This James Allen review will go deep into their offerings, and try to discover whether or not they really deliver a different experience for buying jewelr or if it’s simply marketing strategy.
- Super high-quality images for every diamond
- Best-in-class customer service
- Affordable pricing
- Large diamond inventory
- Limited fashion jewelry selection
In recent years, the way we shop for jewelry has changed dramatically as online retailers have made it so easy to find that special piece. James Allen is one of the companies leading this charge. Diamond industry disruptors, they have gained notoriety for 360° HD videos of their diamonds and fair pricing. However, is all this hype warranted?
Established in 2006, James Allen has risen up the ranks to become one of the leading online jewelry stores, with numerous awards and a positive track record. This innovative company entered the diamond market as a disrupter, aiming to educate buyers on both diamonds and colored gemstones.
Customers delight in a level of transparency with the platform, including diamond inspection in real time and excellent customer support. James Allen offers a wide range of customizable engagement rings alongside an extensive selection of ready-to-wear options, catering to diverse preferences and needs.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach, James Allen continues to set new standards in the online jewelry industry.
One of their customer, Lisa said – “Being able to see every angle of my diamond really improved the buying experience!” But does this goto transparency, and service make James Allen your goto for jewelry? Let’s find out.
- 14K White Gold Presentation Solitaire (Six Prong)
- Revolutionary 360° HD Views
- Unmatched Diamond Selection
- Find The Perfect Stone With Filter Options
- Gemstone and Jewelry Variety
- Customizable Jewelry
- Finding Your Perfect Diamond
- Explore Diamonds Like Never Before
- Making Your Final Selections
- Competitive Pricing Strategies
- Financing and Discounts
- Customer Feedback on Value
- Are True Hearts Diamonds Worth the Price?
- Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring on a Budget
- 24/7 Live Support
- Free Shipping and Returns
- Visit James Allen
- Lifetime Warranty and Resizing Services
- Step 1 and Step 2: Start the Customization Process
- Step 3: Select and Customize Your Diamond
- Virtual Try-On Tool
- Try this feature on James Allen
- Comparison Table: Key Features and Benefits
- Key Takeaways
- What Customers Love
- Composition and Structure
- Identification Methods
- Choosing Between Them
- Q. What is James Allen’s return policy?
- Q. Is James Allen owned by Jared?
- Q. Are James Allen's diamonds certified and conflict-free?
- Q. Does James Allen have a physical showroom?
- Q. Does James Allen offer warranties and resizing?
The Unique James Allen Experience
Revolutionary 360° HD Views
James Allen is changing the way you shop for diamonds online with its one of a kind 360° HD video feature. So customers can view diamonds from all angles for the full look at each stone. If you comparison shopped with traditional retailers, you’d be stuck with a series of still photos; James Allen’s videos provide an in-store like experience.
Think You’re A Diamond Pro?
Think you’re a Diamond Pro and can save almost 50%? Choose the diamond that you like better. Is it the J color for $2,450 or the G color for $4,820?
Benefits of Viewing Diamonds from All Angles
The ability to inspect a diamond from multiple perspectives provides several advantages:
- Transparency: Customers can assess the diamond’s quality and craftsmanship before purchasing.
- Confidence: This feature helps eliminate doubts, leading to a more satisfying shopping experience.
- Engagement: One customer, Sarah, remarked, “The 360° view made it feel like I was in a store. I could see every detail, which gave me peace of mind.”
Unmatched Diamond Selection
James Allen takes pride in making a wide range of diamonds available for you, many of which are certified by trusted sources such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute). This quality makes sure customers are not only purchasing the stone but a piece of art that is certified.
What sets James Allen apart is their extensive selection of over 500,000 diamonds, predominantly earth-created, offering flexibility and choice. Each diamond is graded by GIA, IGI, or AGS, assuring you of its quality and authenticity.
- Variety of Options: Customers can explore a broad spectrum of diamonds with different cuts, colors, clarities, and carats. This allows you to find the perfect stone that aligns with your budget and preferences.
