Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Zales vs Kay

Sunday, November 10th

2024 Engagement Ring Reviews

Zales Review 2 Star Rating

Zales

2 Star Rating
  • Wide selection of 5,000+ engagement rings for every budget
  • Prices range from under $100 to $48,999
  • Branded collections like Enchanted Disney and Vera Wang available
  • Free consultation online or in-store
  • Can design your own engagement ring
  • Free expedited shipping on orders of $199+
  • 30-day return policy
  • Lifetime diamond replacement if lost
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
  • In business since 1924

Zales, celebrating its 100th anniversary with over 400 stores nationwide, is part of the Signet Jewelers group. They offer over 5,000 engagement rings ranging from under $100 to nearly $49,000, including branded collections like Enchanted Disney and Vera Wang. Free consultations are available online or in-store, and you can often find discounts and special sales. Despite this, Zales starts to fall short due to a lack of customer reviews on its engagement rings, which makes it hard to rely on feedback. And, while Zales has an "A+" rating from the BBB, nearly 600 complaints over three years and numerous negative reviews highlight issues with service and unhonored warranties. Overall, Zales earns a mediocre rating due to poor post-purchase service and numerous complaints, making it less appealing for buying engagement rings.

Kay Review 2 Star Rating

Kay

2 Star Rating
  • Selection of 4,300+ engagement rings
  • Prices range from under $50 to nearly $70,000
  • Can design an engagement ring from scratch
  • Free consultations with jewelry experts (in-person or online)
  • 30-day return policy
  • 60-day exchange policy
  • Returns can be processed in-store or online
  • Exchanges must be done in-store
  • Over 100 years in business

Kay, part of Signet Jewelers, has been a major player in engagement rings for over 100 years, with over 1,000 stores in the US and an easy-to-navigate website. They offer a vast selection of over 4,300 rings, ranging from under $50 to nearly $70,000, and provide free consultations and customization options. Despite their catchy tagline ("Every kiss begins with Kay”) and user-friendly shopping filters, you should be cautious about the ring's quality and warranties (or lack thereof). Many customers report issues with appraisals, customer service, and warranty claims, making the lifetime protection plan a necessity to even try to have a good experience with your engagement ring post-purchase. Overall, Kay suffers from the numerous complaints it has received in recent months and over the years.

Where's the Best Place to Get an Engagement Ring Online?

Engagement rings are more than just a piece of jewelry; they symbolize love, commitment, and the promise of a shared future. In recent years, the trend of buying engagement rings online has grown significantly. According to a study by The Knot, around 39% of couples now purchase their engagement rings online.

It's true that online shopping offers a vast selection of rings from numerous jewelers worldwide, letting you to find unique designs that might not be available locally. Additionally, internet-based retailers often provide competitive pricing due to lower overhead costs, potentially saving you money. Many online jewelers also offer detailed information and educational resources to help you understand diamond quality and ring design, empowering you to make an informed decision from the comfort of your home.

The Best Engagement Rings Compare Engagement Rings Compare Engagement Ring Reviews What are the best Engagement Rings Best Engagement Ring Reviews

Engagement Ring FAQ

...because you want the world's best selection and pricing, not just the limited options at your local brick-and-mortar jewelry store! Whether you buy a ring that's ready-to-ship or you design the ring of your (or your fiancée's) dreams, you won't find more possibilities than what's offered online.
That varies widely by retailer and by ring. If you choose an engagement ring that's in stock and pay for expedited shipping, some online jewelers can have it to you the next day! On the other hand, if your perfect proposal involves a one-of-a-kind, customized ring that costs tens of thousands of dollars, it could take a month or more before it's ready. The best jewelers provide an estimated shipping timeframe right on each ring's description page.
Most jewelers ship engagement rings with ample insurance, making it risk-free even for the most high-end items. However, if you're concerned about "porch pirates” taking your ring from your doorstep or mailbox, you've got options: either opt for "signature required” delivery during checkout, or choose a jeweler that also has a retail location near you and have your order shipped to the store for in-person pickup.
Fear not. Engagement ring retailers usually include at least one free resizing, plus exchanges are almost always accepted within 30-60 days of purchase.
If you're considering a custom-designed engagement ring, you'll want to read the retailer's return policy very carefully before making your purchase. Some may allow for returns and exchanges while others may not. On the other hand, in-stock rings usually have a return policy ranging from 30-60 days from the date of purchase, and some online jewelers extend that timeframe during the winter holiday season.
More often than not, yes. Many jewelers automatically cover the diamond(s)or other gemstones, but you may need to add on a protection plan if you want coverage for loose prongs, resizing, or damage due to wear and tear (as opposed to manufacturer defects).
Usually, the financing options will be displayed near the price in the engagement ring's description or through a link at the bottom of the site. You may be offered a store credit card, an installment loan, or financing through a third-party partner.
That's a wise question to ask, because when it comes to engagement rings and online jewelers, "not all that glitters is gold”. Customer feedback is essential to determining where to buy this piece of jewelry that could very well become a family heirloom: look for a retailer with plenty of positive reviews, where shoppers say that the engagement rings were exactly as advertised (or better!) and that the customer service team handled any issues with professionalism and prompt attention. This is - hopefully! - a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, so choose a jeweler that will give you an unparalleled shopping experience.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome, where wives wore rings attached to small keys, symbolizing their husband's ownership. However, the modern tradition began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, sparking a trend among European nobility. The practice gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, particularly after De Beers' famous "A Diamond is Forever" campaign in 1947, which cemented diamonds as the quintessential symbol of eternal love.

