PHOTO BY KT MERRY
Whether you’re getting serious about shopping for engagement rings or just curious about which styles best suit you, the try-on session is key. After all, you’re going to be wearing it forever, so it better be something you love.
Trying on rings can be full of surprises and unexpected twists. Maybe you had your heart set on a marquise or classic solitaire in gold, but when it’s actually on your hand, you discover you’re more of a platinum emerald cut person. And maybe a thicker band is more flattering on your hand than you originally thought. It happens, and that’s why giving different styles and cuts a try is essential to landing on the right piece for you.
While visiting a jeweler is the go-to method for many couples looking for the perfect ring, it’s not always the most feasible choice which is why many jewelry companies have added a virtual try-on option to their websites. Just as you may have previously tried on a hair color via your computer, you can also see what that dream ring actually looks like on your hand, no trip to the mall or the jeweler necessary. The explosion of direct-to-consumer, online-only jewelers also makes virtual try-ons a must, considering you’ll probably want to "test out" such an important piece before it arrives on your doorstep.
If you’re ready to take the plunge or want to choose a few favorite styles to share with your prospective partner, these virtual engagement ring try-on tools make it easy to visualize your perfect ring before hitting the “buy” button.
Brilliant Earth
Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
Ethical jewelry company Brilliant Earth makes browsing wedding and engagement rings super simple with its sleek, convenient virtual try-on tool. All you have to do is take a picture of your hand, upload it to their site, and get started trying on different designs. You can even save your favorite options and share them with your best friend, or your partner for a helpful hint.
The brand offers a plethora of ring options to test out, including cushion cut, marquise, and halo styles. Once you’ve found a ring you love, pair it with eternity bands, lab-grown diamond bands, vintage-inspired bands, and more.
If you’re not entirely sure what you’re looking for or are curious about the different gemstone options available, they also offer virtual appointments for deeper diamond education and personalized advice as you get started on the journey to the perfect ring.
VRAI
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Courtesy of Vrai
When you’re designing a sustainable, lab-created diamond engagement ring with VRAI, you’ll want to see that design come to life before clicking the “add to cart” button. Thankfully, the brand offers a virtual try-on tool on the product page so you can see your ring on your hand, as you choose between diamond styles, metals, and bands. Does a vintage-inspired cut suit you? Does a bezel set look better than a halo? Is rose gold more flattering to your skin tone than platinum or white gold? You’ll be able to answer all of these questions with their try-on tool before popping the question or sliding the ring on your left hand.
Because designing your own ring can be super overwhelming, the brand also offers in-depth virtual appointments with their experts to teach you more about the different diamond styles, help guide you to the best option for yourself or your partner, and explain timelines and their Lifetime Care guarantee. Book a 30- or 50-minute session solo, with your partner, or with a few friends to make it a celebration.
James Allen
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Courtesy of James Allen
James Allen allows you to design your dream engagement ring, and try it on using their easy-to-use virtual try-on tool. If you’re on a desktop, all you have to do is scan a QR code, which will then allow you to test out your preferred looks. It's that simple! Snap a pic of your hand and get to trying on your design, then make tweaks or pair it with different bands for ultimate customization. Your one-of-a-kind piece will then be created and sent your way.
Jared
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Courtesy of Jared
You went to Jared—virtually! The mega-jeweler takes at-home try-ons one step further, allowing you to virtually test out engagement rings, wedding bands, and necklaces, earrings, and more. This is particularly helpful for online-only styles you can’t try on at a Jared location near you, or if you’re thinking of a suite of jewelry for your big day.
Shane Co.
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Courtesy of Shane Co.
FYI: Shane Co.’s try-on tool is only available via your phone, but since most of us are constantly connected, a gorgeous style is just a few taps away. As you’re designing an engagement ring, you’ll be prompted to see your decisions come together in real time via the 'Virtual Try-On' feature and make adjustments and tweaks from there. The brand also offers a helpful jewelry finder tool where you can upload designs you like and they’ll find something similar in their inventory, as well as a try-on feature for other jewelry, including men’s wedding bands.
Jean Dousset
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Courtesy of Jean Dousset
Dousset, the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier, lets you watch your dream engagement ring come to life as it’s drawn in a “gouache” style, traditionally used when creating jewelry. As you select precious metals, carats, prongs and more, the ring takes shape before your eyes. You may not be able to see the design on your own hand, but after you’ve made the majority of selections, a mock-up of your choices appears on a hand so you can see your creation as it would look in real life.
Soha Diamond Co.
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Courtesy of Soha Diamond Co.
While Soha Diamond Co. doesn’t allow you to upload your own pictures, you can see different carat sizes, cuts and styles come to life on a hand. It’s a great way to get more educated about what you like (and what you don’t, which is equally important) before designing a custom ring or looking for an existing piece for yourself or your partner.