- Grading and Quality: While the diamonds come at competitive prices, rest assured they meet strict grading standards. You can select from the full range of GIA assessments for color and clarity, with the cut quality starting at ‘good.’
- Tailored Search: The platform offers user-friendly search features to help you filter by budget or specific grading preferences, ensuring you find the best diamond without compromise.
By choosing James Allen, you’re not only receiving a certified gem but a diamond that matches your unique taste and financial plan.”
What are Fancy Color Diamonds, and What Options Does James Allen Offer?
Fancy color diamonds are unique gemstones distinguished by their vibrant hues, standing apart from the traditional white diamonds. These gems come in a wide variety of colors including shades like black, gray, orange, pink, red, blue, yellow, brown, purple, and green. The allure of these stones lies in their ability to captivate with rich coloration, making them a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
When it comes to options, James Allen provides a comprehensive selection of over 6,000 fancy color diamonds. Their search tool is intuitively designed with easy-to-use buttons to help you filter diamonds by preferred color, ensuring you find the precise shade you’re after. Additionally, you can specify the color intensity, which can range from subtle, delicate tints to deep, vivid tones.
It’s important to note that availability can vary. For instance, certain colors might not be in stock at all times. During one review, purple diamonds were notably absent, and there was only a single blue diamond available. Moreover, lab-created options, such as yellow diamonds, are relatively rare, with only three being offered at that time.
James Allen’s diverse offerings in the world of fancy color diamonds ensure that whether you’re looking for a simple splash of color or a strikingly vibrant gem, there’s something to satisfy every taste.
Find The Perfect Stone With Filter Options
Browsing through a large library is intimidating, but James Allen makes it easy with smart filters. Using the 4Cs – cut, color, clarity and carat weight as key parameters in their search – customers were also able to search with ease. This enables a seamless shopping experience, simplifying the process of discovering an ideal diamond suited to your specifications.
Gemstone and Jewelry Variety
Alongside diamonds, James Allen has been a great place to purchase a variety of gemstones as well, namely moissanite, sapphires and emeralds. This wide selection caters for all tastes and price ranges, making sure there is something that every customer will enjoy.
Customizable Jewelry
An impressive feature of James Allen is their ability to customize pieces of jewelry. From engagement rings to wedding bands to necklaces, customers select their custom settings, gemstones, and types of metal to make a one-of-a-kind piece.
For those considering engagement rings, James Allen offers a range of standard yet timeless metal options. You can choose between 14k or 18k white or yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum—each offering its own unique luster and durability. If you’re exploring men’s wedding bands, alternative metals such as tungsten are also available, providing both style and strength.
When it comes to settings, the choices are as diverse as they are exquisite. Select from solitaire, pavé, channel-set, side-stone, three-stone, halo, vintage, or explore special collections crafted by renowned designers like Verragio, Danhov, Jeff Cooper, and Martin Flyer. These settings cater to a variety of aesthetic preferences, ensuring that your ring is a true reflection of personal taste.
Keep in mind that not all settings will accommodate every diamond shape and size. Thus, if you have a specific look in mind, it’s wise to start your selection with the setting that best captures your vision. This thoughtful approach ensures a harmonious blend of design and practicality, allowing your custom piece to shine brilliantly.
What is the Buying Experience Like at James Allen?
Buying a diamond at James Allen is an immersive and user-friendly process. From the get-go, the platform offers an extensive range of options for crafting your dream engagement ring. Before diving into your search, it’s beneficial to visit their educational section, which covers critical aspects like the four Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. This section also touches on diamond shapes, exotic colors, and maintenance tips.
When it’s time to start designing your ring, James Allen offers flexible starting points. You can begin by selecting the setting, choosing the metal, or browsing for the perfect stone. The site’s intuitive design keeps track of your selections, making it easy to revisit and compare options. This feature is invaluable as you toggle between various metals and diamond choices, which can often appear quite similar.
