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Saturday, August 24th
2024 Diamond Store Reviews
Jared
- Over 102,000 diamonds
- Prices range from $204 to $1.1M
- Lab-created and natural options
- Almost all diamonds certified by GIA or IGI
- 360° view of every stone
- Free initial resize
- Free UPS shipping or ship-to-store
Jared is often recognized for its advertising campaign with the catchphrase, "He went to Jared!" It is considered a more upscale counterpart to its sister brand, Kay Jewelers. While most people shop at this jewelry store in person, Jared offers an online selection of over 102,000 loose diamonds, including both lab-created and natural stones, providing customers with the opportunity to find the perfect diamond in any price range (namely from $204 to over $1 million).
Part of the Signet Jewelers family
Right from the start, it's important to note that Jared belongs to the group of four loose diamond retailers featured on our list that fall under the ownership of Signet Jewelers. This means you'll notice many similarities in how these online stores are organized. If you happen to explore multiple stores within this group and aim to make comparisons, you might experience some confusion. Nevertheless, even though they share the same corporate parent, each retailer boasts distinctive attributes that differentiate it from the others. To learn more about what makes Jared different, read on.
Search and filter capabilities are standard
The filtering tools on the Jared website are easy to use and will be very familiar if you've shopped at Kay, James Allen, or Blue Nile. Set any criteria that matter to you, like price or clarity, and it's straightforward to see which diamonds in the inventory are a good match.
Super Zoom
When you find a diamond of interest, Jared provides an actual view (usually labeled as Super Zoom), allowing you to rotate the stone to examine it from multiple angles. Basic details about the diamond can be found under the Diamond Information heading, while more specific details are listed under Learn More About Your Diamond. You can also access and download the IGI certification for the stone.
See stones' certification paperwork easily
Most of the diamonds offered by Jared are certified by either the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or Gemological Institute of America (GIA). You can view a copy of each diamond's certification on the Jared website, and you can also take that same information to the IGI or GIA website if you'd like to see it independently.
Can't buy loose diamonds without a setting anymore
At Jared, you no longer have the option to add the diamond to your shopping bag as a standalone item: you'll instead be directed to choose a setting. However, the variety of settings offered may not be as extensive or unique as some other retailers. There were only about 90 to choose from at the time of our most recent visit, and many of the available settings tend to be white gold solitaire designs, with limited options in yellow gold. This could potentially lead to a less distinctive ring design, even if you have a unique diamond. And, being "forced" to choose a ring setting (instead of being able to have the diamond set as a pendant or even to buy it on its own for your own personal reasons) puts Jared at a distinct disadvantage compared to many rivals we evaluated.
Retail presence = higher prices
It's also worth mentioning that purchasing a diamond from a retailer with a significant brick-and-mortar presence like Jared may result in higher prices compared to online-only retailers. In fact, research typically shows that Jared's prices tend to be consistently higher, with a markup of around 20% when compared to online competitors.
Some customer perks on offer
One advantage of buying from Jared is the option to have your diamond shipped to one of their retail locations, providing a more secure alternative to doorstep delivery if you're concerned about package thefts in your area; otherwise, the store offers free second-day shipping via UPS for online orders. In the event you wish to return your diamond, Jared provides a 30-day return window, either in-person or via mail. However, if you decide to exchange your diamond, this can only be done in-store. An additional perk of shopping at Jared includes a free initial resize if you happen to order a ring that doesn't fit.
Reputation is just average
In terms of reputation, Jared's standing is somewhat lukewarm. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives parent company Signet Jewelers an "A+," but it's worth noting that there have been nearly 300 complaints registered against the company across its brand portfolio. Many of the reviews specifically related to Jared apply to various retail locations, making it challenging to gauge the overall performance of the brand itself, especially when shopping online. Nonetheless, the general sentiment from customers isn't as enthusiastic as one would hope for a significant purchase like a diamond.
Not our favorite option for buying diamonds
In conclusion, Jared is a little below average among diamond stores. While it offers certain in-person advantages not found with online-only retailers, these benefits may not compensate for the more competitive prices available elsewhere. Jared remains a viable option for purchasing diamonds, but only if you plan on using the gemstones for a ring.
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Where Can You Find the Best Selection of Loose Diamonds?
Have you ever ventured into a local jewelry store with high hopes of finding the perfect stone, only to leave feeling disappointed? You're not alone. Many physical jewelry stores grapple with the challenge of stocking a diverse range of diamonds due to financial and logistical limitations.
In light of this, it's no wonder that an increasing number of diamond shoppers are gravitating towards online retailers. Why confine yourself to a small selection of stones with limited sizes and cuts when you can delve into an extensive assortment of diamonds? These gemstones span across various carat sizes, shapes, clarity levels, and price points. Reputable online establishments offer the convenience of a comprehensive 360° view of each diamond, accompanied by certifications and ratings from well-recognized appraisers.
