James Allen Store Review
My experience with James Allen doesn’t go as far back as Blue Nile, but it has been outstanding nonetheless. My first experience using James Allen was helping my nephew choose his engagement ring.
I had heard about them a few times but hadn’t had a reason to use them. So I told him to check it out and let me know if I should research it. He ended up loving their website. He was looking for a particular Antique setting and was able to find it at James Allen. Once we sat down and looked at the site, I really appreciated the high-quality images. Plus, their diamond selection, while extensive, felt curated to only offer top diamonds. On top of that, while this doesn’t always hold, I feel that James Allen might be just a few percentage points more affordable. But you really need to treat that on a case-by-case basis.
History of James Allen
James Allen was founded in 2006 by a small group of Diamond experts and enthusiasts. Primarily the brainchild of Oded Edelman and James Schultz, the duo, with additional partners Michele Sigler and Dean Lederman, saw the burgeoning online engagement ring space as an opportunity to establish a new way of selling Diamonds. This new method centered around providing highly magnified 360° HD photos, dubbed 360° Diamond Display Technology. The high-quality images take the place of the traditional jeweler’s loupe and bring that advantage to the masses.
Since then, James Allen has grown exponentially, becoming one of the top online jewelers worldwide and bringing a fresh and unique marketing and presentation strategy to the industry.
James Allen Advantages
As stated above, James Allen's primary advantage over its online competitors is in its online presentation. Their 360° Diamond Display Technology is currently second to none and offers them a unique advantage against the other online sellers. Additionally, their diamond search filters are more in-depth, allowing for a more fine-tuned search.
You’ll also notice that James Allen uses IGI and AGS certifications as well as the industry standard GIA. While most of the inventory will be GIA certified, you can find the other two sprinkled about. Generally speaking, we find these IGI and AGS certifications perfectly at par with their GIA counterparts and should be viewed as the same. A side benefit is that these other certified diamonds are usually slightly more affordable.
While their total inventory is not as large as Blue Nile, we find that the combination of HD photos and extra search parameters provides you with an ample database to choose from. James Allen also offers the following features to their customers:
Conflict-free Diamonds: Conflict-free diamonds are gems not obtained due to human rights abuses, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation. James Allen makes make sure that their customers receive conflict-free diamonds.
Diamond Certification: James Allan uses either a Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or International Gemological Institute (IGI) diamond certificate to assure the value and quality of your diamond. GIA, AGS, and IGI are the gold standard in diamond grading. Their reports detail the key characteristics of each diamond.
Upgrade Policy: Any diamond can be exchanged for 100% credit towards a new purchase valued at least 2x the original amount. The diamond being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by the original laboratory grading document. They can also remodel most rings to accommodate the new diamond for a minimal charge.
Secure Delivery: All items are fully insured during transit. All purchases require a signature at the time of delivery.
30-day Returns: James Allen will accept returns for refund or exchange within 30 days of shipment from their facility. Free returns only apply to U.S. and Canada customers and are limited to three per customer. Please note: There will be a $25 repolishing fee if an engraved item is returned. To return an item, simply follow their Return Procedures. Exceptions to this include:
Improperly packaged items without a RAN number
Damaged and Used Items: Returned merchandise must be undamaged and in "new and unused condition." Items showing obvious signs of wear or alteration by a jeweler other than James Allen will not be accepted.
The original laboratory grading report must accompany loose diamonds, or a $150 charge will be assessed to replace the certificate.
Special orders
Lifetime Guarantees: James Allen stands behind its products and warrants that all items will be free from manufacturing defects for the life of the products.
Complimentary Cleaning And Inspection Services: All jewelry purchased from James Allen is eligible for a complimentary cleaning every six months. You may also return your jewelry to their offices for free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating, and cleaning.
James Allen Shortcomings
On the contrarian side, James Allen should be treated as an engagement ring specialist. I’ve never ordered a gemstone through them, but their selection seems a bit more limited and on the high-end. I’m sure I’ll get around to it one day, and if you’ve had a good gemstone experience, please feel free to let us know. Thus far, though, Blue Nile is my go-to for non-diamond jewelry.
There are really not enough good things you can say about James Allen. Great product, great service (my last order was under a tight time frame, and they went out of their way to make sure I got it even earlier than the day they promised), and great packaging. The packaging is something people really love about James Allen. For me personally, I don’t think it’s a big deal. I understand, though, that when you might only make one large diamond purchase in your life that their oversized beauty box with the pull-out drawer and gorgeously finished interior adds an extra flair to the experience.
Looking to Buy an Engagement Ring?
Looking to buy an Engagement Ring and don’t want to make a costly mistake? Contact us and we’ll assist you in our step-by-step process to ensure you get the best ring at the best price. We use a number of sellers, including James Allen, to find you the Engagement Ring of your dream.
