While we consider Blue Nile to present an extensive range of custom engagement rings and fine jewellery, we’re unimpressed by what they offer in crucial areas. Based on our research, we can’t recommend Blue Nile to you if you’re looking for durable and sustainable jewellery or an excellent standard of customer service.
Customer reviews revealed what we consider to be troubling quality trends, particularly including loose stones and cracked settings. Our tests confirmed some of these issues, with the hidden halo stones of Blue Nile’s ring falling out during our stress tests. Despite some positives, the overall craftsmanship fell short compared to the other rings we tested. In our opinion, a ring should endure daily wear without the risks observed here, which raises our concerns about the long term reliability of Blue Nile’s products.
Blue Nile’s value sits below the average of the other jewellers we’ve reviewed. Their rings are priced 16% higher than the other jewellers we’ve researched, yet, in our opinion, they fail to meet the quality standards we’d expect for the cost. While their resizing and cleaning policies are above average, these strengths are overshadowed by their reportedly poor ring quality and the higher overall expense. For what you’re paying, it’s our opinion that you should be able to expect better.
Blue Nile doesn’t participate in carbon offset programs or community support initiatives, which, in our opinion, evidences a lower effort when compared to the other jewellers we’ve researched. They do offer lab grown diamonds but continue to sell mined diamonds, which we associate with significant environmental and social harms.
While Blue Nile’s in-person and online customer service has its strengths (friendly consultants and quick online chat responses), we found the consistency of these services to be significantly lacking. At the time of our research, customer reviews frequently mentioned difficulty with post-purchase support, especially around returns and resizing, which we consider to be concerning for such an important purchase. We found educational value during consultations to be limited, and we considered the online experience to be marred by misrepresented product imagery.
Blue Nile’s poor ring quality, inconsistent customer service, and lack of ethical initiatives outweigh their few strengths in our opinion. While their functional website and wide product range may initially appeal, we consider that the risks associated with their offerings should be considered carefully. We recommend exploring other jewellers that prioritise quality, overall value, and ethics- our research can confidently determine that Blue Nile is not one of them.
OVERALL SCORE:
6.2
10
Not Recommended
Grown Brilliance is a relatively new entry to the jewellery market, specialising in lab grown diamond engagement rings designed in New York and manufactured in India. While we found positives to their offerings, our research suggests a need to consider Grown Brilliance with caution. Let’s dive into the key points.
The ring quality at Grown Brilliance seems average to us, and while their designs show promise, we found that recurring issues presented themselves. Customers have reported issues with loose or crooked stones, which we find concerning. Our tests highlighted inconsistencies in polish and overall craftsmanship, and proven details like uneven claws and minor porosity detracted from the product in our opinion. While some test results were reassuring, what we considered to be subtle issues in the setting suggested to us that their rings may not have the durability to last a lifetime.
When it comes to value, Grown Brilliance appears to offer above-average affordability compared to the jewellers we’ve reviewed, which we consider to be a win for you if you’re budget-conscious. However, we found that the savings come with trade-offs in areas like post-purchase care and accessibility for international clients. For example, resizing is free for US-based clients, but global clients are left out entirely, which, in our opinion, feels shortsighted for a company selling to several countries. Overall, when factoring in potential additional costs over the lifetime of a Grown Brilliance engagement ring, we considered them to only offer average value overall.
To us, experiences as a buyer at Grown Brilliance seemed to be relatively mixed. Our 3rd party mystery shopper’s in-store appointment revealed what appeared to be a strength, with knowledgeable staff and a comfortable consultation environment, though the lack of proper lighting for showcasing diamonds was an unexpected and avoidable inconvenience in our opinion. Online, we found that their website offers transparent pricing and a decent product selection, but the customisation tool suffers from glitches, and there are some inaccuracies when it comes to product imagery. Communication, both before and after purchase, is another area where inconsistency seems common, in our experience. Additionally, in reviews, some customers reported smooth interactions, while others highlighted delays and a lack of clarity during returns or servicing.
In our opinion, when it comes to sustainability, Grown Brilliance does well in certain areas, exclusively using lab-grown diamonds and claiming to have a carbon-neutral supply chain. However, the lack of specificity in these areas raises our doubts. We consider that their public contributions, while they might be commendable, lack transparency around impact and scale.
