Tuesday, February 18th
2025 Jewelry Store Reviews
Blue Nile
- Good selection of all types of jewelry
- Big emphasis on diamonds and other higher-end pieces
- Free virtual and showroom appointments
- Free shipping on all jewelry
- Free returns within 30 days of shipment
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty on all jewelry
- "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
- In business since 1999
Blue Nile, founded in 1999 by Mark Vadon, is an online jewelry retailer known for its wide selection of high-quality diamonds and engagement rings. You might find it interesting that Vadon started the company after a frustrating experience buying an engagement ring in a store.
Game changer
Blue Nile changed the jewelry game by offering an extensive inventory of conflict-free diamonds that you can view online with detailed images and information. They became famous for their competitive prices and transparent buying process, allowing you to choose the perfect jewelry based on your budget and preferences. Even without many physical locations, Blue Nile's online platform makes it easy for you to find stunning jewelry from the comfort of your home.
Lots of diamonds here, but other options too
Diamonds are definitely the focus at Blue Nile, particularly as set in engagement and wedding rings (and we've reviewed those categories separately, if you're interested!). But, the overall selection of other jewelry here is just as fun to shop, even if the inventory is a little smaller. We looked at earrings as an apples-to-apples way of comparing the jewelry stores in our review, and Blue Nile had almost 900 pairs to consider. On the most budget-friendly side of things, this jeweler had about a dozen earring sets under $100, like some adorable pyramid studs ($50) and "Tea Time” mismatched earrings ($70), both in sterling silver. Blue Nile also carries about two dozen earring choices in the $10K+ price range, with the most expensive being the Princess Cut Diamond Studs in 14K white gold and a total weight of 4 carats, coming in at $40,940.
Easy to see what could be shipped quickly
We really liked how any jewelry style here, including earrings, lets you set the "shipping date by” right away. Who doesn't know the feeling of trying to get a gift rush-delivered after forgetting an important special occasion? You can also use filters to see the jewelry that fits what you've got in mind in terms of diamond type, gemstones, pearls, birthstones, and overall style (like bangle bracelets or huggie earrings).
Customer reviews might be useful
While not all jewelry at Blue Nile has reviews, sometimes you can look at shopper feedback to know if the item is worth what you'll spend. For example, the Medium Hoop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold (2x34mm), priced at $580, had 48 reviews at the time of our visit that averaged 4 out of 5 stars. (We did notice that several of those ratings were duplicated multiple times, so that number of 48 ratings wasn't entirely accurate. Just FYI!)
Free virtual appointments
If you'd like a little one-on-one help deciding what jewelry to buy, just click on the "virtual appointment” button at the top of the Blue Nile site. You can take advantage of this service to pick out a diamond, get an up-close view of a necklace or earrings, or just ask any questions that are on your mind about the kind of jewelry you're shopping for. And, of course, if there's a Blue Nile near you, in-person showroom appointments can also be scheduled online.
Save with discounts and free shipping
If you'd like to save on your order, look for the "Save $50” box on the site. When you provide your email address, you'll get a coupon for $50 off an order of $500. Blue Nile sweetens the savings sitewide by always offering free shipping regardless of the order size. But, if you'd rather not ruin the surprise by having your jewelry delivered to your home (or you're protecting yourself from "porch pirates”), Blue Nile also has "hold for pickup” options at secure locations. Just look for that during the checkout process.
Free returns within 30 days
Blue Nile has the industry-standard 30-day return period, but they cover the cost of the return shipping and insurance. Just be aware that the jeweler only allows two complimentary returns per customer, per year.
Lifetime warranty against defects
Everything you buy at this jewelry store comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty. If something falls apart and Blue Nile determines it's due to a manufacturer defect, they'll either repair or replace your jewelry. But, if it's from regular wear-and-tear, they'll give you a quote for repair services when possible. You can also opt to insure your jewelry through Blue Nile's partnership with Jewelers Mutual, a reputable insurance company.
