they'll even ship it free overnight! (Shipping policies can change, so make sure you check out their policy at the time of purchase). 4. 30 day return policies: These are standard. Don't buy a diamond engagement ring without a 30-day guarantee. 5. GIA Certificates: Mondera and Blue Nile diamonds come with a GIA certificate to guarantee authenticity. It is still a good idea to seek an independent appraisal, however. That goes for online and off-line merchants alike. So that's all there is to it. Now you know what you need to know to buy a good engagement ring setting and a good diamond at an excellent price. Design your engagement ring online, and buy it from a reputable online dealer, and you'll come out far ahead of where you would in a jewelry store. -- Jim Stone P.S. Best wishes to you and your intended for your wedding and your lives together. Marriage really can be a wonderful journey. This is part 5 of 5 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)