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Hi,
I am shopping for engagement rings and I’ve also noticed (like many have) that the online retailers like Blue Nile and James Allen are so much better priced.
My only question on all that is about the warranty and ability to customize. I know the big brick and mortar offer the yearly inspections, cleaning, warranties, buy backs, etc. Do the online sellers compare? I see that you can send it in for the same services, but I feel like that is a lot riskier and not as convenient as going into a location to do all that. I’m just looking for some guidance and, hopefully, a first hand experience on all this.
It’s true that you can send the ring to BN or JA for cleaning or any type of maintenance. If you check their warranty articles, you’ll see that they CAN compare to B&M stores in this.
I haven’t sent any rings to them for cleaning yet, but we returned a package a few times (to test their service) and everything went smoothly and with any problems. They gave us the return label, arranged the FedEx pick up and they then confirmed that they received it. All of that was very safe and fast.
It’s up to you what is better for you. But I wouldn’t be worried about the shipping.
So to go off that, are there any pros on a B&M store over online? It seems like the online version if a no-brainer, I just want to make sure there’s no “catch” or anything.
The biggest advantage of buying in person is that you can physically see the ring before you buy it. Some people prefer it. But with the 30-day return policy that online companies usually offer, I don’t feel like it’s much different. Plus, you can use us as help when picking online. It’s hard to consult when you’re going to a store.
Thanks so much for the help. Something new that came up is the International Gem and Jewelry show is going to be in Houston. Is this something worth going to? It boasts about direct-to-consumer prices, but I have no idea what I’d be getting myself into. Is this something y’all would ever recommend?
We wouldn’t and there is a simple reason why. You’re under time pressure and even more sale pushing there. People usually end up with bad diamonds because they don’t have enough time to think about it or consult it.
Great, thanks for your advice.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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