VS
OVERALL SCORE
9.3
10
Strongly Recommended
Last updated: November 2, 2024
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 Strongly 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. For this reason, Cullen Jewellery is Strongly Recommended for purchasing your engagement ring.
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. For this reason, Cullen Jewellery is Strongly Recommended for purchasing your engagement ring.
You can visit their website at cullenjewellery.com
OVERALL SCORE
5.9
10
Not Recommended
Last updated: January 6, 2025
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, we Don't Recommend James Allen.
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 Don't Recommend them. 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 Don't Recommend them. 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
4.3
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
8.8
10
SCORE
4.8
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
For anyone seeking a custom, responsibly made engagement ring with exceptional craftsmanship and dependable service, we Strongly Recommend Cullen Jewellery.
Cullen Jewellery has firmly established itself as one of the most trustworthy and value-driven jewellers in the industry. Their rings—crafted with lab grown diamonds, moissanite, and other lab grown gemstones—consistently stand out in both quality and durability, and their customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 98.5% of over 7,000 reviews rated five stars. In our own hands-on testing, their ring outperformed every other we assessed, showing impressive resilience under rigorous conditions with expert stone setting, thoughtful design, and flawless structural integrity.
Their value is exceptional, with rings averaging 23% more affordable than competitors, without compromising on quality or service. This is further supported by generous aftercare policies, including free resizing within 12 months, complimentary ultrasonic cleaning, and a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects—all of which demonstrate a strong focus on long-term customer satisfaction.
Cullen Jewellery also sets the bar in customer experience. Mystery shoppers consistently reported warm, educational, and pressure-free consultations, while online communication was prompt, thorough, and informative. Their light-filled showrooms offer visibility into the jeweller’s workspace—literally enhancing transparency—and their website is clean, informative, and easy to navigate. Even post-purchase care receives glowing reviews, with customers highlighting ease of servicing and regular updates throughout the crafting process.
Where Cullen Jewellery truly shines is in its sustainable and community driven leadership. They exclusively sell carbon-neutral lab grown diamonds through a transparent partnership with Clear Neutral, plant a tree for every ring sold, and support meaningful causes such as cancer research and children’s sponsorship programs. They also offer paid volunteer leave to staff and regularly donate to organisations including the National Breast Cancer Foundation and The Otis Foundation.
One consideration is that Cullen Jewellery does not offer change-of-mind returns on engagement rings. However, in our opinion, their educational resources, detailed consultations, and outstanding build quality reduce the likelihood of buyer regret. Their policy is clearly communicated, and in practice, clients receive comprehensive support and post-sale flexibility if adjustments are needed.
In summary, Cullen Jewellery excels across every category that matters—ring quality, customer service, ethical responsibility, and overall value. They are one of the few jewellers we feel confident recommending without hesitation.
Cullen Jewellery is Strongly Recommended for those seeking a meaningful, well-crafted, and sustainable engagement ring.
If you would like to learn more about Cullen Jewellery you can visit their website cullenjewellery.com
Cullen Jewellery has firmly established itself as one of the most trustworthy and value-driven jewellers in the industry. Their rings—crafted with lab grown diamonds, moissanite, and other lab grown gemstones—consistently stand out in both quality and durability, and their customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 98.5% of over 7,000 reviews rated five stars. In our own hands-on testing, their ring outperformed every other we assessed, showing impressive resilience under rigorous conditions with expert stone setting, thoughtful design, and flawless structural integrity.
Their value is exceptional, with rings averaging 23% more affordable than competitors, without compromising on quality or service. This is further supported by generous aftercare policies, including free resizing within 12 months, complimentary ultrasonic cleaning, and a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects—all of which demonstrate a strong focus on long-term customer satisfaction.
Cullen Jewellery also sets the bar in customer experience. Mystery shoppers consistently reported warm, educational, and pressure-free consultations, while online communication was prompt, thorough, and informative. Their light-filled showrooms offer visibility into the jeweller’s workspace—literally enhancing transparency—and their website is clean, informative, and easy to navigate. Even post-purchase care receives glowing reviews, with customers highlighting ease of servicing and regular updates throughout the crafting process.
