Welcome to the James Allen Review
After 17 long hours of researching, I can finally answer the question of the James Allen experience is the real deal.
You see I’ve got so many requests to look into that I just had to start my investigation.
Look:
Buying a diamond ring is the third-largest investment in your life right after your home and car. So it’s super-important to get the best ring possible.
For this reason, I’ve written the review the following way besides the typical quality, stock disposal, pricing, and return policy I’ve looked into the secret shopping experience.
From all the research I’ve done the secret shopping experience was the most revealing. If nothing else read that part only.
Let’s get this review started!
- You can craft your perfect ring that you always dreamed of
- Breathtakingly beautiful packaging which is meant for showing off your precious
- Your secret message will be engraved in the ring free of charge
Secret Shopping Experience: Buying Online From James Allen
In the pursuit of producing the most detailed review possible, it was necessary to spend a significant amount of time researching and previewing the James Allen website. In order to keep this analysis unbiased, researchers did not contact customer service during this portion of their study. Moreover, this was done to represent and attempt to replicate consumers who use personal diamond consultants rather than speaking directly with the companies they purchase from.
To begin with, the ordering process for buying jewelry from James Allen is expeditious, efficient, and intuitive for the customer’s convenience. It took a total of only four days from the moment researchers ordered the ring purchased for the purpose of the study to the moment it was delivered. During the four day delivery period, notifications and updates on the status of the order were provided periodically.
Especially noteworthy is the packaging provided by James Allen to its patrons. The diamond ring that was ordered arrived in an absolutely exquisite box for storage and display of jewelry when not in use. For more on James Allen’s lovely packaging, continue reading for an in-depth unboxing.
The unrivaled quality of James Allen diamond engagement rings and jewelry has already been previously discussed in this review and for that reason, will not be further elaborated on at this point. Suffice it to say, the ring that was purchased for this section of the review was as immaculate and wonderfully made as stated before. There were zero flaws in the diamond purchased that could be detected and the quality was faultless.
The ring that was purchased for this section of the review was then returned to examine this aspect of James Avery’s customer service. A phone call was made to the company that was both quick and courteous, and a return label was received. Only a few days after returning the package, the cost of the purchase was refunded.
James Allen Video Review
For those shopping for a diamond engagement ring for their significant other, and for those seeking to purchase a little something special for themselves, continue reading for a comprehensive, in-depth review of James Allen. Topics covered in this analysis of James Allen will include an expansive history of the company, a secret-shopping experience, how to purchase diamonds from James Allen’s online store, and much, much more.
Related: See what industry leader Diamondcuts.com says.
- You can craft your perfect ring that you always dreamed of
- Breathtakingly beautiful packaging which is meant for showing off your precious
- Your secret message will be engraved in the ring free of charge
History of James Allen
James Allen is the combined creative brainchild of Dean Lederman, Michele Sigler, Oded Edelman, and James Schultz. The company first went online in 2006 and rapidly became the largest privately help bridal and diamond jewelry online retailer in the world.
The company’s mission statement is “to offer consumers online the highest quality diamonds and largest selection at the best price.”
From Blue Nile to JamesAllen.com
James Allen Schultz and his wife Michele Sigler first became prominent in the retail of diamond jewelry, bridal jewelry, and engagement ring, in 1998 when they created the Blue Nile Company an online venture.
They later met Oded Edelman, the product of three generations of family dedication to the diamond business, and Dean Lederman, a 20-year diamantaire with interdisciplinary expertise in international distribution and manufacturing of polished diamonds.
Combining their collective knowledge and experience, James Allen Shultz and Michele Sigler joined forces with Oded Edelman and Dean Lederman to revolutionize the Blue Nile Company and create James Allen.
Today, it is the leading online seller of bridal jewelry and diamondjewelry. The only retailer to offer customers over 300,000 hand-selected, conflict-free diamonds in intricately crafted settings online with highly-magnified 360° HD Diamond Display Technology, it’s clear to see why they have caught the attention and earned the trust of customers and diamond manufacturers worldwide.