"A+” from the BBB
And reputation? Blue Nile has a perfect score with the Better Business Bureau, represented by an "A+” rating and accreditation. There were just over 100 complaints filed with the BBB regarding this jewelry store over the last 3 years, and they all received an appropriate, timely reply.
More complaints than in the past
But, we've felt the need to drop Blue Nile out of our #1 spot, because the number of complaints about them has been on the rise. There are still a lot of customers who love their Blue Nile jewelry - compliments written within a few weeks of our review mentioned the excellent customer service and satisfaction with the jewelry even years after the initial purchase. On Trustpilot, for example, almost 60% of the ratings left there are 5 stars. Unfortunately, however, 28% of the Trustpilot scores are just 1 star, and negative ratings were much more prevalent than the positive ones in the reviews we looked through in the months just prior to our visit to this online jewelry store. Complaints ranged from coupons that didn't apply discounts correctly to jewelry that wasn't in perfect condition even when newly taken from the box. All of those issues also got a timely response from Blue Nile, but we wish they hadn't occurred in the first place.
We'd still buy jewelry here
We're still optimistic that Blue Nile is a great place to buy jewelry. We're fans of the customer perks like free shipping and lifetime manufacturer warranty, and there's plenty of beautiful pieces to choose from. We're willing to hope that the more recent negative reviews are just a blip on Blue Nile's radar, and we still believe this jewelry store is worth a high rating, even if we can't keep it as our most recommended retailer.
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Where's the Best Place to Shop for Jewelry Online?
Jewelry has captivated humans for centuries, not just as shiny adornments but as meaningful symbols of love, status, and personal style. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs who wore gold and gemstones to symbolize their divine status, to the protective amulets of medieval Europe, jewelry has always been much more than mere decoration.
Today, people buy jewelry for various reasons: to celebrate milestones, express personal style, or even as investments. Whether it's a sparkling engagement ring or a simple bracelet that matches your favorite outfit, jewelry holds a special place in our lives.
Jewelry Store FAQ
Continued from above...
One big change in the world of jewelry is the ability to shop online. Have you ever gone to a brick-and-mortar jewelry store and felt pressured by a hovering salesperson? We have! It's not an enjoyable experience, but fortunately it's one that's easily avoided now. You can get access to the widest range of bracelets, earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, and any other kind of jewelry imaginable through online stores. Even the big-name jewelers' best selection is typically online.
Does the idea of buying your jewelry over the internet make you a little nervous? That's understandable, but the good news is that there are plenty of customer-centric policies and processes offered by online jewelers that should set your mind at ease. Some stores let you do a real-time inspection via video call, so you can see what you're buying from every angle.
Others let you ship your jewelry to a local store or an in-person partner location so you can see it up close and personal before you decide to commit to the purchase. And, the best online jewelry stores have generous return and exchange policies, often with free return shipping (or in-store returns if they have retail locations near you).
When diving into the world of online jewelry shopping, it's important to navigate with a bit of savvy to ensure you're getting something truly special. Here are a few criteria that can help you out as you decide where to shop:
- Overall selection. A wide range of products means you're more likely to find something that fits your style and budget. Seek jewelry stores with a variety of designs, from classic to contemporary.
- Reputation. Before you even add that stunning necklace to your cart, do a little detective work. Read customer reviews on multiple platforms: a store with lots of happy customers and glowing reviews is usually a good bet. Watch out for any recurring issues, like delayed shipping or poor customer service, which can be red flags.
- Return policy and warranty coverage. A solid return policy is your safety net. Look for stores that offer a generous return window and clear conditions for returns. Also, a good warranty can be a lifesaver. Check if the store offers warranties on their products and what they cover.
- Customer service. Friendly and responsive customer service can make a big difference, like being easy to contact and willing to answer your questions or address any concerns. Also, see if the jewelry store provides after-sales services like resizing, repairs, or cleaning. These services can help keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come.
To help you find the perfect piece of jewelry that not only looks fantastic but also stands the test of time, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and ranked some of today's most popular online jewelry stores. Take this information and let it guide your shopping the next time you need an amazing gift (maybe even for yourself!).
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