Shopping for an engagement ring online? Here are the best places to look

Sure, the long-awaited wedding ceremony and beautiful photos are a ball to plan, but the entire “I do” process starts with one thing: finding the best engagement ring.Unlike years ago, the round-cut diamond, though a classic, isn’t the only one to shop for.Plus, there’s so much that goes into one piece of fine jewelry, from the clarity and cut to the color and carat.“The classics never go out of style, but I think that today’s brides and grooms want something timeless and personal,” Nellie Barnett, a four-year diamond grader at the Gemological Institute of America, told The Post.

“Considering the turbulent year and a half the world has experienced, there is a strong desire to have engagement rings with a personal touch — using symbolism, creating custom settings or requesting unique diamond cuts.”Purchasing an engagement ring is a personal decision and, with so many customization tools offered online nowadays, the process couldn’t be simpler.Whether you’re unable to access a jeweler or simply prefer to see prices and specifications up front, it’s the preferred process for some.“Whether shopping online or in a store, the quality of a diamond affects its price [along with if it’s a lab-grown diamond], which is why we highly recommend anyone considering a diamond to look for one with a GIA report,” Barnett said.

“GIA Diamond Grading Reports are based on rigorous examination by trained and experienced professionals who use scientific and impartial assessment of the diamond’s four C’s —color, clarity, cut and carat — to provide the exact details of what is in the diamond, as well as any treatments.”And, be sure to check out our FAQ with a gemologist for expert-backed insights to buying engagement rings online.Oh, and you’ll want to check out this research on the average price of engagement rings by state.Pros:Cons:Blue Nile has set the standard for natural diamonds and fine jewelry since 1999, earning a reputation as the o...