Where Cullen Jewellery truly shines is in its sustainable and community driven leadership. They exclusively sell carbon-neutral lab grown diamonds through a transparent partnership with Clear Neutral, plant a tree for every ring sold, and support meaningful causes such as cancer research and children’s sponsorship programs. They also offer paid volunteer leave to staff and regularly donate to organisations including the National Breast Cancer Foundation and The Otis Foundation.
One consideration is that Cullen Jewellery does not offer change-of-mind returns on engagement rings. However, in our opinion, their educational resources, detailed consultations, and outstanding build quality reduce the likelihood of buyer regret. Their policy is clearly communicated, and in practice, clients receive comprehensive support and post-sale flexibility if adjustments are needed.
In summary, Cullen Jewellery excels across every category that matters—ring quality, customer service, ethical responsibility, and overall value. They are one of the few jewellers we feel confident recommending without hesitation.
Cullen Jewellery is Strongly Recommended for those seeking a meaningful, well-crafted, and sustainable engagement ring.
If you would like to learn more about Cullen Jewellery you can visit their website cullenjewellery.com
For those considering an online or in-store engagement ring purchase, James Allen may appear appealing at first glance. With a strong online customisation platform, widespread brand recognition, and generous post-purchase policies on paper, they cater to a broad audience. Their website is educational, their showrooms are clean and welcoming, and in-store staff are often helpful.
However, we Don’t Recommend James Allen, especially if you’re seeking lasting quality, consistent service, or strong ethical practices.
Despite some positives, ring quality was one of our biggest concerns. Our own hands-on testing revealed poorly finished claws, overpolishing, and visible emery marks, while customer reviews consistently report loose centre stones, degraded bands, and broken settings—often within months of wear. These issues, in our view, indicate a lack of durability and quality control, which is critical for such a significant purchase.
James Allen’s customer service also proved inconsistent. In-store appointments were generally positive, but online communication frequently lacked clarity and follow-through. Customers reported delayed refunds, denied repairs, and vague warranty coverage. While policies like free resizing and cleaning are generous, many buyers found the actual delivery of these services frustrating and unreliable.
On ethics and sustainability, James Allen’s efforts fall short. They offer lab-grown diamonds but continue to promote mined options with minimal transparency. Their adherence to the Kimberley Process is, in our opinion, outdated, and we found no meaningful carbon, community, or charitable initiatives—just an opt-in donation program at checkout.
While James Allen offers good educational tools and convenient purchase features, we believe these do not outweigh the serious concerns around quality, service integrity, and social impact. The reported experiences of product failures, post-purchase headaches, and unmet ethical expectations present a clear pattern.
We Don’t Recommend James Allen. For such a personal and lasting investment, we suggest choosing a jeweller with a stronger track record of craftsmanship, service reliability, and meaningful values.
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 page to see which jeweller best suits your needs.
However, we Don’t Recommend James Allen, especially if you’re seeking lasting quality, consistent service, or strong ethical practices.
Despite some positives, ring quality was one of our biggest concerns. Our own hands-on testing revealed poorly finished claws, overpolishing, and visible emery marks, while customer reviews consistently report loose centre stones, degraded bands, and broken settings—often within months of wear. These issues, in our view, indicate a lack of durability and quality control, which is critical for such a significant purchase.
James Allen’s customer service also proved inconsistent. In-store appointments were generally positive, but online communication frequently lacked clarity and follow-through. Customers reported delayed refunds, denied repairs, and vague warranty coverage. While policies like free resizing and cleaning are generous, many buyers found the actual delivery of these services frustrating and unreliable.
On ethics and sustainability, James Allen’s efforts fall short. They offer lab-grown diamonds but continue to promote mined options with minimal transparency. Their adherence to the Kimberley Process is, in our opinion, outdated, and we found no meaningful carbon, community, or charitable initiatives—just an opt-in donation program at checkout.
While James Allen offers good educational tools and convenient purchase features, we believe these do not outweigh the serious concerns around quality, service integrity, and social impact. The reported experiences of product failures, post-purchase headaches, and unmet ethical expectations present a clear pattern.
We Don’t Recommend James Allen. For such a personal and lasting investment, we suggest choosing a jeweller with a stronger track record of craftsmanship, service reliability, and meaningful values.
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 page to see which jeweller best suits your needs.