I’ve always been a bit of a romantic.
So when I knew it was time to propose to my partner—the person who’s seen me through career changes, cross-country moves, late-night ramen cravings, and everything in between—I wanted the ring to feel like it was made just for her. Not just pretty, not just expensive. Meaningful.
But like most people, I had zero idea where to begin.
Engagement ring shopping in 2025 is… a lot. Between pushy in-store salespeople, wildly inconsistent pricing, and the overwhelming maze of diamond jargon, I quickly realized this wasn’t going to be a simple one-and-done errand.
That’s when I found With Clarity.
And full disclosure: I didn’t think I’d end up buying a ring online. I assumed something as personal as a proposal needed an in-store experience. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
With Clarity didn’t just make the process easy—they made it personal, transparent, and genuinely joyful.
First Impressions: The Website That Actually Makes Sense
Most jewelry websites are, frankly, either outdated or overwhelming. But WithClarity.com felt different from the first click.
It’s clean, modern, and somehow manages to strike that rare balance between educational and inviting. The design-your-own-ring flow is intuitive and clearly built for people who don’t have a GIA certificate framed on their wall.
You can start with a diamond or a setting, filter by price, shape, or ethical origin (hello, lab-grown!), and get real-time previews of your custom ring. I found myself going down a rabbit hole of cushion cuts, pavé settings, and hidden halos—but in the best way.
And the diamond education section? Actually useful. It explained the 4 Cs in plain English, with side-by-side photos and breakdowns of what actually matters.
The “Home Preview” That Changed the Game
Here’s what really won me over: With Clarity’s Home Preview program.
They offer two free replicas of your favorite designs—full lookalikes in brass and cubic zirconia—that you can try on at home for zero pressure.
This is genius. Not only did it help me confirm the style my partner loved (we’d talked vaguely about preferences, but she had never tried anything on), it made the whole experience feel like a fun, shared adventure instead of a secret solo mission.
When she slipped on the mock rings, her face lit up. That moment alone was worth everything.
Why I Chose With Clarity Over Traditional Jewelers
To be honest, I did visit a few brick-and-mortar stores during my ring search. And while some were helpful, most felt… off. Either the salesperson pushed me toward the highest-ticket items or there was limited flexibility in design. It felt transactional, not emotional.
With Clarity, on the other hand, gave me:
- Complete customization: I chose a 1.4ct lab-grown oval diamond, G color, VS1 clarity, with a platinum cathedral setting and hidden halo. Try asking a mall jeweler to make all that happen at my budget.
- Fair pricing: The same specs elsewhere were $2–3K more. No joke.
- Real gemologist guidance: I emailed back and forth with an actual gemologist (shoutout to Sarah!) who helped me compare stones and understand the trade-offs.
- Peace of mind: All rings come with a free resizing, full certification, free returns, and lifetime warranty. They even offered engraving at no extra cost.
It felt like luxury without the markup—and without the mystery.
The Diamond Debate: Natural vs. Lab-Grown
If you’re debating between a natural or lab-grown diamond, let me save you hours of research: With Clarity offers both, and neither option feels like a compromise.
I went with a lab-grown diamond because:
- It’s chemically and optically identical to a mined diamond
- It’s more affordable, meaning I could go bigger and better on cut/clarity
- It’s ethically and environmentally cleaner (which mattered a lot to my partner)
With Clarity made this decision easy. They list both options side-by-side, with transparent pricing and details. No judgment. Just facts.
The Delivery: It’s Giving “Main Character Moment”
About three weeks after I finalized my order, a discreet box landed on my doorstep. Inside? The real ring, beautifully packaged in a white box with a magnetic closure and soft LED light that made the diamond sparkle like mad.
It came with:
- GIA or IGI certification (depending on natural or lab-grown)
- Polishing cloth and care instructions
- Appraisal report for insurance
- Return/exchange info
When I opened it for the first time, I swear I got goosebumps. And I’m not even the one who’s going to wear it.
It looked exactly like the preview model, only ten thousand times more breathtaking.
Proposal Day (AKA the Best “Yes” of My Life)
We were on a weekend hike just outside of Asheville, at this quiet overlook she’d told me about years ago. The sun was setting, birds chirping like they knew what was up.
I pulled out the box.
She gasped.
And then she said yes. (And maybe cried a little. Okay, we both cried.)
She still stares at the ring every day. Her friends all assumed it was a custom piece from some ultra-high-end boutique. When we tell them it was designed online, they don’t believe us.
What We Ordered Next (Because, Yes, We’re That Couple Now)
With Clarity doesn’t stop at engagement rings. Once we knew we’d found “our jeweler,” we came back for more.
- His and Hers Wedding Bands: Sleek, durable, and easily customizable. We were able to match metals and engraving for a personal touch.
- Diamond Studs: A “just because” gift for her birthday. Beautiful, responsibly sourced, and under $500.
- Anniversary Plans: We’ve already bookmarked a three-stone ring for our first anniversary—because why not keep celebrating?
A Few Real Talk Notes for Future Shoppers
No experience is flawless, so here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering With Clarity:
- Production takes time: Most rings take 2–3 weeks to craft. Plan ahead if you’re aiming for a proposal date.
- Communication matters: Their team is responsive, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. They genuinely want to help.
- Read the fine print: Returns are free, but you need to notify them within 30 days. Resize requests should be made quickly too.
But honestly? That’s just being smart. And they lay everything out clearly—no surprises.
Why I’ll Recommend With Clarity Forever
Buying a ring, especially the ring, is more than a purchase. It’s a promise. And With Clarity gets that.
They turned what could’ve been a stressful, confusing process into something empowering, creative, and surprisingly emotional—in the best way.
They made me feel like I wasn’t just buying a ring. I was building one. For the person I love most.
And that kind of clarity? You can’t put a price on it.