What Makes James Allen Rings Stand Out
Continuing their trend of evolution and excellence, James Allen relentlessly pursues excellence in online diamond jewelry and bridal jewelry shopping experiences.
For consumers, this means a guarantee of brilliant, distinctivediamonds; and for competing retailers, it’s motivation to offer better quality products and services to their own customers.
Revolutionary Diamond Display
They were the first diamond jewelry retailers to provide customers with 360° HD Diamond Display Technology. This allows patrons to see James Allen’s breathtaking diamond jewelry in all of its glory before they buy, providing assurance that they’re fully informed about the diamond jewelry that they’re purchasing.
Diamonds are most often classified and priced depending on their clarity, cut, color, and carat.
To ensure that the diamond jewelry offered by a retailer is of the caliber it claims to be, it’s undoubtedly critical that shoppers have the ability to observe inclusions and details of diamonds that would be otherwise invisible to the naked eye or latent passerby.
The immersive 360° HD Diamond Display Technology affirms that their outstandingly crafted diamonds and jewelry settings are exactly as described, enabling customers certainty in their investment.
These fine diamonds are available pre-set as a completed piece of elegantly designed jewelry and are offered as fully customizable engagement rings that can be created by shoppers.
Personal Inspection
In order to provide an accurate and thorough review, we decided to buy an engagement ring online under a pseudonym was purchased for an unbiased examination James Allen’s diamond jewelry. An Excellent cut, J color, SI2 clarity, GIAcertified round diamond mounted in a basic white gold solitaire setting was obtained for evaluation.
The engagement ring that was purchased arrived with a copy of the GIA certificate of the diamond that provided all of the specifications of the diamond, such as weight, polish, symmetry, measurements, etc.
Upon intense scrutinization, it was found that the diamond was of exceptional appearance, precisecut, and incredibly lustrous.
No streaks or scratches from the manufacturing process could be found, and the craftsmanship of the gorgeous white gold setting was impeccable. Additionally, it was observed that the polished lines of the diamond purchased are clear and smooth.
- You can craft your perfect ring that you always dreamed of
- Breathtakingly beautiful packaging which is meant for showing off your precious
- Your secret message will be engraved in the ring free of charge
Incredible Inventory Provides Peace of Mind
With over 300,000 certified conflict-free diamonds for buyers to choose from and counting, James Allen has the most expansive inventory of any diamond retailers on the market.This is possible due to the streamlined business model adopted by the company that allows them to offer millions of dollars worth of incredible diamond jewelry without the added expenses traditionally associated with maintaining a vast inventory.
True Hearts Collection
The True Hearts Collection has been specifically created to accentuate the refinement of Hearts & Arrows remarkable diamonds. Each piece in the collection is hand-picked by the experts at James Allen ensuring the most beautiful pairing of diamonds and settings that are sure to impress and enchant.
Competitive Pricing
Because of their groundbreaking business model, James Allen is able to offer diamond jewelry and engagement rings of luxury quality at reasonable prices anyone can afford.
By operating out of only two exclusive retail locations in Washington D.C. and an extravagant showroom on 5th Avenue in New York City, the company is able to sell to customers directly online, cutting overhead costs usually associated with running a typical brick and mortar retail space.
James Allen’s online retail platform ensures that customers receive all of the advantages of a traditional walk-in store, without any of the hassles. Foregoing the commissioned salespeople pressuring buyers to purchase the most expensive item for sale, the online shopping experience provided by them gives customers the opportunity and time to be conscientious in their shopping by cross-referencing information with diamond experts while browsing.
One of the biggest downsides of shopping at a conventional diamond retailer is that customers end up paying more than they would for their diamond jewelry. This is because walk-in stores have additional maintenance costs like rent, utilities, and upkeep that force the retailers to drive up the cost of their products. By utilizing a virtual inventory, James Allen is able to pass along the savings directly to the customer and offer amazing quality diamond jewelry at unbelievably affordable prices.
