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Blue Nile Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Diamond Store Reviews

Blue Nile Review 4.5 Star Rating

Blue Nile

4.5 Star Rating
  • Just under 300,000 diamonds
  • Prices range from $290 to $828,000
  • Pioneer in the online diamond retail industry
  • Live inspection with a gemologist on demand
  • Complimentary resizing within the first year
  • Price matching
  • All loose diamonds are GIA certified
  • Free shipping and returns

Purchasing loose diamonds online might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Blue Nile simplifies the process, allowing you to buy a diamond, set it in a design you adore (or just buy the stone outright), and do so with the confidence that you're getting precisely what you've paid for. Blue Nile is a pioneer in the online diamond industry and is one of the first companies to earn consumers' trust that yes, you really can safely buy precious stones on the internet.

Part of the Signet Jewelers family

At the outset, it's worth mentioning that Blue Nile is one of the quartet of loose diamond retailers featured on our list that fall under the umbrella of parent company Signet Jewelers. Consequently, you're likely to encounter a considerable resemblance in the layout and structure of these storefronts. In fact, when shopping across these stores and attempting to draw comparisons, you might find yourself slightly puzzled. Nonetheless, despite their shared brand lineage, each retailer possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from the rest. Let's take a look at what makes Blue Nile different.

Some improvements over the years

Given the sheer volume of diamonds they offer, Blue Nile provides a multitude of filters to help you narrow down your options. You'll find the usual choices like shape, price, and carat size, but if you're in a hurry, there's a "quick ship diamonds" option to expedite the process. We were pleased to see that this diamond store has upgraded its website to include a drag-to-view image for every stone, so that you can see each diamond from multiple angles. You can also view the GIA certification report for everything in the inventory.

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Free consultations with expert gemologists

But, our favorite feature of shopping for diamonds at Blue Nile is probably the "consult an expert" button. Just enter your name and email to be connected with a gemologist, live and in person, to go over the diamond you're looking at and get answers for any questions you may have. That makes Blue Nile especially accessible for anyone who feels unsure of the diamond-buying process.

Choose from over 1,000 settings or buy the stone solo

When you've found your dream diamond and clicked "select this diamond," you'll specify whether it's intended for a ring, pendant, or simply as a loose stone in your basket. Blue Nile offers a captivating selection of settings, particularly for engagement rings. For instance, when we selected a traditional round-cut stone, we discovered more than 1,000 matching settings, making it easy to identify options with varying metals, matching wedding bands, or those currently on sale. Whether your style leans towards the traditional or modern, you'll undoubtedly find a design to cherish (we particularly liked the Marquise and Round Cluster Array as well as the Dot Dash Split Shank setting).

Free shipping on both loose stones and jewelry

As you piece together your jewelry, you'll be provided with an estimated delivery date; or, if you're just buying a diamond on its own, look for the estimated shipping date at the top of the stone's listing. While it may take several weeks, or even up to a month, for your ring or pendant to be crafted and delivered, rest assured that shipping comes at no cost.

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Many complimentary services here

In fact, "free" is a recurring theme at Blue Nile: not only do they offer free shipping (which includes the option to have your diamond sent to a "hold for pickup" location), but also complimentary resizing, returns, cleaning and servicing, and even a lifetime warranty (with some restrictions, of course).

Very positive reputation overall

Blue Nile has a strong reputation among diamond stores. To confirm, take a glance at customer reviews on the jewelry settings that capture your interest, and scroll down the page to revel in the creativity people pour into their selections for their loved ones (or themselves, why not?). This retailer has also earned an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau; although they've had a few dozen complaints filed there over the past three years, Blue Nile's representatives consistently respond in a prompt and professional manner.

Still a top diamond store

We hold Blue Nile in high regard, appreciating their long history of transforming special moments into cherished memories with diamonds that rekindle your love time and time again. Although they've been slightly outpaced by a newer diamond store on the market, this retailer is still a world-class choice for buying loose stones, rings, or pendants for a one-of-a-kind piece you'll love for years to come.

