The lockdown has forced summer plans off the table for countless families, and that includes weddings. Despite this, couples around the country are showing no signs of slowing down their move towards tying the knot, with The Wall Street Journal reporting increased sales in engagement rings. What this should show any couple who are feeling down due to the coronavirus-led restrictions is that there is still a way to get the perfect ring – in fact, modern technology is making it easier than ever. Whisper it, but doing your ring shopping online could even be superior to the real thing – making the proposal itself the hardest part.

Band size and safety

The biggest question for online shoppers is how they can properly fit a band. Jewelry shops do a great job of helping to make sure the band fits and that it will need as few adjustments as possible before it’s ready to be worn permanently. However, the wealth of knowledge accessible online today makes this less of a problem. Sizing your own ring can be done easily at home with little more than a tape measure, thanks to smart apps, and there are huge amounts of knowledge provided by experts; Business Insider, for instance, has provided advice from jeweler veterans, such as the importance of not leaving your ring on during exercise. Essentially, the web has made it easier than ever to gain the knowledge you need without ever having to leave the comfort of the home.

Enhanced certification

Another benefit of visiting established online sellers is that you can have a level of assurance over the gemstones used. Using the GIA system, websites provide information upfront – along with instructional guides – that help would-be ring purchases to enjoy a level of assurance over the quality and provenance of the diamond. This can be in contrast to some brick-and-mortar retailers, which, while in all likelihood completely safe and secure, cannot provide the same level of assurance with full confidence.

Returns not impossible

Despite all of that, many people may not feel completely comfortable until the ring is on their finger, and with an online order, it might not be right away While this is a pain to deal with, figures have shown that delivery frequencies and timeliness have not been largely impacted by COVID, with mail workers some of those who are least impacted on a day-to-day basis by lockdown restrictions and the hygiene provisions demanded by containment measures. In short, the delivery and return process won’t be as bad as it seems, and in the lockdown situation, you may have a bit more time to spare anyway – that’s if the ring isn’t up to scratch.

In short, buying a ring online really isn’t that much of a problem. The knowledge that retail jewelers hold can often be found online, and with most outlets having an online presence, they’ll be glad to have your custom. There may be bumps in the road, but the key is to persevere and make the most of the spare time you have.