In summary, Grown Brilliance’s offerings may appeal to you if you’re based in the US and looking for a budget-friendly jeweller that offers lab grown diamonds. However, in our opinion, their inconsistent quality control, limited international support, and patchy communication may leave you wanting more. If reliability and comprehensive service are high on your priority list, we recommend that you consider exploring other higher rated jewellers that may be better equipped to meet those needs.
What Our Scores Mean
Strongly Recommended (9 – 10)
This jeweller represents the very best in the industry. They set the gold standard. You can
choose this jeweller with confidence, knowing you’re in the best hands.
Recommended (8 - 8.9)
This jeweller is well above average in all key areas - they certainly deserve a spot on your
shortlist. A great option for most buyers.
Caution Advised (7 - 7.9)
This jeweller has a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Consider them if they align with your
priorities, but be aware of potential trade-offs. Proceed with caution.
Not Recommended (0 - 6.9)
We’ve identified significant concerns with this jeweller. They fail to meet the standards we
expect. For your peace of mind, we recommend exploring other options.
Ring Quality
We read customer feedback and put each ring through a six-step durability test. We analyse build quality, polish, and metal to ensure the ring can stand the test of time (and everyday wear).
SCORE:
2.6
10
SCORE:
3.3
10
Value
We consider upfront costs and hidden expenses. We account for shipping, resizing, servicing, warranty, and international duties. We also factor in ring quality and the likelihood that you’ll need to pay for repairs down the track.
SCORE:
3.9
10
SCORE:
5.7
10
Customer Experience
We factor in the customer service, appointment experience, ordering process, website, online communication, post-purchase care, and education offered by the jeweller.
SCORE:
6.4
10
SCORE:
7.5
10
Sustainability
We assess carbon reduction efforts, sustainable material sourcing, and charitable contributions.
SCORE:
0
10
SCORE:
6.7
10
The Nitty Gritty
From customisation options to production times, warranties, shipping and returns policies, and international accessibility, we decode the small details for you.
SCORE:
6.2
10
SCORE:
5.6
10
Reviews
We read Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Glassdoor reviews to learn about customer and employee experiences. In particular, we read reviews specifically related to customer service, online communication, post-purchase care, production and shipping.
SCORE:
6.7
10
SCORE:
5.7
10
Conclusion
For customers who appreciate a highly functional online purchasing experience, as well as relatively good customer service, Blue Nile may be a suitable option. They additionally provide above average post-purchase care, and have one of the best returns policies available.
Although Blue Nile can be encouraged by these strengths, we have found some clear areas for growth. In our opinion, Blue Nile’s ring quality and online communication need focused attention. This, in turn, will likely result in an improved overall value. We also consider that Blue Nile must turn outward and improve its ethics and sustainability procedures to be more impactful and intentional.
All in all, we can’t recommend Blue Nile. In our opinion, their weaknesses outweigh their strengths.
If you would like to determine which jewellers stand out above the rest for their excellence and customer care, we would recommend reviewing our rankings to see which jeweller best suits your needs.
We’ve found that the offerings of Grown Brilliance seem to most suit US-based customers rather than those that live outside of the US. Where Grown Brilliance does have some good sustainability and community initiatives, in our opinion they don’t stand out among other jewellers, some who we consider to be much more transparent about how they give back to the environment. Attending in-person appointments seems to be a positive experience across the board, but this goes for most jewellers in our experience.
We consider that Grown Brilliance may need to improve on expanding their services to include international customers, as well as following through on their promises by maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their communication, primarily online.
For these reasons, if you’re considering making a purchase from Grown Brilliance, we recommend doing so with caution.
If you would like to determine which jewellers stand out above the rest for their excellence and customer care, we would recommend viewing our rankings to see which jeweller best suits your needs.
Explore Our Top Rated Jeweller.
If reading this review has left you wondering where to look next, your're not alone. Read the review on our Top Rated jeweller, Cullen Jewellery - known for exceptional craftsmanship, lab-grown diamonds, and service that goes above and beyond.
