The time has come, you have decided that you’re ready to propose! Now comes the most important task: getting the engagement ring! Don’t panic, this is more common than you may think. In this post, we’ll cover the typical process people go through in purchasing a ring, and make note of all the details you need to know so that you can plan your proposal months in advance with a fair expectation of what your engagement ring will look like and when it should arrive. Let’s dive in!
The Ring Buying Process
While every couple and every ring is different, the average length of the ring buying process is roughly 3 months. This estimate includes the initial research and consultation up to the final delivery day!
Below, we cover the main steps in the journey, as well as the several factors that can affect the estimated arrival of your ring, so you can plan ahead for the big day!
Timeline For Custom Engagement Rings
Research and Consultation
The first step for many couples during their ring buying processes is doing research about engagement rings before seeking professional consultation, learning everything from the 4Cs of diamonds to differences among gemstones.
After the initial research has been done, couples typically start browsing engagement ring options to look for inspiration on the different cuts and settings for the gemstone. Here at Love and Promise Jewelers, we pride ourselves in being a meticulous partner in the consultation process, taking inspiration from your research. We understand that every ring starts with a great story and with great people, and we want to take the time to understand you and your partner, what your preferences are, what your ring sizes are, and how we can help deliver the ring of your dreams.
Design
If a customized ring is what you're looking for, this is the stage where we take your dream ring and begin sketching your ring, then create 3D CAD models using modern sculpting tools. We're used to doing several iterations of an idea until it's perfect in our customers' eyes!
Review
Once the models are complete, we send them to you for your feedback! We share every angle of the ring so you know exactly what you're getting. This stage can be as long as you want until we get your dream ring just right! Please note: revisions can push the timeline further than the original completion date that was discussed.
Create
Here's where we take all the inspiration and ideas you've given us, the models and imagery we developed, and move to produce the real thing! This includes casting the metals, setting the gemstones in place, finishing any engravings, and testing it in quality control.
Final Review And Delivery
Once everything is complete, we'll send a photo for you to review so we can make sure we exceed your expectations. After receiving approval, we'll package it and send it off to you within the next couple of days!
Factors That Affect Delivery Time
Type Of Ring
If after your research about engagement rings has been completed and you are eyeing a ready to ship ring style that has already been tested, measured, and cut, the timeline for purchasing a ready to ship engagement ring is much shorter than a custom ring! These rings have a 3-5 business day timeline to resize the piece to the ring size you need and to ship it to you.
For our standard ring designs, they have a 2-3 week timeline (unless otherwise stated). Each ring’s page will display a lead time for a more accurate estimation for that specific ring in the details so be sure to read it carefully so you can get exactly what you want!
Level Of Customization
Customization allows our customers to add a personal touch to their engagement ring! As outlined above, the ring buying process for custom orders can be longer depending on the level of complexity. From the consultation and design to the creation process and reviews, an additional 4-6 weeks could be added until the order ships out. If you're in a hurry, we offer Rush shipping options at an additional charge to reduce the turnaround time!
Order Date
One of the biggest factors that affects the ring buying process from the time of purchase to when the engagement ring arrives is the order date! If you are planning on proposing around the holidays, keep in mind that deliveries are almost always affected by the holiday season. Sometimes carriers don’t deliver, and other times, weather and supply can factor into the waiting time! If you want to receive a ring by a certain holiday date, we recommend viewing our holiday delivery estimates when we post our schedule in October here on our blog!
For all international orders, expect a longer delivery time. Love & Promise Jewelers offers full insurance with adult signature requirements for release, but each country has a different process for importing packages through customs.
Delivery
As noted in our policies, someone 21 years or older will need to sign for your package in order for it to be delivered! If you know that you will not be home to sign for the package, we always recommend shipping it to a family member, friend or any other trusted individual to ensure the shipping process runs smoothly and you get your package on time. If you miss your delivery attempts and your package is returned to us, you will be responsible for shipping costs.
My Order Didn't Arrive On Time And I'd Like To Return It
We’re sorry that the order didn’t make it to your address when you expected it! We offer a 5-day money-back guarantee or exchange on all of our rings (except custom rings, engraved rings, specialty size rings, rushed orders, discounted and payment/financing plans). Please contact us ahead of time to receive a return authorization number, find out how you need to ship to us and when you ship, please be sure to include all materials and packaging when you send the package back!
For a more thorough explanation of our policies, please read our policies page.
How Do I Make Sure The Ring Arrives Safely And On Time?
If you’ve already placed the order, you can track your ring in the mail using our order tracking tool. Please have your Order ID and email address ready to input. It should be noted that there may be some lag time between new activity and the system update!
We understand your concerns about receiving your ring in time for the special day, and we want to keep you notified if anything changes so you never feel out of the loop. If you have more questions or concerns regarding ring delivery, please contact us and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can.
We hope this engagement ring guide was helpful! As always, be sure to follow us on our socials, check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter to see what's new here at Love & Promise. Happy ring shopping, friends!