Continue reading below
Diamond Store FAQ
One of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man. Diamonds form from carbon under high pressure and temperature.
Fun backstory: diamonds weren't commonly used in engagement rings until 1947, when the British mining company De Beers featured them in an advertising campaign! The rest, as they say, is history. Diamonds now represent financial success, long-term commitment, and status.
Cut, carat, color, clarity. Cut is the only human "influence" on a gemstone: round, princess, cushion, marquise and oval are some of the more common shapes given to diamonds. Carat represents the weight of the diamond, with 1 carat equal to 200 milligrams. Color evaluates the stone using letters of the alphabet; the closer to "A" , the whiter the stone, though most people find stones in the G-H rating to still be icy-white in appearance. Clarity is a little more difficult for the average consumer to see, especially without magnification: the categories measure inclusions, or irregularities that happen during the formation of the diamonds but are hard to see without magnification, as well as blemishes like scratches or chips.
The names say it all: natural diamonds come from the earth, while lab-created or synthetic diamonds come from scientists! But, other than their origins, these two types of diamonds are exactly the same chemically and optically: even expert gemologists have a hard time telling them apart without using a jeweler's loupe! And, as you might imagine, synthetic diamonds are usually much more affordable.
These acronyms all refer to gemological societies and institutes with diamond grading scales used throughout the industry: Gemological Institute of America, American Gemological Society, European Gemological Laboratory, and International Gemological Institute. Generally speaking, GIA and AGS are seen as the most accurate and scientific, so if you're buying a higher-priced stone you may want to ensure that it's been graded by one (or both!) of those two systems.
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, you're not going to find it by buying the first pretty ring or solitaires you see at your local jewelry store. Many customers want something with a story that can be handed down as an heirloom: the shape of the stone chosen to match her eyes, the setting selected to complement his personality, and so on. Buying loose diamonds is the first step in a truly unique piece of jewelry.
While you'll find no shortage of companies wanting to sell you diamonds as an investment, most experts say that the average consumer isn't likely to profit from them. Unless you're buying extremely large diamonds (e.g. 20 carats or more) or ones with a noteworthy history (like being owned by a celebrity), you may have a hard time selling the diamonds you buy for more than you paid. If you're planning on spending a significant amount of money for a diamond, do it because you appreciate the beauty or want to own (or give) something precious - but save your investments for more reliable means of generating profits!
Absolutely. Of course, you shouldn't buy a diamond from an online retailer without doing your research: choose a business with a well-established history, preferably with a high rating from the BBB, and be sure that the diamond you buy has been rated and certified by one of the independent institutes or laboratories mentioned above. You can rest assured that the diamond retailer will take every measure to get your stone delivered safely, including tracking and insurance.
Continued from above...
One of the key drivers behind the increasing popularity of buying loose diamonds online is the unparalleled convenience that digital platforms offer. The traditional process of purchasing diamonds often involved visiting multiple physical stores, engaging with sales representatives, and navigating complex pricing structures. Online platforms simplify this process, letting you explore a vast array of options from the comfort of your home. This convenience factor is particularly appealing to a generation accustomed to the ease of online shopping for various products.
Furthermore, the online diamond market provides you with an extensive selection of diamonds, going beyond the limitations of brick-and-mortar stores. You can easily browse through an array of sizes, shapes, and qualities online. This allows you to find a diamond that perfectly aligns with your preferences and budget.
The acquisition of loose diamonds opens the door to an exhilarating opportunity to craft a distinctive piece of jewelry. Once you've made your diamond selection, the possibilities for designing your jewelry become virtually limitless. The online diamond retailer you opt for is likely to provide an impressive array of settings, encompassing traditional solitaires and inventive tension settings tailored for engagement rings.
As you might expect, the choice of the right retailer matters. Your diamond purchase could become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations, so you'll want to be sure you'll receive precisely what you pay for. To help you in your selection of the ideal diamond retailer, we suggest that you keep the following considerations in mind:
- Variety: Check the store's inventory of loose diamonds. Do they offer a wide range of options in terms of cut and size? Can you find a setting that suits your preferences?
- Price: Compare prices with other diamond sellers. Are there any special promotions or benefits, such as free shipping, to make your purchase more budget-friendly?
- Certification: Does the retailer provide documentation from reputable institutions like GIA, AGS, IGI, or EGL to certify your diamond's qualities? This is especially important for more valuable diamonds to ensure the stated carat size, clarity, and color are accurate.
- Reputation: Research what other customers have to say about their experiences with the retailer. Has the Better Business Bureau rated the store, and are there any customer complaints? Buying a diamond can be a significant investment, so it's worth taking the time to make sure the retailer you're considering has a strong track record for honesty and reliability.
Here at Top Consumer Reviews, our experts have evaluated and ranked today's best online diamond retailers. We hope this information assists you in finding the ideal loose diamond for your long-awaited proposal, one-of-a-kind pendant, or a timeless heirloom piece to be passed on for generations.
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