Returning an engagement ring could be a practical choice or it could be the result of heartbreak. In either case, it’s important to understand your options. The fact is that different brands and retailers have different rules dictating if and when you can return an engagement ring you purchased. That said, if you bought an engagement ring a few years ago and you want to return it now, the chances are close to zero.

But if you’ve bought or received an engagement ring more recently, there is a chance you can return it. If you’re debating whether or not you should return an engagement ring, you probably have a lot of questions that need to be answered before you make a decision. For example, are engagement rings returnable? what are some legitimate reasons to return an engagement ring? What are the most common return policies for engagement rings? Will jewelers let you sell your engagement ring back to them? Finally, where can you sell your engagement ring to the highest bidder?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!

Reasons to Return an Engagement Ring

There are actually a lot of different reasons to consider returning an engagement ring, and not all of them are bleak or miserable. In fact, people take advantage of engagement ring return policies every day. Here are some of the most common reasons to return an engagement ring:

• The Ring Is Not As Advertised - If you buy a ring sight unseen, you may find that it’s not exactly as described. This is especially true if you buy from an unreputable jeweler or a private seller who has not allowed you to authenticate the ring with a trained gemologist. In this case, there’s a very good chance that you’ll want to return the ring (if possible) and get your money back.
• It’s Not The Right Style - If you’re buying an engagement ring to propose to that special someone in your life, you probably want to keep it a secret. This means you’ll buy a ring hoping that it will match his or her tastes. But on the big day, you may come to find out that they don’t like it at all because it doesn’t suit their tastes, it’s not the right color, it’s the wrong style, or for a variety of other reasons. In this situation, you’ll definitely want to find out if the seller has a good return policy.
• The Wedding Is Off - Whether you bought the engagement ring or you received the engagement ring, you’ll probably want to get rid of it if the wedding is called off. The rules on what to do with an engagement ring after a breakup can vary based on a lot of different factors, but it’s generally good etiquette to return the ring to the person who bought it and allow them to get their money back.
• You Don’t Want Or Need It - Not all engagement rings symbolize a romantic engagement, at least not for the current owner. For example, you may have inherited an engagement ring from a deceased friend or relative. If you have no need for the ring or it only brings up painful memories, you may wish to either return it to the seller or resell it to someone else.

Common Return Policies For Engagement Rings

Return policies vary a lot based on where you buy an engagement ring. If you buy the ring directly from the brand that manufactures the ring, then you might find that the return policy is a bit strict. Alternatively, if you buy a ring through a third-party retailer or jeweler (as many people do), you could find yourself with more time to make a decision.

In any case, here are a few of the return policies for common brands and engagement ring retailers. Because they are subject to change, you should verify with the selling place before purchasing to ensure that their return policy did not change.

Brand Return Policies

Tiffany & Co. - Tiffany & Co. gives you 30 days from the date of purchase to return an engagement ring for a refund, exchange, or store credit. The ring must be in the same condition it was in when you bought it. You must also provide the ring’s documentation and sales receipt. You can return a Tiffany & Co. ring by mail or at any Tiffany & Co. location.

Cartier - You can return a Cartier engagement ring within 30 days of the purchase for a refund, exchange, or store credit. The ring will need to show no signs of use, with all stickers and documentation provided. If you bought your ring at a Cartier store in North America, you will need to return it to the same store where you made the purchase.

Neil Lane - For finished jewelry items, you have 7 days from the date of purchase to return a Neil Lane engagement ring for a refund, exchange, or store credit. It must be in new condition for the return to be accepted. However, if you ordered a custom ring, Neil Lane will not accept the return.

Retailer Return Policies

Kay Jewelers - You can return an engagement ring from Kay Jewelers up to 30 days after the ring was shipped for a refund. You can return it to any Kay Jewelers location or by mail as long as it is in new condition. If you want to exchange your ring for a different one, Kay Jewelers gives you 60 days from the date of purchase to make the exchange.

Zales - Zales gives you 30 days from the date of the in-person purchase (or the date of shipment for online purchases) for a refund and 60 days from the date of purchase/shipment for an exchange.

Jared - Jared engagement rings can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase (or within 30 days of shipment for online purchases). Returns can be processed by mail, but exchanges must be done in person at a Jared store location.

Can You Sell Your Engagement Ring Back To The Jeweler?

If you buy an engagement ring from a private seller or a small jeweler, you’ll need to ask them directly if they will buy back jewelry. It will vary from one jeweler to the next. Some may refuse to buy back jewelry outright, while others may accept it at a reduced price. For example, if you buy an engagement ring from a jeweler and return 2 weeks later to sell it back, they may take out a “restocking fee” or reduce the refund to between 50% and 80% of the purchase price. Name-brand jewelers like Jared, Zales, and Kay do not buy back jewelry if it is outside of the return policy window.

Selling Your Engagement Ring For The Highest Price

Return policies can be tricky, especially if you’ve already worn the ring or you don’t have the original receipt. And if you want to try to sell your engagement ring back to the jeweler, you may only get a fraction of what you paid for it. Fortunately, if you’re outside of the return window and you want to get the absolute best price for your pre-owned jewelry, your best option is Have You Seen The Ring. At HYSTR, you simply need to answer a few questions about your ring, upload pictures and any documentation, and then set a price. From there, you just have to wait for the bids to come in and agree on the price that you want!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on returning an engagement ring! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!