How to Buy an Engagement Ring Online in Canada: What to Look for Before You Order

Buying an engagement ring is a major purchase, but it doesn't have to be complicated—or require visiting multiple jewellery stores.

Today, you can choose your diamond, compare engagement ring settings and create a ring online from the comfort of home. The key is knowing what to look for before you place your order.

At Jacob Mercari, we help couples across Canada create engagement rings online while still providing the guidance and expertise of a personal jeweller.

Here are the most important things to consider before buying an engagement ring online.

1. Start With the Engagement Ring Setting

You don't necessarily need to choose the diamond first.

For many people, it's easier to begin by deciding what you want the finished engagement ring to look like.

Consider styles such as:

• Solitaire engagement rings

• Hidden halo engagement rings

• Halo engagement rings

• Three-stone rings

• Pavé diamond bands

• Bezel-set engagement rings

• Cathedral settings

• Vintage-inspired designs

Once you find a setting you love, you can choose a centre diamond that complements it.

Ready to start? Browse Jacob Mercari's engagement ring settings and begin building your ring online.

2. Decide Which Diamond Shape You Love

Diamond shape has one of the biggest effects on the overall appearance of an engagement ring.

Some of the most popular choices include:

Oval

Oval diamonds offer brilliant sparkle with an elongated shape that can appear larger on the finger.

Round

The classic choice. Round brilliant diamonds are known for exceptional sparkle and work beautifully with virtually every engagement ring style.

Emerald

Emerald-cut diamonds have a sophisticated, architectural appearance with long step-cut facets rather than the intense sparkle of a brilliant-cut diamond.

Pear

A combination of rounded and pointed edges gives pear-shaped diamonds an elegant, distinctive appearance.

Marquise

The elongated shape of a marquise diamond can create impressive finger coverage and a dramatic look.

Radiant

Radiant-cut diamonds combine an angular shape with brilliant faceting, making them a great option for someone who wants both structure and sparkle.

Cushion

Cushion-cut diamonds feature softened corners and a romantic appearance that works particularly well with solitaire, halo and vintage-inspired settings.

Tip: Don't choose a diamond simply because a particular shape is trending. Choose the one you want to look at every day.

3. Choose Between a Lab-Grown and Natural Diamond

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

They have the same fundamental chemical and physical properties, but their origins—and prices—are different.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

A lab-grown diamond can allow you to purchase a larger or higher-quality diamond for your budget. They're particularly appealing to shoppers who prioritize size, specifications and value.

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds formed within the earth over billions of years. Their rarity and natural origin continue to make them an important choice for many engagement-ring buyers.

There isn't one correct option.

The better choice is the diamond that matches your priorities and budget.

Jacob Mercari offers both certified lab-grown and natural diamonds, allowing you to compare your options before deciding.

4. Don't Automatically Buy the Highest Diamond Grade

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a diamond online is assuming that better numbers always mean a better purchase.

They don't.

A diamond with extremely high colour and clarity grades may cost significantly more without creating an equally noticeable difference once it's set in an engagement ring.

Instead, look for the balance between:

Cut + appearance + size + colour + clarity + price.

The goal isn't to buy the most impressive grading report.

It's to buy the most beautiful diamond for your budget.

5. Compare Carat Weight With Actual Measurements

Two diamonds with the same carat weight won't necessarily look the same size.

Carat measures weight, not how large the diamond appears from above.

For example, two 1.50-carat oval diamonds can have different dimensions depending on how they're cut.

When shopping online, look at both:

Carat weight AND millimetre measurements.

This is particularly important with elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquise, radiant and emerald-cut diamonds.

6. Think About the Ring From the Side

Most people shop for engagement rings by looking at the top view.

But you'll see your ring from the side every day too.

Look at details such as:

• Setting height

• Prong style

• Cathedral shoulders

• Hidden halos

• Gallery details

• How the centre diamond sits in the setting

• Whether a wedding band can sit beside the ring

A thoughtfully designed side profile can completely change the character of an engagement ring.

7. Choose Your Metal Colour

The three most popular choices are:

14K White Gold – bright, classic and versatile.

14K Yellow Gold – warm, timeless and increasingly popular for both modern and vintage-inspired rings.

Platinum – naturally white, durable and an excellent choice for someone who prefers platinum jewellery.

The metal can also change how the exact same engagement ring design appears, so it's worth comparing your favourite setting in different colours before deciding.

8. Make Sure You Know Who You're Buying From

An engagement ring isn't a purchase where price should be the only consideration.

Before ordering online, look for a jeweller that provides clear information about:

• Diamond certification

• Ring specifications

• Customization

• Sizing

• Shipping

• Appraisals

• After-purchase service

• Cleaning and maintenance

You should also be able to speak with a real person when you need help.

That's especially important when you're spending thousands of dollars on something intended to last a lifetime.

The Advantage of Buying an Engagement Ring Online With a Personal Jeweller

Buying online doesn't have to mean buying without guidance.

Jacob Mercari combines online diamond shopping with the service of a Toronto jeweller.

You can browse engagement ring settings, search natural and lab-grown diamonds and begin creating your ring online. If you need help comparing diamonds or deciding between settings, you can also work directly with our Toronto team.

It's a simpler way to shop—with professional guidance available when you want it.

Ready to Build Your Engagement Ring?

Start with the part you're most excited about.

Already know the style you want?
Shop our engagement ring settings.

Want to choose the centre stone first?
Search our natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Can't find exactly what you're imagining?
Explore a custom engagement ring designed with our Toronto studio.

Your engagement ring should feel personal. Whether you build it online or work with us directly, we'll help you create a ring that fits your style, priorities and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy an engagement ring online in Canada?

Yes, provided you're purchasing from an established jeweller that clearly explains diamond certification, shipping, sizing, after-sale service and how you can contact them if you need assistance.

Should I choose the engagement ring setting or diamond first?

Either approach works. If you already know the style of ring you love, starting with the setting can make choosing the appropriate diamond much easier.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same fundamental chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, but they are created in a controlled environment rather than forming naturally within the earth.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

There is no amount you're required to spend. Choose a budget that you're comfortable with and then prioritize the characteristics that matter most to you, such as diamond size, shape, setting and quality.

Can I customize an engagement ring I find online?

Yes. Jacob Mercari specializes in custom engagement rings, so if you like an existing design but want to modify elements such as the centre stone, metal, band, setting or other details, contact our Toronto studio to discuss the possibilities.