Finding Your Perfect Diamond
While the website suggests beginning with the setting, many find that selecting the diamond first is more effective. That’s because some settings are specifically designed for certain diamond shapes and sizes. Starting with the stone ensures that your chosen setting complements it perfectly.
James Allen’s advanced search tool, which adheres to GIA grading standards, simplifies diamond selection by allowing you to filter based on price, and choose between earth-created and lab-created options.
Explore Diamonds Like Never Before
Each diamond on the site can be viewed in detail through an innovative 360-degree video feature. This unique tool allows you to examine the diamond as it rotates, letting you see every facet. With options for zooming up to 20 times magnification and viewing the top of the diamond at a striking 40x, you get an unmatched look at the stone’s true character.
You can manipulate the diamond’s angle using your cursor and even view it in a solitaire setting to gauge its actual size on a finger. Additional product details are available with a quick scroll.
Making Your Final Selections
Once you’ve settled on a diamond, the next step is choosing the metal and setting. If decision fatigue sets in or if you need guidance, James Allen provides support through a Diamond Inspection feature. This connects you with a specialist who can discuss your chosen diamond’s attributes in real time. A live chat option is also available to assist with any queries.
For those who prefer a straightforward approach, James Allen offers a selection of pre-designed rings that are ready to purchase, ensuring an option for every buyer.
In essence, James Allen combines technology with expert guidance, making the process of buying a diamond as engaging and informative as it is exciting.
James Allen Review: Pricing and Value
The most appealing feature of James Allen is its emphasis on quality and price—a crucial aspect for those who want amazing high-quality jewelry but at a smaller price. In this post, we’ll take a look at how James Allen is tackling the budget conscious consumer market with their unique pricing structure & financing options.
Competitive Pricing Strategies
James Allen offers a value-centric pricing architecture that covers a wide spectrum of budgets. Since their products are sold online only, James Allen can save on overhead costs that most traditional brick-and-mortar jewelry stores face. This gives them capability to pass on the savings directly into customers, as a result of which luxury becomes within reach.
Customer Highlight Sarah T: “I was pleasantly surprised to find diamonds of this quality at prices that weren’t outrageous!”
Financing and Discounts
If you’re interested in financing your jewelry purchase, James Allen offers a variety of options for buyers with zero-interest financing available to eligible individuals. It brings even the more high-end goods into reach without needing to cough up any cash.
For those looking to save money on diamonds right from the start, consider exploring lab-created diamonds. These offer a stunning look at a fraction of the cost. However, if your heart is set on a natural diamond, there are still plenty of ways to trim the price without sacrificing beauty.
- Adjust the Cut, Clarity, and Color: Use the search tools to experiment with these attributes. You might find minimal color difference between F and G grades, and even appreciate a hint of yellow, allowing you to opt for a more budget-friendly color grade.
- Clarity Considerations: Focus on “eye-clean” diamonds, where imperfections are invisible to the naked eye. Diamonds rated down to SI1 can appear flawless, offering significant savings compared to higher clarity grades.
- Shape Selection: Some shapes, like hearts, can be pricier, but opting for ovals, marquises, or pears can deliver a larger appearance at a lower cost than traditional rounds.
Moreover, James Allen frequently runs promotions and has special discounts at specific times, such as during the holiday season or Valentine’s Day, when you can score even sweeter deals.
Deal Alert
Get 25% off engagement ring settings at James Allen!
Customer Feedback on Value
Across customer reviews, James Allen frequently earns praise for its value proposition. Many buyers note that the platform’s combination of fair pricing, transparent policies, and high-quality products feels like a rare find in the world of fine jewelry.
Customer Highlight By John B: “James Allen’s financing and promotions made all the difference. I couldn’t find anything comparable in a retail store.”
Are True Hearts Diamonds Worth the Price?
When considering whether True Hearts diamonds justify their price tag, it’s essential to understand what makes them special. True Hearts diamonds are precision-cut gems that exhibit a remarkable hearts and arrows pattern—hearts on the underside and arrows when viewed from above.