Where Can You Find the Best Selection of Loose Diamonds?

Have you ever ventured into a local jewelry store with high hopes of finding the perfect stone, only to leave feeling disappointed? You're not alone. Many physical jewelry stores grapple with the challenge of stocking a diverse range of diamonds due to financial and logistical limitations.

In light of this, it's no wonder that an increasing number of diamond shoppers are gravitating towards online retailers. Why confine yourself to a small selection of stones with limited sizes and cuts when you can delve into an extensive assortment of diamonds? These gemstones span across various carat sizes, shapes, clarity levels, and price points. Reputable online establishments offer the convenience of a comprehensive 360° view of each diamond, accompanied by certifications and ratings from well-recognized appraisers.

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Diamond Store FAQ

One of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man. Diamonds form from carbon under high pressure and temperature.
Fun backstory: diamonds weren't commonly used in engagement rings until 1947, when the British mining company De Beers featured them in an advertising campaign! The rest, as they say, is history. Diamonds now represent financial success, long-term commitment, and status.
Cut, carat, color, clarity. Cut is the only human "influence" on a gemstone: round, princess, cushion, marquise and oval are some of the more common shapes given to diamonds. Carat represents the weight of the diamond, with 1 carat equal to 200 milligrams. Color evaluates the stone using letters of the alphabet; the closer to "A" , the whiter the stone, though most people find stones in the G-H rating to still be icy-white in appearance. Clarity is a little more difficult for the average consumer to see, especially without magnification: the categories measure inclusions, or irregularities that happen during the formation of the diamonds but are hard to see without magnification, as well as blemishes like scratches or chips.
The names say it all: natural diamonds come from the earth, while lab-created or synthetic diamonds come from scientists! But, other than their origins, these two types of diamonds are exactly the same chemically and optically: even expert gemologists have a hard time telling them apart without using a jeweler's loupe! And, as you might imagine, synthetic diamonds are usually much more affordable.
These acronyms all refer to gemological societies and institutes with diamond grading scales used throughout the industry: Gemological Institute of America, American Gemological Society, European Gemological Laboratory, and International Gemological Institute. Generally speaking, GIA and AGS are seen as the most accurate and scientific, so if you're buying a higher-priced stone you may want to ensure that it's been graded by one (or both!) of those two systems.
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, you're not going to find it by buying the first pretty ring or solitaires you see at your local jewelry store. Many customers want something with a story that can be handed down as an heirloom: the shape of the stone chosen to match her eyes, the setting selected to complement his personality, and so on. Buying loose diamonds is the first step in a truly unique piece of jewelry.
While you'll find no shortage of companies wanting to sell you diamonds as an investment, most experts say that the average consumer isn't likely to profit from them. Unless you're buying extremely large diamonds (e.g. 20 carats or more) or ones with a noteworthy history (like being owned by a celebrity), you may have a hard time selling the diamonds you buy for more than you paid. If you're planning on spending a significant amount of money for a diamond, do it because you appreciate the beauty or want to own (or give) something precious - but save your investments for more reliable means of generating profits!
Absolutely. Of course, you shouldn't buy a diamond from an online retailer without doing your research: choose a business with a well-established history, preferably with a high rating from the BBB, and be sure that the diamond you buy has been rated and certified by one of the independent institutes or laboratories mentioned above. You can rest assured that the diamond retailer will take every measure to get your stone delivered safely, including tracking and insurance.
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Continued from above...

One of the key drivers behind the increasing popularity of buying loose diamonds online is the unparalleled convenience that digital platforms offer. The traditional process of purchasing diamonds often involved visiting multiple physical stores, engaging with sales representatives, and navigating complex pricing structures. Online platforms simplify this process, letting you explore a vast array of options from the comfort of your home. This convenience factor is particularly appealing to a generation accustomed to the ease of online shopping for various products.

Furthermore, the online diamond market provides you with an extensive selection of diamonds, going beyond the limitations of brick-and-mortar stores. You can easily browse through an array of sizes, shapes, and qualities online. This allows you to find a diamond that perfectly aligns with your preferences and budget.

