Diamond rings are the reigning champions in the engagement ring market. However, purchasing any kind of diamond is a huge investment and therefore must be done with care. But because there is such a large market for diamonds, retailers are not created equally. Choosing the right place to buy a diamond engagement ring is almost just as important as the ring itself, and the jeweler should provide great customer service in addition to quality diamonds. The top three places to buy diamond engagement rings that customers should certainly consider are James Allen, Whiteflash and Tiffany and Co. Read on to learn more about these great options.
Many retailers sell engagement rings online these days, but James Allen and Whiteflash are particularly known for it (though both also have their own showrooms, in New York and Texas respectively). James Allen repeatedly gets rated among the very best online retailers for its customer service, sales and deals, and user-friendly ring shopping interface, while Whiteflash has become an industry leader in diamond selection and its connections with numerous designers.
Tiffany allows customers to browse through their diamond ring selection online, but they only sell them in-person at their stores. However, one of the main reasons that Tiffany and Co. is listed here as one of the best places to buy a diamond engagement ring is because they are known for their impeccable customer service as well as the fact that they have locations across North America as well as various stores around the world. Customers may schedule appointments through their website, but walk-ins are also welcome.
The answer to this depends on the customer's budget and shopping preferences. These retailers all offer their best deals during peak sales times of the year, such as Valentine's Day and Christmas. However, those looking for a more personal customer service experience and a less-competitive sales market will prefer buying during slower times of the year.
James Allen, Whiteflash and Tiffany and Co. all are known for their diverse selection of ring bands. All three offer rings in the most popular metals, such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.
James Allen has a hassle-free return policy within 30 days of purchase, and they accept anything back for a full refund within this time. Meanwhile, Whiteflash has a 30-day return policy on their catalogue items but will not accept returns on custom-made ones (some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis). Tiffany and Co. has a 30-day return policy and provides free shipping for returned items.
While all three offer diamond rings in a wide range of prices to suit different kinds of budgets, the good news is that they also offer financing programs. Of course, these programs are subject to customer credit approval.
All of these retailers have their own gemologists and diamond experts who determine the quality of the diamond rings for sale (to ensure they are priced appropriately). Generally, the "four Cs" are used by them to determine quality, which focuses on cut, clarity, carat and color. All three retailers also provide guide materials on their websites for customers to learn more about diamond quality.
As more knowledge about the history of the diamond industry becomes public, this becomes an increasingly asked question that retailers must address. The good news is that all three of these companies have conflict-free programs in conjunction with local and global governments and source their diamonds through ethical mining operations.