This artistic craftsmanship is often praised for its perfect symmetry and exceptional light reflection, which grading bodies like the GIA regard highly.
The Brilliance Factor
True Hearts diamonds are meticulously crafted to offer superior light performance. This means they sparkle and shimmer in a way that’s considered top-notch. However, it’s important to note that other diamond cuts can also deliver impressive brilliance. Diamonds with an “ideal cut” rating, for example, can sometimes rival the sparkle of a True Hearts diamond without the added cost.
Comparing Costs
Let’s delve into the cost factor. A True Hearts diamond can command a premium, often costing significantly more than other similarly appealing diamonds. For instance, a 1.03-carat True Hearts diamond might be priced approximately $1,000 higher than a standard ideal-cut diamond. When deciding if the extra financial outlay is justifiable, consider what you’re truly seeking in a diamond.
Making Your Choice
If you value the unique symmetry and symbolic nature of the hearts and arrows pattern, investing in a True Hearts diamond might be worthwhile for you. This pattern can add a personal, meaningful touch that makes the additional cost seem reasonable. But if your primary focus is simply on brilliance and visual appeal, there are less expensive alternatives that offer similar performance without the hefty price tag.
Bottom Line: Weigh the symbolic value of the precise cut against your budget and desired appearance to determine if a True Hearts diamond matches your priorities.
Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring on a Budget
When purchasing a diamond engagement ring on a budget, knowing how to strategically navigate your choices can make a big difference. Let’s break down the best approaches:
Consider Lab-Created Diamonds
One of the most straightforward ways to save is by opting for a lab-created diamond. These stones are not only more affordable, but they also offer the same beauty and sparkle as their natural counterparts.
Explore Different Diamond Characteristics
- Color: Don’t shy away from slightly lower color grades such as G or H. They often appear nearly identical to higher grades but come at a reduced cost.
- Clarity: Opt for diamonds with clarity ranging around SI1. These diamonds are typically “eye-clean,” meaning imperfections are not visible without magnification but are more budget-friendly than flawless diamonds.
Select a Cost-Effective Shape
The shape of the diamond can influence the price. Non-round shapes like oval, marquise, or pear can be more economical and might even give the illusion of a larger size compared to a traditional round diamond.
Utilize Search Tools Effectively
Take advantage of online search tools on jewelry websites to experiment with combinations of cut, color, and clarity. This will help you tether down to a diamond that fits well within your budget without sacrificing appearance.
By cautiously balancing these factors, you can acquire a stunning engagement ring that aligns with your financial plan.
James Allen Review: Customer Service and Support
24/7 Live Support
James Allen aims for the gold standard with customer support — offering 24/7 live assistance to facilitate answering questions around the clock. To ensure that the customers are able to seek expert advice whenever they need it or can get quick help on an issue, this service is available 24/7, making for a flawless and fuss-free shopping experience.
Customer Highlight by Michael S.: “It was past midnight, and I was worried I wouldn’t get answers—but James Allen’s live support had my back!”
Like James Allen, Blue Nile also garners praise from customers for its detailed diamond imagery and exceptional value, making it a go-to for high-quality, online diamond shopping.
Free Shipping and Returns
While buying fine jewelry online can surely work up a nerve, James Allen makes it better with free shipping and easy returns. With such a policy, shopping becomes risk-free and customers can shop with confidence knowing that in the event they purchase something that, for whatever reason is not to their liking, returns are easy and hassle free.
Lifetime Warranty and Resizing Services
James Allen goes the extra mile with a lifetime warranty covering routine maintenance and repairs. Plus, resizing services add even more value, especially for engagement rings that need that perfect fit.
Customer Highlight by Emily J.: “Knowing I could resize my ring anytime is such a relief. James Allen’s services made my purchase stress-free!”
