There’s just no way to describe the feeling when a relationship ends after a proposal, especially when you face a marriage proposal rejection. You may experience a flood of completely understandable emotions — surprise, anger, emptiness, and many others. Deciding what to do with an engagement ring after a breakup can be extremely difficult on both a practical level and an emotional level.
Finally, after the dust settles, you realize you’re now stuck with an expensive diamond engagement ring. It’s sitting somewhere in your house, looking more and more like a symbol of everything that has gone wrong. You might ask yourself: What am I supposed to do with this ring now? Should I keep it? Should I return it? Are engagement rings even returnable?
Every situation is different. The right decision depends on your situation and where you bought the ring. With over 100 years in the jewelry buying business, we can tell you that 9 times out of 10, returning your engagement ring will actually get you less of your money back than selling the engagement ring to a certified jeweler, like Samuelson’s. In most situations, the best option is to sell.
Let’s look at each option in more detail.
Can You Return An Engagement Ring?
Engagement rings are a big deal, and when you buy one, you’re committing to the relationship with your significant other for life. But what happens if things don’t work out? Can you return an engagement ring?
In the eyes of the jewelry store, that engagement ring lost value as soon as you walked out the door with it. Your ring is now considered used, even if no one ever actually wore it. And it really makes sense. An engagement ring is a big purchase, and customers want to know if it has a backstory.
Because of this, most jewelry stores will not give you a full refund when you try to return it. Some might, but that’s not the norm. In fact, some stores have a strict no-return policy.
Make sure you read up on your engagement ring return policy before deciding whether or not to purchase from certain jewelry stores.
Is it OK to Keep an Engagement Ring for Next Time?
If you’re having trouble figuring out what to do with the ring you bought, it may have crossed your mind to simply keep it. After all, if marriage is your ultimate goal, you’ll probably need an engagement ring again at some point, right?
When using the same engagement ring twice, you’ll end up having to either:
- Explain that you originally bought the ring for a different person years ago (that you didn’t buy it especially with your new relationship in mind); or
- Not say where you got the ring, which may feel like an omission, and may even put you in the position of lying about it later
Either way, reusing an engagement ring is usually a bad idea, unless it’s a family heirloom with sentimental value.
Should I Sell the Engagement Ring?
If you’re looking at how to sell your engagement ring, there are a lot of options out there. You can try selling it online, or go to a pawn shop or jewelry store.
But what if you don’t know where to start? The best place to start is with a jewelry buyer who knows what they’re doing, like Samuelson’s. This way, you’ll be able to get the best price at the best place to sell your engagement ring.
You’re not likely to get a good refund when you try to return a ring, but selling a used engagement ring to an experienced buyer is different. A buyer isn’t looking just at the value of the ring itself, but also at the value of all the materials it’s made of, including the diamond.
Because of this, the best way to sell a used engagement ring is to the right jewelry buyer who can often offer you a better price than the refund you’d get if you tried to return it. A buyer can pay you what the engagement ring is really worth, and they’re not bound to restrictive refund policies.
How a Buyer Evaluates a Ring
At Samuelson’s Buyers, we’ve been offering the best prices for engagement rings since 1922. When we evaluate a ring, we look at two main elements: the setting and the diamond.
The Setting: Most engagement rings are made of gold, platinum, or another material. Platinum settings are usually worth the most, but gold can be quite expensive too, depending on its purity.
The Diamond: To determine the value of the diamond itself, we’ll examine the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. We’ll also look at depth, fluorescence, brand name, and general demand in the international jewelry market.
Our team knows how valuable diamonds are and can offer you a fair price based on their value even after taking into account the sentimental value that comes with owning such an important piece of jewelry. We also understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to selling used engagement rings online and in-store. For more information, visit our website.
What it’s Like to Sell to Us
Working with Samuelson’s Buyers is the best and safest way to sell an engagement ring. We understand that you’re ready to sell your ring for the best price and move on with your life.
Here’s how it works:
Sell Your Ring In-Person
- Schedule an appointment online or call (410) 837-0290 to request an appointment with one of our certified buyers.
- Bring any paperwork you may have for the ring with you to your appointment. If you have the original box or other packaging, bring that too.
- Our receptionist will greet you on the day of your appointment and offer you a hot cup of coffee or other beverage.
- You’ll meet with our buyer in a separate room and your ring will never leave your site.
- Our buyer will examine your ring, make you a fair offer, and explain exactly how he reached that offer.
- If we agree on the price, we’ll pay you right then and there.
After that, you’re done! No waiting for a check in the mail. You’ll walk out the door with payment in hand so you can move forward with the next stage of your life.
Sell Your Ring Online
Not local to MD, VA, or DC? Send your item by mail and get a risk-free estimate for your engagement ring. If you choose to sell your engagement ring, you can receive payment via check.
Whenever the time is right, we are here to help you make the right decision for you.
