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Kay Review

Sunday, November 10th

2024 Diamond Store Reviews

Kay Review 2 Star Rating

Kay

2 Star Rating
  • Just under 100,000 diamonds
  • Prices range from $1,220 to $1,963,000
  • Both natural and lab-grown stones available
  • Almost all diamonds certified by AGS, GIA, or IGI
  • 360° view of every stone
  • Free initial resize
  • Free UPS shipping or ship-to-store

Are you contemplating a significant purchase, perhaps a glittering diamond, and feeling drawn to the allure of a renowned brand like Kay Jewelers? You've likely heard the catchy jingle, "Every kiss begins with K(ay)," but is it truly worthwhile to explore the world of diamonds at this retailer? Let's delve into what you can expect.

Lowest-ranked of the four Signet Jewelers' brands

To begin with, it's essential to highlight that Kay is one of the four diamond retailers included in our list that are affiliated with Signet Jewelers as their parent company. Consequently, you'll encounter a lot of uniformity in the overall structure and shopping experience with these online shops. It's possible that if you're exploring multiple stores within this group and attempting to draw comparisons, you might find it hard to remember which is which. However, despite their shared corporate ownership, each retailer possesses its own unique features that help it distinguish itself from the rest (and not always in ways that are positive). Let's see why Kay is the lowest on our list among the four Signet brands.

No surprises with the shopping experience

When you venture into the realm of online diamond shopping at Kay, your experience will closely mirror that of its sister stores: using the online diamond search tool, you have the familiar filters at your disposal to refine your options based on cut, color, clarity, and more. Every diamond comes to life through the 360° view, allowing you to inspect it from all angles.

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Fantastic selection of diamonds

We did spot some improvements since our last evaluation of Kay as an option for buying diamonds. For one, their inventory now includes lab-created diamonds, bringing the total selection of stones to just under 100,000 with prices ranging from $1,220 to nearly $2M.

Diamonds in settings only, and even that's limited

As you explore and discover a diamond here that captures your interest, you'll find all the pertinent details: descriptions, specifications, certifications, and more. Unfortunately, there's no way to buy a diamond alone: Kay essentially requires to be buying a diamond strictly for setting in a ring, and even then the options can be extremely limited. For instance, when we selected a heart-shaped stone, we were given no matching settings - and no obvious way to buy just the diamond and have it set somewhere else.

Some plusses with a jeweler that has in person options

But, maybe you like the idea of being able to design a ring online and have it delivered to a local Kay location near you. That's understandable: with something as expensive (and important) as a diamond ring, why not have it held safely for you instead of exposing it to porch pirates? Kay will even do the gift wrapping for free, if that's not your forte either. You can also get a complimentary one-time resize on your diamond ring here: another perk of buying from a jeweler with retail locations nationwide.

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Kay's reputation is a little sketchy

However, we have to acknowledge some significant concerns associated with Kay Jewelers. Despite parent company Signet Jewelers maintaining an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, this reputation definitely doesn't extend to every brand within their portfolio. In the not-too-distant past, media exposés levied accusations at Kay, alleging the substitution of diamonds in their jewelry, particularly rings and items brought in for repair, which were allegedly returned with lower-value stones. Although these allegations were refuted, they still leave a lingering unease when contemplating a substantial investment like a diamond.

Worst of the Signet brands

Customer feedback about Kay Jewelers doesn't overwhelmingly lean toward the positive side either. Prices are often higher compared to their online counterparts, and shoppers have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of completed rings and ring sets. In fact, when you go to the BBB listing for Signet and start skimming through the 700+ complaints there, almost all of them specifically mention Kay. Orders arrive late, stones are loose, and so on - and Kay representatives don't exactly seem to be in a hurry to make things right.

Say "no way” to Kay

We get it: it can be scary to purchase a diamond (especially as part of an engagement set) sight-unseen, and that makes Kay feel like a safe bet because they've got a location at a mall near you. However, we encourage you to get past that feeling and take a look at the higher-ranking diamond stores on our list - because you'll not only get a diamond you love (with many more options for settings or even buying just the stone itself), but you'll get much better service too. Kay just doesn't have much going for it other than the name recognition, and that's not worth very much.

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.

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