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Sunday, November 10th
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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