An engagement ring is a significant and important purchase: one that deserves time and care. It can feel overwhelming, though: between selecting the perfect stone, the ideal setting, and the right style, the process can quickly become stressful.
Most people have a few choices: designing their own, buying one that’s ready-made in a jewelry store, or opting to shop online for ready-to-ship engagement rings. The latter two come pre-designed and crafted, which make them available for immediate purchase.
Ready-to-ship engagement rings, in particular, offer unbeatable convenience, but they also come with some trade-offs. Read on below for the pros and cons of opting for them so that you can decide if they’re the right option for you:
What Are Ready-to-Ship Engagement Rings?
As the name suggests, ready-to-ship engagement rings are pre-made rings that are available for immediate purchase and delivery. Unlike custom-designed rings, these are created in standard sizes and feature popular styles and stones. Jewelers often keep these rings in stock to provide a faster buying experience. They cater to couples who value convenience and want to skip the long wait commonly associated with custom orders.
The Pros
1.  Instant Gratification
Speed is one of the biggest advantages of opting for a ready-to-ship engagement ring. Instead of waiting weeks or months for a custom ring to arrive, you can purchase and receive one in a matter of days. This is perfect if you’re planning a surprise proposal or need a ring quickly. Many jewelers also offer express shipping, making it easier to secure the perfect ring in time.
2.  Lower Cost
Engagement rings are costly by nature, but ready-to-ship ones are relatively lower-priced, at least when compared to custom-made options. That’s because these rings are mass-produced or designed in bulk, translating to reduced production costs for jewelry makers who can then pass those savings on to you. If you’re budget conscious, this can make a high-quality ring more accessible without sacrificing style.
3.  Popular Styles and Reliable Quality
Finally, ready-to-ship engagement rings usually feature both classic and trendy designs that appeal to a wide audience. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or modern, you should be able to find a ring to your taste. Jewelers also ensure consistent quality since the rings are pre-made and inspected before shipping. You know exactly what you’re getting, and there’s less risk of miscommunication during the design process.
The Cons
1.  Limited Customization
The main drawback of opting for a ready-to-ship engagement ring is the lack of personalization. They are generally sold as is, and you may not be able to choose the exact stone, metal, or design details that you want. If your partner has a very specific style in mind, this can be frustrating.
2.  Sizing Challenges
Finding the perfect fit can also be tricky because ready-to-ship engagement rings are pre-sized. Sure, most jewelers offer resizing, but that can add extra time or cost. If you need a unique ring size, ready-to-ship options might not be ideal.
3.  Less Emotional Connection
Custom-designed rings often carry sentimental value because you create them together. Ready-to-ship rings can feel more generic, and some couples may miss the story behind a ring crafted specifically for them.
Shop for Engagement Rings on Mikado Diamonds
Whether you’re looking for ready-to-ship engagement rings or are looking to design one, Mikado Diamonds can help. In addition to a wide selection of pre-made engagement rings to choose from, they also carry loose diamonds that allow you to design a custom ring right on their website. For more information, visit the Mikado Diamonds website now.