The acquisition of loose diamonds opens the door to an exhilarating opportunity to craft a distinctive piece of jewelry. Once you've made your diamond selection, the possibilities for designing your jewelry become virtually limitless. The online diamond retailer you opt for is likely to provide an impressive array of settings, encompassing traditional solitaires and inventive tension settings tailored for engagement rings.

As you might expect, the choice of the right retailer matters. Your diamond purchase could become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations, so you'll want to be sure you'll receive precisely what you pay for. To help you in your selection of the ideal diamond retailer, we suggest that you keep the following considerations in mind:

  • Variety: Check the store's inventory of loose diamonds. Do they offer a wide range of options in terms of cut and size? Can you find a setting that suits your preferences?
  • Price: Compare prices with other diamond sellers. Are there any special promotions or benefits, such as free shipping, to make your purchase more budget-friendly?
  • Certification: Does the retailer provide documentation from reputable institutions like GIA, AGS, IGI, or EGL to certify your diamond's qualities? This is especially important for more valuable diamonds to ensure the stated carat size, clarity, and color are accurate.
  • Reputation: Research what other customers have to say about their experiences with the retailer. Has the Better Business Bureau rated the store, and are there any customer complaints? Buying a diamond can be a significant investment, so it's worth taking the time to make sure the retailer you're considering has a strong track record for honesty and reliability.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, our experts have evaluated and ranked today's best online diamond retailers. We hope this information assists you in finding the ideal loose diamond for your long-awaited proposal, one-of-a-kind pendant, or a timeless heirloom piece to be passed on for generations.

Compare Diamond Stores

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  • Rare Carat
  • James Allen
  • Blue Nile
  • Ritani
  • REEDS
  • Gems NY
  • Shane Co
  • Fascinating Diamonds
  • 25 Karats
  • Diamonds USA
  • Jared
  • Kay
Rare Carat vs James Allen Rare Carat vs Blue Nile Rare Carat vs Ritani Rare Carat vs REEDS Rare Carat vs Gems NY Rare Carat vs Shane Co Rare Carat vs Fascinating Diamonds Rare Carat vs 25 Karats Rare Carat vs Diamonds USA Rare Carat vs Jared Rare Carat vs Kay James Allen vs Blue Nile James Allen vs Ritani James Allen vs REEDS James Allen vs Gems NY James Allen vs Shane Co James Allen vs Fascinating Diamonds James Allen vs 25 Karats James Allen vs Diamonds USA James Allen vs Jared James Allen vs Kay Blue Nile vs Ritani Blue Nile vs REEDS Blue Nile vs Gems NY Blue Nile vs Shane Co Blue Nile vs Fascinating Diamonds Blue Nile vs 25 Karats Blue Nile vs Diamonds USA Blue Nile vs Jared Blue Nile vs Kay Ritani vs REEDS Ritani vs Gems NY Ritani vs Shane Co Ritani vs Fascinating Diamonds Ritani vs 25 Karats Ritani vs Diamonds USA Ritani vs Jared Ritani vs Kay REEDS vs Gems NY REEDS vs Shane Co REEDS vs Fascinating Diamonds REEDS vs 25 Karats REEDS vs Diamonds USA REEDS vs Jared REEDS vs Kay Gems NY vs Shane Co Gems NY vs Fascinating Diamonds Gems NY vs 25 Karats Gems NY vs Diamonds USA Gems NY vs Jared Gems NY vs Kay Shane Co vs Fascinating Diamonds Shane Co vs 25 Karats Shane Co vs Diamonds USA Shane Co vs Jared Shane Co vs Kay Fascinating Diamonds vs 25 Karats Fascinating Diamonds vs Diamonds USA Fascinating Diamonds vs Jared Fascinating Diamonds vs Kay 25 Karats vs Diamonds USA 25 Karats vs Jared 25 Karats vs Kay Diamonds USA vs Jared Diamonds USA vs Kay Jared vs Kay
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