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Q&A: Did I Get a Good Deal Purchasing at Kay Jewelers?

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I recently bought an engagement ring for my girlfriend from Kay Jewelers. They sold me a heart shaped diamond that was .91 carats, H color and I1 in clarity. The diamond itself was originally over $5000 and they said they would give me a deal for $4600. I had a trade in that I used which took $2000 off, but after choosing a setting my total came out to about $3200. Can you tell me if I was ripped off?

It’s difficult for me to tell you. Was the diamond certified (GIA/AGS)?

It was IGI certified.

How recently did you purchase it? Can you return it and exchange it for something else?

I purchased the ring on Monday and I can still return it.

I would at least try exchanging it for a GIA diamond. IGI is not a good lab: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/.

If they can offer you another diamond, but with GIA or AGS certificate, it would definitely be better.

I returned it and I am buying a .92 carat heart shaped diamond color grade F Clarity Rating VS1 with a GIA certification from James Allen. That’s $1000 less than what I paid at Kay Jewelers for the diamond alone.

That is fantastic. If you don’t need to trade the current diamond in, then JA is a much better choice.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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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