James Allen Review: Customization Options
James Allen’s customization journey empowers you to build your ring from scratch. Follow these steps to make it truly yours:
Step 1 and Step 2: Start the Customization Process
- Go to the “Engagement Rings” section and select “Start with a Diamond”
- Choose from various settings or begin by picking a diamond, depending on your design preference.
Step 3: Select and Customize Your Diamond
When exploring diamonds at James Allen, understanding the factors affecting price and quality is crucial. The online model at James Allen allows for competitive pricing without compromising on quality. This is because of reduced overhead costs, which translates into savings for you.
James Allen proudly offers over 500,000 diamonds, predominantly earth-created, all graded by top authorities like GIA, IGI, and AGS. This ensures you receive a diamond of certified quality, whether you’re opting for a budget-friendly choice or a high-end piece.
Here’s a detailed look at each option available to tailor your diamond selection:
- Shape: Choose from popular shapes like Round, Princess, Emerald, and more. Each shape adds a distinct look, whether classic or contemporary.
- Cut Quality: Refine the diamond’s brilliance with cut grades ranging from Good to Ideal and True Hearts™. The True Hearts™ cut is James Allen’s signature option for maximum sparkle.
- Color Grade: Select your preferred color scale, from colorless diamonds (D-F) to slightly tinted (G-J). Adjusting color grade helps balance appearance and budget.
- Clarity Grade: Filter clarity options from Internally Flawless (IF) down to Slightly Included (SI2). Higher clarity ensures fewer inclusions, ideal for those seeking a flawless appearance.
- Carat Weight: Define the size and weight of your diamond, from under 1 carat to a show-stopping 5 carats or more. Carat weight significantly impacts the diamond’s presence.
- Price Range: Set your budget range to see diamonds that fit within your financial limits. Adjusting the slider allows you to explore options that meet your expectations without overspending.
- Certification: James Allen offers diamonds certified by top authorities like GIA, IGI, and AGS, giving you confidence in the authenticity and quality of your purchase.
With so many diamonds to choose from, you can experiment with cut, color, clarity, and carat to find the best match for your budget. Not everyone has the budget for the most colorless stone with the highest clarity and most perfect cut, and that’s perfectly fine. The variety of options ensures you can find a diamond that meets your preferences without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking to save even more, consider their impressive collection of over 5,500 lab-created diamonds. These diamonds, which are structurally and visually identical to earth-created diamonds, offer a cost-effective alternative at about 30 percent less.
Advanced Filters: For those who want to dive deeper, James Allen offers advanced filter options, such as:
- Polish and Symmetry: Choose Excellent, Very Good, or Good ratings to control the finish quality.
- Fluorescence: Decide if you prefer a diamond with fluorescence, which can impact the appearance under UV light.
- Table and Depth Percentage: These proportions affect how light passes through the diamond, influencing sparkle and brilliance.
- L/W Ratio (Length to Width): Especially useful for elongated shapes like Emerald and Oval cuts, this ratio helps tailor the diamond’s dimensions to your preference.
Whether you prioritize size, brilliance, or budget, James Allen provides a comprehensive toolkit to find the perfect diamond for you.
Deal Alert
Get 25% off engagement ring settings at James Allen!
Virtual Try-On Tool
With the Virtual Try-On Tool, James Allen brings the in-store experience to your screen. You can upload a photo of your hand and see how different rings look on you before making a purchase.
Customer Highlight by Sarah L.: “The virtual try-on feature helped me find a style that suits my hand perfectly. I felt like I was in a jewelry store, all from home!”
James Allen vs. Competitors
In the world of online diamond shopping, James Allen has carved a niche with its innovative features, competitive pricing, and excellent customer satisfaction. Here’s how James Allen compares to some of its leading competitors.