James Allen’s competitively priced beautiful diamond jewelry also comes with the guarantee of a full refund within 30 days of purchase for their patrons.
Unfortunately, this is not a benefit that is offered by most other competing diamond jewelry retailers. While a couple of these sellers may offer an in-store credit, it is unlikely that consumers will be able to get their money returned.
Wide Selection of High Quality Jewelry
When James Allen first hit the market in 2006, their main priority was on offering clients a diverse variety of impeccable engagement rings and bridal jewelry. In recent years, however, this has drastically changed. Now they offer astounding variety of diamond jewelry for every budget and occasion.
For the sake of brevity and the purposes of this review, meticulous assessments of James Allen’s tennis bracelets, eternity bands, and diamond pendants were performed. This is only a small sample, though, of the wide breadth of products sold on their online store.
Upon inspection of a 14k White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet from James Allen, it was immediately evident the fine craftsmanship is unparalleled. Despite being made up of an astonishing 60 diamonds, every individual diamond in this bracelet has been fit with perfect uniformity. Each diamond in the bracelet is held securely into it’s setting by methodically pressed highly burnished white gold prongs.
Eternity bands have the same quality as the tennis bracelets. Eternity bands, also known as infinity rings, have come to symbolize timeless love and are often given as gifts for anniversaries, holidays, and birthdays from one lover to another.
The ring researched for this review is the Angled Common Prong Diamond Eternity Ring and is available online. Customers can choose between 14k white gold, 14k yellow gold, 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, or platinum settings. Each bracelet is made with over 25 fixed 0.75 carat diamonds that each have phenomenal sparkle and brilliance.
The last piece of jewelry studied for this review was made with James Allen’s Design Your Own Pendant feature. The pendant created consisted of an 18k white gold pave set fame pendant and a round lab-created 1.02 carat cubic zirconia stone for the center diamond.
For this piece, the quality of the mounting was the most central aspect in focus for the reviewer’s purposes. The elegant design and detailed craftsmanship featured in this pendant were absolutely stunning, and the prongs were set with the expert care that has come to be expected.
Outstanding Consumer Experience
When deciding where to buy diamond jewelry and engagement rings, one of the most important qualities of any business for potential customers to consider is customer service. Diamond engagement rings can be notoriously expensive, and even when they aren’t they’re always an investment of both sentimental and monetary value. This is why James Allen offers extraordinary customer service in addition to incomparable luxury jewelry.
- You can craft your perfect ring that you always dreamed of
- Breathtakingly beautiful packaging which is meant for showing off your precious
- Your secret message will be engraved in the ring free of charge
24/7 Customer Support
The Secret Shopping experience was done by researches to test out every single angle of the shopping experience.
To begin with, the ordering process for buying jewelry from James Allen is expeditious, efficient, and intuitive for the customer’s convenience. It took a total of only four days from the moment researchers ordered the ring purchased for the purpose of the study to the moment it was delivered.
During the four day delivery period, notifications and updates on the status of the order were provided periodically.
Especially noteworthy is the packaging provided by James Allen to its patrons. The diamond ring that was ordered arrived in an absolutely exquisite box for storage and display of jewelry when not in use. For more on their lovely packaging, continue reading for an in-depth unboxing.
The unrivaled quality of James Allen diamond engagement rings and jewelry has already been previously discussed in this review and for that reason, will not be further elaborated on at this point. Suffice it to say, the ring that was purchased for this section of the review was as immaculate and wonderfully made as stated before.
There were zero flaws in the diamond purchased that could be detected and the quality was faultless.
The ring that was purchased for this section of the review was then returned to examine this aspect of James Avery’s customer service. A phone call was made to the company that was both quick and courteous, and a return label was received. Only a few days after returning the package, the cost of the purchase was refunded.
