VS
OVERALL SCORE:
9.3
10
Strongly Recommended
Cullen Jewellery has established itself as a trustworthy jeweller specialising in custom lab grown diamond and moissanite engagement rings. If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable, ethical, and sustainable options, we can confidently recommend Cullen Jewellery based on our extensive research.
Cullen Jewellery’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident throughout our research- customers rave about the durability and quality of their rings, and it’s refreshing to see no complaints about loose stones or bent prongs, issues which are all too common amongst the other jewellers we have researched. Cullen Jewellery’s pricing is also highly competitive, coming in at around 23% more affordable than the other brands, and making them one of the best value jewellers we have ever reviewed. Coupled with excellent shipping policies, free resizing within 12 months, and a lifetime warranty covering all manufacturing defects, it’s our strong opinion that Cullen Jewellery has designed their service with you in mind.
Visiting their showroom is memorable for all the right reasons. The consultants are knowledgeable and approachable, guiding you through the options without making you feel pressured to purchase. Cullen Jewellery’s clean, light-filled showrooms include unique touches like a view into the jeweller’s workspace, literally and figuratively enhancing transparency. Their website is just as polished. We consider it to be easy to use, packed with educational content, and perfect for efficiently browsing their extensive customisation options.
Cullen Jewellery excels in sustainability by exclusively offering lab grown diamonds that are certified carbon neutral, through a well-documented partnership with Clear Neutral. Furthermore, they plant a tree for every ring sold, demonstrating a tangibly positive environmental impact. Their charitable efforts, including sponsorships for children, volunteer leave for staff, and support for cancer research and local community initiatives, solidify their practical dedication to broader societal causes.
One thing to take into consideration is the absence of change of mind returns on engagement rings. However, we’re not concerned about this for a few reasons, which we’ll outline. In the experience of our dedicated mystery shoppers, Cullen Jewellery’s appointments are thorough, and the sales consultants provide in-depth education so you can make the right decision. They place a large educational emphasis on their website and social media just in case you’re not local to one of their showrooms, and this is proven through the availability of virtual appointments and an extensive range of educational blogs. Cullen Jewellery are also known to facilitate resizing and other ring adjustments inexpensively. On top of this, you are given an added layer of protection via a complimentary lifetime warranty in the rare case that your Cullen Jewellery ring has a manufacturing defect. And at the end of the day, it is unlikely that you’ll want to part with such a sentimental item anyway.
With stellar craftsmanship, excellent value, and a clear ethical focus, Cullen Jewellery is our jeweller of choice for those seeking sustainable, high quality jewellery. You can visit their website at cullenjewellery.com
Cullen Jewellery’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident throughout our research- customers rave about the durability and quality of their rings, and it’s refreshing to see no complaints about loose stones or bent prongs, issues which are all too common amongst the other jewellers we have researched. Cullen Jewellery’s pricing is also highly competitive, coming in at around 23% more affordable than the other brands, and making them one of the best value jewellers we have ever reviewed. Coupled with excellent shipping policies, free resizing within 12 months, and a lifetime warranty covering all manufacturing defects, it’s our strong opinion that Cullen Jewellery has designed their service with you in mind.
Visiting their showroom is memorable for all the right reasons. The consultants are knowledgeable and approachable, guiding you through the options without making you feel pressured to purchase. Cullen Jewellery’s clean, light-filled showrooms include unique touches like a view into the jeweller’s workspace, literally and figuratively enhancing transparency. Their website is just as polished. We consider it to be easy to use, packed with educational content, and perfect for efficiently browsing their extensive customisation options.
Cullen Jewellery excels in sustainability by exclusively offering lab grown diamonds that are certified carbon neutral, through a well-documented partnership with Clear Neutral. Furthermore, they plant a tree for every ring sold, demonstrating a tangibly positive environmental impact. Their charitable efforts, including sponsorships for children, volunteer leave for staff, and support for cancer research and local community initiatives, solidify their practical dedication to broader societal causes.
