Quince cuts engagement ring prices by skipping middlemen

Quince is selling lab-grown diamond engagement rings priced between $900 and $5,000. The company uses a factory-direct business model that removes supply-chain middlemen to lower costs. This approach allows the retailer to offer these stones at a lower price point than traditional brick-and-mortar jewelers typically charge for similar items.

The expansion of engagement ring sales online has coincided with a shift in consumer behavior regarding wedding seasons. Summer remains the most popular time for weddings, but couples now get married and get engaged in all four seasons. High-profile couples such as Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, who engaged in the summer, and Tom Holland and Zendaya, who engaged in winter, reflect this broader trend. Shoppers no longer limit their purchasing decisions to Valentine's Day or other traditional dates.

Kylie Bee, the Merchandise Lead of Fine Jewelry at Quince, advises buyers to understand their return policy and warranty before purchasing. She notes that understanding these terms is key when investing in a meaningful item. Quince states that all engagement rings can be returned or exchanged within 60 days. The company also provides a limited lifetime warranty to address customer concerns about long-term durability.

Bee recommends that shoppers measure ring sizes using inexpensive sizer tools or by borrowing a ring the partner already wears. She suggests borrowing a ring from the left or right ring finger or the middle finger to get an accurate measurement. Shoppers should then trace the inside of the ring on paper and measure the diameter. Bee adds that buyers should select ring styles that allow for sizing adjustments of a full or half size. A representative can confirm the specific sizing capabilities of a selected style.

When selecting a ring style, Bee suggests consulting trusted friends and family to determine the partner's preferences. These individuals may know the partner's preferred diamond shape, carat weight, and metal color. They may also know if the partner prefers natural or lab-grown diamonds. Balancing these tastes with a specific budget helps buyers find an appropriate ring.

Other online retailers offer varied options for engagement rings. Blue Nile provides a wide selection of rings with ethically sourced diamonds and offers a lifetime warranty. Kinn Studio focuses on chunkier gold styles and has recently collaborated with Prince Tennis. Angara offers made-to-order natural and lab-grown gemstone rings ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $100,000. Plum Diamonds, a women-owned business, sells only lab-grown diamonds and crafts rings from scratch in 15 to 17 business days.

Jean Dousset recently opened a West Hollywood boutique and features a Claire Collection with thin prongs designed to make center stones appear to float. Mejuri handcrafts pieces from solid gold, sterling silver, and diamonds. Catbird sets its rings in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, using 100 percent recycled solid 14k gold or platinum. Vrai uses zero-emission river energy to craft its lab-grown diamonds from greenhouse gas. MiaDonna offers premium lab-grown diamonds with a 90-day complimentary resizing service.