Blue Nile Review

The Blue Nile is one of the most famous and reliable sources of diamonds and engagement rings. As a leader in the industry, they offer an extensive selection of diamond shapes, sizes, and settings, along with expert advice to help customers find the perfect ring. But do their diamonds compare with the best of the best in the market today? Find out with my Blue Nile review.

Summary:

• Overview of Blue Nile
• Diamond Quality and Certification
• Customization and Design Options
• Price Comparison
• Customer Service, Support & Packaging
• Financing and Insurance Options
• Conclusion

Overview of Blue Nile

Blue Nile has been an industry leader in diamonds and engagement rings for over twenty years. Founded in 1999 by Mark Vadon, the first Blue Nile store opened in Seattle, Washington, and was quickly followed by a website, which allowed customers to shop from anywhere. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the largest online diamond retailers in the world.

In August 2022 however, they were purchased by Signet Jewelers. They are the largest retailer of diamond jewelry, with brands in the US, UK, and Canada. They own companies like James Allen, Zales, Jared, Diamonds Direct, H.Samuel, and Ernest Jones

Diamond Quality and Certification

When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond, Blue Nile has a lot to offer. With an extensive selection of diamonds available, it's easy to find one that suits your needs and budget. However, when it comes to diamond quality, Blue Nile may not be the best choice for everyone. The Astor Collection, while impressive, doesn't quite measure up to the highest quality diamonds available elsewhere. Cut parameters aren't as strict, which can affect the diamond's overall brilliance and sparkle. If you're looking for the best possible diamond, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you're willing to sacrifice a little bit of quality for a wider selection and more affordable options, Blue Nile may be the perfect choice for you.

To ensure you're receiving a diamond with accurate grading, look for independent certification. Blue Nile's loose diamonds have been assessed and evaluated by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), one of the leading reliable labs in the diamond business. This will guarantee that you are getting an excellent gemstone without bias or prejudice!

Moreover, every Astor by Blue Nile™ diamond is further certified for light performance through either GCAL or GemEx. Both GCAL and GemEx don't have the same prestige as diamonds graded by the GIA. In the upper ranges of diamond quality, they don't always do the best job of differentiating; that's why it's important to purchase diamonds with light performance images as well. GemEx isn't an independent certification process for the diamond industry as a whole, but rather it's a sales tool tailored to retail businesses. It was built by retailers with marketing in mind and has become essential in helping them optimize their profits. Crucially, this means that it is not applicable on its own as an official benchmarking program.

To verify a diamond's quality before purchase, Blue Nile provides a digital Diamond Grading Report or digital Diamond Dossier and a Visual Performance certificate if you are buying an Astor by Blue Nile™ diamond. These are available on every Blue Nile diamond product page, however, they don't provide any light performance images which is disappointing. As alluded to above, much of this is merely a sales tactic. Look beyond the branding a focus instead on finding diamonds with ideal table diameters and crown angles. Get in touch for more help.

Customization and Design Options

When it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring for your loved one, Blue Nile has you covered with its customization and design options. From choosing the perfect diamond cut to picking the ideal metal type, you can personalize every aspect of your ring with ease. Plus, their 3D design software allows you to see your ring come to life before it's even crafted, ensuring that every detail is perfect. Whether you're creating a unique engagement ring or looking to customize a wedding band, Blue Nile's design options provide endless possibilities for creating a one-of-a-kind piece that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Price Comparison

I am going to be comparing a 1.135 ct H VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond from Whiteflash, and a 1.20-Carat Round Cut Diamond ASTOR Cut H Color VS1 Clarity diamond from Blue Nile.

The first thing that will stand out is that Whiteflash diamond has better-cut quality. Through absolute precision cut and angle alignment of the diamond's facets, an impeccable reflection pattern is visible from both pavilion (hearts) and table view (arrows). A specialized reflector device can further aid this beautiful display.

The Blue Nile diamond doesn't provide any light performance images, but from the video and imaging they do provide it lacks uniformity on the hearts and I can almost guarantee splitting on the clefts.

Despite the superior nature of the Whiteflash diamond, it comes in at a lower price with a wire of $9,717, whereas the Blue Nile wire is  $11,203.39. While it is a touch smaller, the better cut quality will give it a large edge-to-edge light performance.

Customer Service, Support & Packaging

Blue Nile's commitment to delivering the highest level of customer service is evident in every aspect of its business, from its easy-to-use website to its stunning jewelry offerings. Their knowledgeable support team is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns, and their attention to detail is unmatched when it comes to packaging and presentation.

Each piece of jewelry arrives in a beautiful gift box, ensuring that the recipient's experience is truly special. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, a wedding band, or a gift for a loved one, Blue Nile's exceptional customer service, support, and packaging will leave a lasting impression.

Financing and Insurance Options

When it comes to making a big purchase like an engagement ring, financing options can make all the difference. That's where Blue Nile's financing options come in. They offer a range of plans that allow you to pay over time, so you can get the ring of your dreams without breaking the bank.

And if you want even more peace of mind, you can opt for their insurance coverage, which protects your investment in case of loss, theft, or damage. With these options, Blue Nile makes it easy to get the perfect ring while staying within your budget and protecting your investment for years to come.

Conclusion

Blue Nile is a solid option to shop for an engagement ring, wedding band, or other jewelry. They offer a range of customization and design options that make it easy to create a one-of-a-kind piece, as well as financing and insurance plans so you can purchase with confidence. Their commitment to delivering decent customer service and attention to detail makes them stand alongside the best vendors.