One thing to take into consideration is the absence of change of mind returns on engagement rings. However, we’re not concerned about this for a few reasons, which we’ll outline. In the experience of our dedicated mystery shoppers, Cullen Jewellery’s appointments are thorough, and the sales consultants provide in-depth education so you can make the right decision. They place a large educational emphasis on their website and social media just in case you’re not local to one of their showrooms, and this is proven through the availability of virtual appointments and an extensive range of educational blogs. Cullen Jewellery are also known to facilitate resizing and other ring adjustments inexpensively. On top of this, you are given an added layer of protection via a complimentary lifetime warranty in the rare case that your Cullen Jewellery ring has a manufacturing defect. And at the end of the day, it is unlikely that you’ll want to part with such a sentimental item anyway.
With stellar craftsmanship, excellent value, and a clear ethical focus, Cullen Jewellery is our jeweller of choice for those seeking sustainable, high quality jewellery. You can visit their website at cullenjewellery.com
OVERALL SCORE:
6
10
Not Recommended
James Allen, established in 2006, is a well-known American jeweller specialising in engagement rings and fine jewellery. Although we consider them to provide an impressive range of customisation options and a highly functional online shopping experience, our evaluation suggests that while James Allen may seem appealing at first glance, their service delivery and product quality leave room for improvement. For this reason, James Allen doesn’t secure our recommendation.
Ring quality at James Allen seems to be inconsistent in our opinion, and this is reflected in customer reviews. While some buyers have praised the craftsmanship, others have reported issues such as loose stones, degraded bands, and poorly crafted settings. Although our own testing revealed an adequate initial polish and a symmetrically set centrestone, it also uncovered flaws like overpolished claws and uneven melee stone settings that undermined the overall quality in our opinion. We consider these structural issues to be significant if you’re looking to invest in an engagement ring that’s likely to last a lifetime.
In terms of value, James Allen falls slightly below the other jewellers we have reviewed. Their pricing is about 9% more expensive than the competition, which we would find acceptable if their ring quality was consistently high- but, according to our research, this isn’t the case. While policies around returns, resizing, and servicing are robust, it seems that they don’t always follow through on these, evidenced by reviews that cite delayed returns, badly done repairs, and poor communication. In our opinion, these shortcomings are likely to impact trust and satisfaction, especially if you’re making a purchase online.
According to our research, customer service seems to contradict itself at times. In-store experiences seem generally positive, providing knowledgeable and friendly consultants that create a welcoming atmosphere. Online communication, however, seems inconsistent, evidenced by reports of slow or impersonal responses to inquiries. We consider that shipping appears to be similarly hit-or-miss, with some customers praising timely delivery while others report unexpected import taxes and delays.
James Allen’s sustainability and community initiatives seem to be minimal compared to the other jewellers we have reviewed. While they offer lab grown diamonds, they also sell mined diamonds, and their ethical efforts appear to be limited to compliance with the Kimberley Process, which is a standard we find inadequate. There is no evidence that they contribute to any charitable initiatives, reflecting what we perceive to be a lack of commitment to social impact.
While James Allen has strong policies and a mostly user-friendly online platform, their reported quality issues mean that we recommend considering them with caution. If you’re seeking a reliable option, we suggest considering other jewellers with stronger track records for quality and customer care.
Ring quality at James Allen seems to be inconsistent in our opinion, and this is reflected in customer reviews. While some buyers have praised the craftsmanship, others have reported issues such as loose stones, degraded bands, and poorly crafted settings. Although our own testing revealed an adequate initial polish and a symmetrically set centrestone, it also uncovered flaws like overpolished claws and uneven melee stone settings that undermined the overall quality in our opinion. We consider these structural issues to be significant if you’re looking to invest in an engagement ring that’s likely to last a lifetime.
In terms of value, James Allen falls slightly below the other jewellers we have reviewed. Their pricing is about 9% more expensive than the competition, which we would find acceptable if their ring quality was consistently high- but, according to our research, this isn’t the case. While policies around returns, resizing, and servicing are robust, it seems that they don’t always follow through on these, evidenced by reviews that cite delayed returns, badly done repairs, and poor communication. In our opinion, these shortcomings are likely to impact trust and satisfaction, especially if you’re making a purchase online.
