Wedding Band Trial: In-Store Or Online?

There are several options for those looking to try on wedding bands before their big day. One option is to visit a local jewellery shop or a mega store, where you can try on different bands and compare styles, weights, and metals. Another option is to go online, which offers the convenience of shopping from home and accessing a wider selection of unique and customizable options from retailers all over the world. Some online retailers even offer home try-on services, allowing you to try on multiple rings for a few days before making your final decision.

Online retailers with home try-on services

Online retailers are always open, so it's easy to shop. Some online retailers with home try-on services include:

Gemist

Gemist is a great option if you're slightly wary of online shopping or are indecisive when it comes to big bridal style decisions. With Gemist, you can try on your favourites and see what suits you best. This site also has a great “design your own” feature if you are looking to create your own unique wedding band. Gemist is also a great option if you are after ethically sourced diamonds and metals. All its pieces are made in the USA, handcrafted in downtown Los Angeles. With a try-at-home service, you can keep three rings for two weeks before ordering what you love most.

Hitched

Hitched offers home try-on kits, or you can build your own custom kit, and they'll ship five rings to your door for you to try on in the comfort of your home. You have five days to try them all on, firm up your ring size, and once you've made a decision, finish your purchase by checking out online. Then, ship the home try-on kit back with the provided pre-paid return label.

Blue Nile

Blue Nile has been around for over two decades and is a great place to shop for diamond bands. They also have a convenient category of "couples rings", pairing options that work well for him and her together in one convenient and very affordable duo. So affordable, in fact, that many of the combinations come in at under $1,000 for both bands. Blue Nile is easy to use, offers accessible price points, and features collaborations with top designers in the industry. As one of the first retailers to introduce online shopping for bridal jewellery, Blue Nile is seasoned in the ins and outs of helping couples worldwide shop for their wedding bands online.

Catbird

Catbird, a fully female-owned and -operated business, sources and makes all its products locally in New York City. This brand works only with ethically sourced and conflict-free gold and diamonds. Catbird offers unique styles and dainty cuts meant for collecting and layering. Another cool feature of this site is that it has virtual styling appointments to help with style and sizing, giving you a real look at any piece you are interested in.

Doyle & Doyle

Doyle & Doyle is run by two sisters with keen eyes for great vintage pieces. The brand has its own namesake collection of heirloom-inspired options as well. This site has a vast range of vintage and antique jewellery with great history and stories behind each find. Just browsing the rarities on offer is like sifting through pieces of history, or the chicest of grandmothers’ jewellery boxes. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind band with a special history, this site should be your next click.

James Allen

With one of the largest selections of online wedding jewellery, James Allen is a go-to for online wedding band shopping. The site features highly magnified, 360-degree diamond display technology, which allows you to examine your favourite options up close. The brand also offers a lifetime upgrade service, promising to replace any loose stones at any time with a stone of two times or greater value.

Ritani

Ritani has over 450 women’s wedding bands and nearly 700 for men. The brand also has a convenient matching feature that makes it easy to select a band that will be the most flattering paired with your engagement ring.

With Clarity

With Clarity has the option of virtual appointments, where you can speak with expert gemologists without any commitment. You can design a wedding ring and bring it to life by meeting virtually or in their SOHO New York showroom to discuss your design. Your custom design can ship in 9 business days, and they offer 30-day returns to make the process easy and stress-free.

In-store appointments

When shopping in-store, you can compare different wedding bands side by side and see how they look and feel on your finger. This can help you decide on the style, metal type, and any customizations you may want. Some stores even offer in-store promotions and discounts that can save you money.

If you're looking for a unique or custom wedding band, in-store appointments can be advantageous. You can meet with jewellers and designers face-to-face to discuss your preferences and see examples of their work. They can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about customization options, metal choices, and more.

Additionally, shopping in-store allows you to inspect the quality of the wedding bands firsthand. You can see and feel the jewellery, ensuring that it meets your expectations. This can be especially important when making a significant purchase like a wedding band.

When considering in-store appointments, it's a good idea to research the stores in your area. Call ahead and ask about their selection, customization options, and any promotions they may be offering. You can also ask about their return and exchange policies, so you know your options if you need to make any changes after your purchase.

Custom jewellers

If you are looking to try on wedding bands in-store, it is worth noting that some custom jewellers may have a lead time of 4-6 weeks, so it is important to plan ahead. It is also a good idea to visit at least two separate jewellers to ensure that you get the right ring size, as most custom jewellery cannot be resized.

For those who prefer to shop online, there are many custom jewellers offering virtual appointments and consultations. This can be a convenient option, allowing you to browse from the comfort of your own home. However, it is important to do your research and check customer reviews, company policies, shipping timelines, and return policies before making a purchase.

Whether you choose to visit a custom jeweller in-store or online, they can offer a great opportunity to try on a variety of wedding band styles and find the perfect ring to represent your love story.

Big-name retailers

When it comes to big-name retailers, there are several options for trying on wedding bands. Here are some popular choices:

Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth

These well-known retailers offer a wide range of wedding bands and jewellery options. To ensure that your desired items are available for trying on, it is recommended to make an appointment beforehand and flag the specific pieces you want to try. This way, you can be sure to have a good selection to choose from during your visit.

Jordan Jack

Jordan Jack offers a unique Home Try-On Service for men's wedding bands. You can select up to five different artisan-crafted rings to be shipped to your home for free. You will then have three days to try on the rings, explore the fit, and make your decision. There is no obligation to purchase, and Jordan Jack provides a handy ring sizer to help you find your perfect fit.

Ring Bear

Ring Bear offers a similar service, allowing you to try on replica rings of your choice. You can select three, four, or five rings to try on, and they will be sent to you via email arrangement. The cost will be held as a deposit and will be refunded or applied to your purchase if you decide to buy. Ring Bear also offers free shipping and engraving on their wedding bands.

Zales

Zales, America's diamond store since 1924, offers a wide selection of jewellery, including wedding bands. They have over 430 jewellery stores across America, providing in-store consultations and appointments. Zales also offers custom engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as personalised gifts. Their website allows for convenient online shopping and in-store pick-up options.

With Clarity

With Clarity provides a personalised online and offline jewellery buying experience. They offer virtual appointments with expert gemologists and a showroom in SOHO, New York, where you can meet and discuss your custom design ideas. With Clarity prides itself on its responsive customer support and easy-to-use website, ensuring a stress-free shopping experience.

Local independent jewellers

One advantage of visiting local jewellers is that they usually stock a carefully curated selection of unique pieces, including wedding bands in a range of styles and metals. This can be a more enjoyable experience than visiting a large chain store, as you can discover one-of-a-kind designs and support small businesses in your area.

Local jewellers are often family-run or independent businesses, and they pride themselves on providing excellent customer service. They may also be more flexible in accommodating your requests and offering customisation options. For example, you might be able to incorporate your own materials, such as sand from your favourite beach, into the design of your wedding band.

Additionally, local jewellers can be a great choice if you're looking for a specific type of metal or style that may not be available in larger stores. They can also provide valuable insights into the differences between metals, such as the weight and upkeep of white gold versus platinum.

When visiting local independent jewellers, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and you may even be able to meet the designer or craftsperson behind the jewellery. This can make the experience of trying on and selecting your wedding bands all the more special.

Frequently asked questions