The cost of an engagement ring can vary widely, but on average, couples in the United States spend around $5,500. This price can fluctuate based on factors like the size and quality of the diamond, the metal used for the band, and the ring's overall design. That may be more than you're hoping to spend, though, and fortunately many affordable options exist, allowing you to find a ring that suits your budget and style. But, don't worry: the sky's the limit if you're looking for something extraordinary and extravagant too.

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, several criteria can help guide your decision on where to make this important purchase:

  • Overall selection. Choose a jeweler that offers a wide variety of styles, settings, and stones. A diverse selection increases your chances of finding the perfect ring that matches your partner's taste and your budget.
  • Customization options. If you want a bespoke ring, go with a jeweler that offers customization services. Being able to design a ring from scratch or make adjustments to existing designs ensures the ring is truly one-of-a-kind.
  • Return policy. Look for a generous return policy that allows you to return or exchange the engagement ring if it doesn't meet your expectations (...or if you don't get the enthusiastic "YES!” you're hoping for). A flexible return policy provides the peace of mind that you're not stuck with a ring your beloved isn't completely happy with.
  • Warranty coverage. Make sure that the jeweler offers a comprehensive warranty that covers manufacturing defects and provides maintenance services like resizing and cleaning. A good warranty protects your investment and helps the engagement ring remain in excellent condition. Some online jewelers offer coverage even against normal wear-and-tear issues, typically within the first year of ownership.
  • Reputation. Research the jeweler's reputation by reading customer reviews and checking ratings on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot. A jeweler with a strong reputation is more likely to provide quality engagement rings and excellent customer service.

The ideal engagement ring is out there, waiting to symbolize your unique love story. To help you find it, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular online retailers, including the web storefronts of jewelers with brick-and-mortar locations you probably know. Best wishes for a picture-perfect proposal!

Compare Engagement Rings

Select any 2 Engagement Rings to compare them head to head

best-engagement-rings
  • James Allen
  • Reeds Jewelers
  • Blue Nile
  • Super Jeweler
  • Jewlr
  • Ross-Simons
  • Helzberg
  • Gabriel & Co
  • Szul
  • Zales
  • Kay
  • Jared
James Allen vs Reeds Jewelers James Allen vs Blue Nile James Allen vs Super Jeweler James Allen vs Jewlr James Allen vs Ross-Simons James Allen vs Helzberg James Allen vs Gabriel & Co James Allen vs Szul James Allen vs Zales James Allen vs Kay James Allen vs Jared Reeds Jewelers vs Blue Nile Reeds Jewelers vs Super Jeweler Reeds Jewelers vs Jewlr Reeds Jewelers vs Ross-Simons Reeds Jewelers vs Helzberg Reeds Jewelers vs Gabriel & Co Reeds Jewelers vs Szul Reeds Jewelers vs Zales Reeds Jewelers vs Kay Reeds Jewelers vs Jared Blue Nile vs Super Jeweler Blue Nile vs Jewlr Blue Nile vs Ross-Simons Blue Nile vs Helzberg Blue Nile vs Gabriel & Co Blue Nile vs Szul Blue Nile vs Zales Blue Nile vs Kay Blue Nile vs Jared Super Jeweler vs Jewlr Super Jeweler vs Ross-Simons Super Jeweler vs Helzberg Super Jeweler vs Gabriel & Co Super Jeweler vs Szul Super Jeweler vs Zales Super Jeweler vs Kay Super Jeweler vs Jared Jewlr vs Ross-Simons Jewlr vs Helzberg Jewlr vs Gabriel & Co Jewlr vs Szul Jewlr vs Zales Jewlr vs Kay Jewlr vs Jared Ross-Simons vs Helzberg Ross-Simons vs Gabriel & Co Ross-Simons vs Szul Ross-Simons vs Zales Ross-Simons vs Kay Ross-Simons vs Jared Helzberg vs Gabriel & Co Helzberg vs Szul Helzberg vs Zales Helzberg vs Kay Helzberg vs Jared Gabriel & Co vs Szul Gabriel & Co vs Zales Gabriel & Co vs Kay Gabriel & Co vs Jared Szul vs Zales Szul vs Kay Szul vs Jared Zales vs Kay Zales vs Jared Kay vs Jared
Compare the Best Engagement Rings
- VS -
Review the Best Engagement Rings
The Best Reviews of Engagement Rings