According to our research, customer service seems to contradict itself at times. In-store experiences seem generally positive, providing knowledgeable and friendly consultants that create a welcoming atmosphere. Online communication, however, seems inconsistent, evidenced by reports of slow or impersonal responses to inquiries. We consider that shipping appears to be similarly hit-or-miss, with some customers praising timely delivery while others report unexpected import taxes and delays.
James Allen’s sustainability and community initiatives seem to be minimal compared to the other jewellers we have reviewed. While they offer lab grown diamonds, they also sell mined diamonds, and their ethical efforts appear to be limited to compliance with the Kimberley Process, which is a standard we find inadequate. There is no evidence that they contribute to any charitable initiatives, reflecting what we perceive to be a lack of commitment to social impact.
While James Allen has strong policies and a mostly user-friendly online platform, their reported quality issues mean that we recommend considering them with caution. If you’re seeking a reliable option, we suggest considering other jewellers with stronger track records for quality and customer care.
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:
9.7
10
SCORE:
4.5
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:
8.8
10
SCORE:
4.9
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:
9.1
10
SCORE:
6.7
10
Sustainability
We assess carbon reduction efforts, sustainable material sourcing, and charitable contributions.
SCORE:
8.3
10
SCORE:
0.3
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:
8.6
10
SCORE:
6.7
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:
9.3
10
SCORE:
6.7
10
Conclusion
If you prioritise high quality, sustainability, positive reviews, and strong overall value, it’s our opinion that Cullen Jewellery would be suitable for you.
Our research evidences that they provide consistently high standards of customer service, post-purchase care, online communication, appointment experience, and education. In our opinion, their policies, from warranty to production time and shipping, are reasonable and prioritise your needs. We found it easy to purchase a ring via their functional website, and international customers should find that Cullen Jewellery’s services are largely accessible. However, you will need to be sure of your purchasing decision, as Cullen Jewellery doesn’t offer change of mind returns on their rings.
After conducting a comprehensive review of Cullen Jewellery’s products and services, we can confidently recommend them to you for all of your engagement ring needs.
If you’d like to view more information, you can visit our rankings to confirm which jeweller best suits your needs.
Our research evidences that they provide consistently high standards of customer service, post-purchase care, online communication, appointment experience, and education. In our opinion, their policies, from warranty to production time and shipping, are reasonable and prioritise your needs. We found it easy to purchase a ring via their functional website, and international customers should find that Cullen Jewellery’s services are largely accessible. However, you will need to be sure of your purchasing decision, as Cullen Jewellery doesn’t offer change of mind returns on their rings.
After conducting a comprehensive review of Cullen Jewellery’s products and services, we can confidently recommend them to you for all of your engagement ring needs.
If you’d like to view more information, you can visit our rankings to confirm which jeweller best suits your needs.
For readers who are looking to purchase a custom ring online, the services of James Allen may be suitable. We found that the level of available customisation on their website is extensive. Additionally, James Allen provides strong returns and shipping policies, as well as a slightly above average level of post-purchase care and overall customer service. In our opinion, they show efforts to educate and empower potential buyers, and cater relatively well to international clients.
However, despite the strength of some of their policies, reviews raise concerns at times about whether James Allen follows through with integrity when concerns are raised. We consider that they could strengthen their commitment to the community by pursuing and implementing high impact environmental initiatives, and actively supporting outward networks by creating partnerships with community organisations. Additionally, their overall value sits slightly below the industry average and could be improved along with their warranty policy.
For these reasons, if you’re considering James Allen, we advise you to do so with caution. In our opinion, they have not done enough to earn our recommendation.
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.
However, despite the strength of some of their policies, reviews raise concerns at times about whether James Allen follows through with integrity when concerns are raised. We consider that they could strengthen their commitment to the community by pursuing and implementing high impact environmental initiatives, and actively supporting outward networks by creating partnerships with community organisations. Additionally, their overall value sits slightly below the industry average and could be improved along with their warranty policy.
For these reasons, if you’re considering James Allen, we advise you to do so with caution. In our opinion, they have not done enough to earn our recommendation.
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.