Free Shipping
One of the best features available from James Allen is that every purchase from their online store comes free of charge. Additionally, every shipment comes insured to alleviate any customer concerns about possible losses or damages to their purchase.
30 Day Hassle-Free Returns
It’s common for online consumers to question whether or not to make large or important purchases without being able to physically handle and see a product. James Allen offers its patrons a lifetime warranty and the option of a 100% refund within 30 days, guaranteed with every purchase made. Furthermore, James Allen provides free return shipping to all US customers so that there are zero risks for buyers.
How to Buy a Diamond Ring on James Allen
With so many options available for consumers on the market, it can be difficult for many seeking to buy diamond jewelry to navigate the buying process. It is because of this that those looking to purchase diamond jewelry should consider three major factors before determining which diamond best suits their needs. These factors are the shape of the diamond desired, the type of setting being sought after, and the most paramount of the three, whether or not the jewelry desired fits the consumer’s budget.
PROS
- You can have your own ring style and design
- Your ring will be filled with high-quality perfect diamonds
- Knowledgeable and helpful support available 24/7
CONS
- There’s no vintage jewelry available
- There are only two showrooms located in New York and Washington
Set a Budget
Perhaps the most common saying regarding the purchase of an engagement ring is that one should spend between two and three months’ salary on an engagement ring for their significant other before popping the question. This saying is not fact, however, and consumers should keep in mind that this myth was first perpetuated by the DeBeers company as part of a marketing campaign. Consumers should only spend exactly as much as they are comfortable spending on a piece of jewelry.
Those seeking to purchase diamond jewelry should define their budget within a limited range, rather than defining a specific number value. This allows customers a greater range of possible purchases to choose from and a substantially broader range of variety and options when customizing their jewelry.
While it can be quite easy for customers to fall into thinking habits that perpetuate spending outside of their budget, especially when being pressured by workers in traditional diamond jewelry stores, it’s fundamental to good money management to stay within the monetary bounds set for one’s self. It is important that customers are able to maintain a balance between flexibility with range of budget and overspending as a result of strategic marketing practices.
An example of how one might safely overspend is as follows: a budget of $4,000 – $4,100 is set, the consumer decides to stretch their budget slightly and purchase a beautiful 1ct diamond from James Allen for $4,160.
Conversely, an example of how overspending can quickly escalate is as follows: a customer sets a budget for themselves of $4,000 to $4,100 for a single loose diamond from James Allen to fit a setting they already own. The customer browses the website and sees two diamonds, the aforementioned 1 carat diamond for $4,1460 dollars and another 1.15 carat diamond for $4,890.
Enticed by the larger size, the customer decides to visit a local diamond jewelry store to see the size of the diamond in person. During their time browsing, the customer is subconsciously routed towards larger, more expensive diamonds until they’re considering purchasing a loose diamond that is twice or even thrice as expensive as stated previously.
This is one clear advantage to shopping with James Allen on their online diamond jewelry retail platform. Patrons are able to browse with specific search parameters so that they can remain budget-conscious throughout their shopping experience without worrying about overspending outside their range.
Choose the Diamond Shape
There are two generally accepted principles of diamond shape to be considered by potential buyers before purchasing. The first is that the larger the carat of a diamond, the more expensive the diamond will be. The second is that round diamonds will always be the most brilliant cut and, as such, are the most expensive per carat weight. When purchasing a shape that best suits the customer, though, personal preference and style usually take prominence among deciding factors.
Choose the Setting Style
When purchasing jewelry, customers should determine the setting style they desire before choosing their diamonds. This is because the setting of the diamond needs to be configured into customers’ budgets to ascertain what will remain available in their budget for the diamond or diamonds necessary to fill the setting. What’s more, the setting style can also play a factor in determining the color grade of diamonds that is best suited to the overall aesthetic of the piece.
James Allen’s website features a considerable inspiration gallery that can help customers to find their ideal setting and diamond to create a one of a kind piece of diamond jewelry that’s sure to please even the most discerning eye.
