Wednesday, December 4th
2024 Jewelry Store Reviews
Kay
- Thousands of options for rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more
- Pricing ranges from under $50 to over $40,000
- Free consultation with jewelry expert (in person on online)
- 30-day return policy
- 60-day exchange policy (30 days on watches)
- Returns can be done in-store or online
- Exchanges must be done in-store
- In business for over 100 years
As part of Signet Jewelers, Kay has been in business for over 100 years, providing jewelry for every "oKAYsion” (if you can pardon the pun). With over 1,000 stores throughout the US and an easy-to-shop online inventory, Kay is one of the most well-known jewelry stores on the market. But, while "every kiss begins with Kay” is a cute tagline, will you still feel all the love towards this retailer after you've been wearing your ring, bracelet, necklace, or earrings for several months? Maybe not.
Help stands at the ready
Most of the stores in the Signet Jewelers' brand family offer free consultations with jewelry experts, and Kay is no exception. In fact, their offerings are a little more robust than some of its "siblings”: you can get started with an immediate online chat, schedule a future appointment in person or online, get help via toll-free number, or even send a message on WhatsApp. Whether you need help finding the perfect jewelry or want to design something from scratch, you can easily get it at Kay.
Check out the ways to save
Want to save a bit on your bling? As you browse the Kay site, you may get a pop-up discount offer of $25 off your order of $99+ if you provide your email address. It's valid only if you're a first-time subscriber, and there are quite a few exceptions (like many diamond solitaire rings, brands like Kate Spade and Coach, and specially-priced items, to name some). There's also a banner at the top of the site that tells you if there are any deals in place: at the time of our visit, there was an extra 15% off on clearance items at Kay, 40% off on certain gold jewelry, a plug for the 10% military discount (ongoing, not limited-time offer), and more.
Not just for engagement and wedding rings
It's true that there's a lot of emphasis on engagement and wedding rings at Kay, but that's not all they sell (and we've reviewed those separately, if you're interested). From everyday-wear earrings to special occasion necklaces and bracelets, Kay's inventory covers all of the bases.
Spend as little or as much as you want
We took a peek at the earring selection to see what Kay brings to the table, and we were impressed to see over 3,500 options. On the low end of the price spectrum, Kay offers quite a few options under $50, like sterling silver anchors and some simple "endless” hoop earrings in 14K yellow gold. Or, if you're looking to go big, Kay won't let you down: they had several options by Le Vian and THE LEO in the $15K to $20K range, and a pair of diamond dangles for just shy of $45,000. Clearly, there's something for everyone here.
Useful filters for faster shopping
The filters at Kay are another tool that will help you find the jewelry you're shopping for. In a hurry? Don't forget to click on the "Get It Fast” filter. You can also narrow things down by jewelry type, style, gender, price, options that can be personalized, and much more. Also, don't forget to specify your nearest Kay location: that way, you can see your options for picking up your online order or getting same-day delivery wherever you are.
See how the jewelry would look on you
We'd like to say you can look at customer reviews as you browse the results, but unfortunately those don't show up until you click on something that interests you (and that's assuming the jewelry you like has any reviews; we didn't spot many pieces with more than a couple dozen ratings at Kay). On the other hand, there's a cool "see it on” tool for most of the jewelry here: you can see what it looks like on a model, or scan the QR code to see what it looks like on yourself.
Read the details to avoid unpleasant surprises later
We encourage you to dig really deep into the details of the jewelry you like at Kay, because there may be some surprises. When we asked to see some of Kay's most popular items (by clicking on the "shop 5-star styles” link towards the bottom of the home page), the Memories Magic Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring caught our eye. It had over two dozen ratings, all 5 stars, so we were unpleasantly surprised to read "this item is electroplated with rhodium or finished with an e-coating. These finishes may wear off with frequent use.” Is that what you'd expect for a ring that costs $2,500? We didn't!
You'll want the lifetime protection policy
You'll also want to pay very close attention to any warranty details. The return window is only 30 days, and unless you pay extra for the lifetime protection plan (which also comes with free ring sizing and a one-time engraving), you could be out of luck if your diamond falls out or your clasp breaks.
Way too many complaints
Despite its affiliation with Signet Jewelers, Kay's "A+” rated-by-the-BBB parent company, this jewelry store's reputation is almost as bad as it gets. Whether you look at feedback for specific store locations or for the jeweler as a whole, you're not likely to find anything higher than 2 stars. Here's a selection of some of the complaints registered against Kay: "My ring only sold for half of what Kay told me it was worth; they said it was a diamond but it was mostly quartz.” "No one would help me when my $6,500 ring was delivered to the wrong address.” "They refused to honor the warranty even though I had my ring inspected every 6 months.” "My bracelet broke within a month.” And those are just a fraction of the rants we found... from the two months leading up to this evaluation.
Every kiss shouldn't begin with Kay
We just can't recommend Kay as a jewelry store you can trust. In a recent thread online, a customer asked "Has anyone had a GOOD experience with Kay?” and there were very few responses in the affirmative (and some of those may have been too early on in the customer experience to have had an issue yet). You want jewelry that's going to last as long as your love does (even if that's your love for yourself), and unfortunately you'll probably be wanting to break up with Kay pretty early on. Despite the convenience of in-person locations throughout America, Kay doesn't earn a higher rating from us for their online shopping experience.
More Jewelry Store Reviews
The 12 Best Jewelry Stores
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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