Comparison Table: Key Features and Benefits
Feature | James Allen | Blue Nile | Brilliant Earth | Zales |
---|---|---|---|---|
360° HD Diamond View | Yes – high-resolution, 360° videos for all stones | Limited (only some stones have videos) | Limited (focuses on lab-grown & conflict-free) | No |
Pricing | Competitive, transparent, with price-match options | Comparable to James Allen, but less transparency | Often higher due to focus on ethical sourcing | Moderate, with frequent promotions |
Gemstone Variety | Diamonds, Moissanite, Sapphires, Emeralds, etc. | Primarily diamonds | Focuses on ethically sourced gemstones | Mostly diamonds and basic gems |
Financing Options | Yes – includes monthly payments and 0% APR plans | Yes – similar financing options available | Yes – multiple financing options | Yes, but terms vary by product |
Return Policy | Free returns within 30 days | Free returns within 30 days | Free returns within 30 days | 60 days with free returns |
Customer Support | 24/7 live chat and phone support | Available, but not 24/7 | Available, with some limitations on weekends | Standard business hours |
Lifetime Warranty | Yes, including free prong tightening and polishing | Yes, but limited to certain items | Limited warranty, more focus on ethical origin | Yes, includes lifetime diamond warranty |
Key Takeaways
- Comparison of Features: James Allen differentiates itself by offering a 360° HD Diamond View feature that enables users to examine diamonds closely and from all angles. It’s a feature that is very limited among competitors, and both Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth only offer it on select pieces, whereas Zales doesn’t offer it at all.
- Price & Quality: James Allen is competitively priced and transparent with their pricing, often offering to match competitor prices for the best jewelry deals around. Blue Nile closely matches James Allen in price, whereas prices at Brilliant Earth generally fall higher due to its focus on ethically sourced gemstones, and Zales offers moderate pricing but a regular trickle of discounts and promotions.
- Customer Satisfaction: James Allen’s 24/7 customer support, paired with its generous lifetime warranty and user-friendly financing, makes it a customer favorite for flexibility and peace of mind. Many customers choose James Allen for its transparency and support, with reviews like:
- Customer Highlight by Mike R.: “I chose James Allen over others because I could see the diamond up close before buying. It gave me confidence in my purchase.”
- Customer Highlight by Emily T.: “James Allen’s financing options and warranty coverage made my choice easy. It’s rare to see this level of care in online jewelry!”
Deal Alert
Get 25% off engagement ring settings at James Allen!
James Allen Customer Reviews
What Customers Love
- Jessica Roloff (USA) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Amazing quality and price. My fiancé got my engagement ring at James Allen. It’s a 2.11 lab diamond, and it’s so beautiful and sparkly! The shopping and shipping process was very user-friendly. Definitely recommend!”
Date of Experience: May 12, 2024 - Charlie (USA) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Customizable! I loved the ability to pick not only the setting but the type of stone and overall cost. After weeks of viewing sapphires in 360°, I found the perfect one. Took 3 weeks for the ring to arrive, but the whole experience was fantastic. Thanks, James Allen!”
Date of Experience: August 22, 2024 - Mala Miller (New Zealand) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Just lovely. I ordered from NZ, and the ring arrived quickly. The presentation was beautiful, and even the receipt was a treasure. Exceptional value and quality, it made us feel special. Thanks, James Allen—don’t ever change!”
Date of Experience: August 20, 2024 - Rebecca H. (California) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I ordered lab-created diamond studs, and they are gorgeous! The packaging was elegant, with a detailed box and paperwork. Excellent value and stunning quality.” - Maci P. (Arkansas) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely love my James Allen rings! My engagement ring and wedding bands far exceeded what we saw in other stores. James Allen’s craftsmanship is impeccable, and their customer service has been consistently supportive. Highly recommend!”
Deal Alert
Get 25% off engagement ring settings at James Allen!
Where Customers Think James Allen Could Improve
- James Wong (Hong Kong) – ⭐⭐⭐
“Great jewelry but service could use improvement. There was a 2-week production delay, and I was barely late for a discount, but they wouldn’t allow any grace period. It left me expecting a bit more flexibility.”