After a customer has made solitary decisions concerning the topics above, they can use James Allen’s precise search filters to determine which diamond best accommodates their budget, style, and personal preferences in diamond jewelry.
View popular ring trends on this page.
Why Customers Prefer James Allen
- You can craft your perfect ring that you always dreamed of
- Breathtakingly beautiful packaging which is meant for showing off your precious
- Your secret message will be engraved in the ring free of charge
Packaging and Unboxing
James Allen surpasses its competition, particularly when it comes to their supreme packaging and delivery services. Where other companies range from decent to subpar in this category, James Allen outshines others in the industry with packaging that’s as thoughtfully designed and crafted as their jewelry and loose diamonds.
James Allen delivers in the United States through companies like FedEx, who delivered the package used for this review. This gives customers the added insurance provided by FedEx who also insure their deliveries for packages that are lost or damaged.
After peeling open the FedEx box that the product was shipped in, customers will see a thick white and red box handsomely embossed with the name James Allen and the signature James Allen butterfly logo. This outer box is made to fit securely within the FedEx box in which it’s delivered.
Once customers open the box, they are able to appreciate the resplendent hardwood jewelry box that their diamond jewelry in. The jewelry box is surrounded by a full-sized white insert that sharply contrasts the vibrant red detailing of the outer box and jewelry box while keeping it securely in place.
The bottom portion of the outer box features a drawer that contains all of the accompanying documentation for your loose diamond or diamond jewelry purchase. This includes an appraisal, a GIA certificate, as well as additional documentation such as invoices upon request. For those ordering from James Allen’s True Hearts collection of diamonds, a Hearts & Arrows scope is included in addition to the standard polishing cloth that comes with each purchase.
The outer box, as well as the inner box, are manufactured with top-quality materials to be long-lasting and serve as a functional jewelry box for customers’ purchases along with any other jewelry that may have been amassed.
The packaging provided by James Allen helps to add to the overall experience and presentation of their superior diamonds and diamond jewelry. The extraordinary lengths that James Allen goes to in order to provide maximum customer satisfaction ring true from the moment customers order their diamonds, to the arrival and packaging of their order and beyond. It is incredibly clear that James Allen has a deep commitment to providing only superior quality products as well as customer service and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are James Allen Diamonds Cheap?
James Allen prices all of its premier diamonds and diamond jewelry at competitive market prices, as previously discussed. This is possible using their cost-effective business model that cuts out extraneous business expenses in order to pass on the savings directly to the customer.
Does James Allen offer Resizing?
Patrons who shop at James Allen stores, online or otherwise, receive free resizing services for up to a year after the date of purchase.
Are James Allen Diamonds GIA Certified?
James Allen has a variety of certified GIA diamonds for sale on their online store available through their search filter.
Does James Allen Offer Financing?
James Allen offers multiple financing options for customers.
Does James Allen Have a Showroom?
The James Allen Showroom can be visited by appointment only at its location on 5th Avenue in NYC. They also have a walk-in store in Washington D.C. with regular hours.
Does James Allen Charge Sales Tax?
James Allen charges sales tax according to state regulations. Read about it here: https://netcoalition.com/james-allen-diamonds-charge-sales-tax/
Does James Allen Offer a Warranty?
Yes, each purchase comes standard with a lifetime warranty for maintenance and repairs.
James Allen is the leading seller of diamonds and diamond jewelry online. Their relentless pursuit of excellent quality at affordable prices makes them the premier experts in the diamond and diamond jewelry industries.
- You can craft your perfect ring that you always dreamed of
- Breathtakingly beautiful packaging which is meant for showing off your precious
- Your secret message will be engraved in the ring free of charge
Bottom Line Recommendation
In conclusion, after comprehensive research and thorough comparison, it can be said with the utmost confidence that James Allen is the best place for anyone looking to buy dazzling diamonds and diamond jewelry at competitive prices.