Date of Experience: December 31, 2023 - Jason (Canada) – ⭐⭐⭐
“The earrings were lovely, but they came in a cheap pouch instead of the advertised box. Packaging matters, and I felt a bit misled.”
Date of Experience: December 19, 2023 - Robert Greer (USA) – ⭐⭐
“My experience with their upgrade program was not as smooth as I’d hoped. There were additional costs and unclear insurance coverage, especially since my ring got lost at customs. I’d recommend sticking to new orders.”
Date of Experience: May 13, 2024 - Dean (Canada) – ⭐
“The diamond on my engagement ring fell out within a month, and I felt let down by customer service. For an heirloom-quality ring, this was disappointing.”
Date of Experience: November 1, 2023
Each review reflects individual experiences that give a well-rounded perspective on what to expect with James Allen’s products and services.
Understanding the Difference: Earth-Created vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
When it comes to diamonds, many people wonder about the distinction between earth-created diamonds and lab-created diamonds. Let’s delve into what sets these two types apart and how you might identify them.
Composition and Structure
Earth-Created Diamonds: These diamonds are formed naturally over millions of years beneath the Earth’s surface. They require immense heat and pressure to crystallize carbon into the precious stones we’re familiar with.
Lab-Created Diamonds: Also known as synthetic diamonds, these are developed in controlled laboratory environments. Advanced technology replicates the natural processes, producing diamonds that are structurally identical to their earth-created counterparts.
Despite their different origins, both types share the same chemical composition and crystalline structure, making them visually indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Identification Methods
While it might be impossible to spot the difference with just a glance, gemologists can use specific techniques to identify a diamond’s origin:
- Microscopic Inclusions: Sometimes, lab-created diamonds have unique patterns or tiny metallic inclusions from the manufacturing process, detectable under a microscope.
- Spectroscopic Analysis: This method analyzes how a diamond interacts with light. Lab-created diamonds can exhibit minute but detectable variations in their spectral lines compared to earth-created ones.
- Certification Marks: Most lab-created diamonds come with gemological certification that states their origin. Checking for these documents can offer clarity.
Choosing Between Them
Both earth-created and lab-created diamonds have their own appeal. Lab-created options often come at a lower cost and are considered more sustainable. Earth-created diamonds, however, carry the allure of being a billion-year-old natural wonder.
Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences, budget, and values. Either way, understanding these differences ensures you make an informed decision when purchasing diamonds.
James Allen is a top leader in online diamond sales, offering cutting-edge imaging technology that lets you inspect diamonds as if you were using a jeweler's loupe. With the largest exclusive selection of loose diamonds available online and excellent pricing, they also boast one of the finest collections of lab-created diamonds on the market. They currently run a 25% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THEM:
- 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, with a prepaid shipping label provided by James Allen.
- Lifetime warranty on all purchases.
- Free international shipping.
- Complimentary prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating, and cleaning every six months.
- Insurance appraisals included with purchases.
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase.
- Free ring inscriptions available.
- Best-in-class high-quality imagery for every diamond in stock.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Premium, best-in-class packaging.
FAQs About James Allen
Q. What is James Allen’s return policy?
James Allen offers a 100% refund within 30 days, covering return shipping for U.S. customers—making it risk-free to purchase online.
Q. Is James Allen owned by Jared?
Yes, Signet (Jared’s parent company) acquired James Allen in 2017, though both brands operate independently. Select Jared locations now offer James Allen products.
Q. Are James Allen’s diamonds certified and conflict-free?
Yes, all diamonds are certified and sourced from members of the professional diamond trade, adhering to conflict-free standards set by the Kimberley Process and the Patriot Act.
Q. Does James Allen have a physical showroom?
James Allen has showrooms in NYC and Washington, D.C., by appointment only. Most customers, however, benefit from the ease of online shopping.
Q. Does James Allen offer warranties and resizing?
Yes, James Allen provides a lifetime warranty for maintenance and repairs, as well as free resizing within one year of purchase.