Retailer Reviews
Brilliant Earth Review
This page contains references to diamonds or engagement rings from different companies. Sometimes I do receive a commission when you click on links and buy the products.
In this review, we take a close look at Brilliant Earth, one of the leading providers of ethically sourced diamonds and fine jewelry. As a diamond expert, I have analyzed the company's offerings in terms of diamond quality, selection, customer service, and commitment to sustainability to provide you with a comprehensive assessment of their products and services.
Summary:
- Company Background and Ethical Practices
- Diamond Quality and Selection
- Customization and Design Process
- Customer Service and Shopping Experience
- Packaging
- Conclusion
Company Background and Ethical Practices
Brilliant Earth was founded in 2005 by two Stanford University graduates; Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, with a mission to offer consumers an ethical and environmentally responsible choice for fine jewelry. Recognizing a gap in the market for transparently sourced and conflict-free diamonds, Gerstein and Grossberg set out to create a company that not only provided high-quality diamonds but also prioritized social and environmental sustainability.
Over the years, Brilliant Earth has grown into a leading online retailer of ethically sourced diamonds and fine jewelry. The company has built a reputation for its commitment to traceable diamond origins and responsible mining practices. Today, Brilliant Earth offers an extensive selection of natural and lab-created diamonds, as well as gemstones and fine jewelry designs, catering to a wide range of customers seeking beautiful and ethically crafted pieces.
Brilliant Earth's dedication to social and environmental responsibility extends beyond its products. They actively contribute to various initiatives and organizations, such as the Diamond Development Initiative and the Rainforest Alliance, to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.
This should all be commended however, it's important to know that blood diamonds haven't existed in the developed world for some time now. Since the conception of the Kimberly process in 2003, the diamond industry has largely been free of conflict diamonds. Meaning that any diamonds you buy today (from anywhere) should already be coming from a legitimate source.
Diamond Quality and Selection
At Brilliant Earth, customers can expect a wide variety of diamond options, ranging from natural to lab-created diamonds, as well as gemstones. In this section, we will assess the diamond quality in terms of the 4Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight - and compare Brilliant Earth's offerings to industry standards.
Assessment of Diamond Quality:
Brilliant Earth takes the quality of its diamonds seriously, ensuring that its diamonds meet stringent criteria for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Their diamonds are graded by independent and reputable gemological laboratories such as: GIA, IGI, HRD, and GCAL. Not all these labs are equal however. I would suggest only purchasing GIA, IGI and GCAL.
Cut: Brilliant Earth offers a wide range of cuts, including round, princess, cushion, oval, and more. Their diamonds are available in various levels of cut quality, from good to super ideal.
Color: The company provides a diverse selection of colors, ranging from colorless (D) to slightly yellow (Z). Customers can choose the perfect shade based on their preferences and budget.
Clarity: Brilliant Earth's clarity grades start from Flawless (FL) and go down to Included (I3). This allows customers to choose a diamond with the level of clarity that best suits their needs.
Carat Weight: Customers can find diamonds in various carat weights to accommodate different budgets and styles.
Comparison with Industry Standards:
While Brilliant Earth's diamonds meet high-quality standards, it's worth noting that there are better-quality diamonds available elsewhere in the market. For example, Whiteflash's A CUT ABOVE® diamonds and Astor by Blue Nile™ diamonds are known for their exceptional cut quality and light performance. These diamonds have been meticulously crafted and graded to ensure optimal brilliance and fire, making them some of the most sought-after diamonds in the industry.
Diamond Selection:
Brilliant Earth offers an extensive selection of diamonds to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Their natural diamonds are sourced responsibly and transparently, ensuring an ethical choice for customers. In addition to natural diamonds, the company also provides lab-created diamonds, which are a more affordable option. These lab-created diamonds share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds but are produced in a controlled environment using advanced technology.
Furthermore, Brilliant Earth also offers a range of gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and more, for those who prefer a unique and colorful alternative to diamonds.
In summary, while Brilliant Earth's diamonds may not be the absolute best in the market compared to offerings from Whiteflash, James Allen and Blue Nile, their commitment to ethical sourcing and extensive selection provides customers with a variety of high-quality and conscientiously crafted options to choose from.
Customization and Design Process
Brilliant Earth offers a streamlined customization process for creating personalized engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. Their customization options allow customers to choose from natural or lab-created diamonds or various gemstones. They provide multiple diamond and gemstone shapes, as well as precious metal options like platinum, 18K or 14K white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Additionally, they offer a wide range of settings, such as solitaire, halo, pave, and vintage.
The user-friendly online ring-building process at Brilliant Earth allows customers to design custom jewelry in a few simple steps. First, they can choose a setting or opt for a custom design. Next, they can select a diamond or gemstone and pick the preferred precious metal. Finally, they can review the design and add personalizations like engraving or matching wedding bands.
To further assist customers, Brilliant Earth offers complimentary design consultations with experienced jewelry specialists. These specialists can help customers in selecting diamonds, designing custom settings, or providing advice on the best options based on individual preferences and budgets.
In summary, Brilliant Earth's customization and design process enables customers to create unique and personalized jewelry pieces with ease, thanks to their wide range of options and a seamless online experience.
Customer Service and Shopping Experience
Brilliant Earth is known for its great customer service, which plays a significant role in enhancing the overall shopping experience. Their team of knowledgeable and responsive customer service representatives is available to assist customers with any inquiries, concerns, or guidance they may need throughout the purchasing process.
One of the features of Brilliant Earth's customer service is its 30-day free return policy, which allows customers to return or exchange their purchase within 30 days if they are not completely satisfied. This policy is fairly standard, however.
In addition to the return policy, Brilliant Earth offers a lifetime warranty on their jewelry, covering any manufacturing defects. They also provide complimentary resizing within the first 30 days, ensuring a perfect fit for their customers. Again, fairly standard.
To make the purchasing process more accessible and convenient, Brilliant Earth offers flexible payment options, including financing and layaway plans. These options allow customers to select a payment method that best suits their financial needs and preferences.
For a personalized shopping experience, Brilliant Earth provides both virtual and in-person appointment options. Customers can schedule appointments with experienced jewelry specialists who can guide them through the selection and customization process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Packaging
Your order will arrive in unmarked packaging to keep its contents a secret. For domestic orders, Brilliant Earth is not mentioned on the package.
When your Brilliant Earth ring arrives, the wooden box is nestled inside an elegant white and silver presentation box. Additionally included in the package are your diamond's grading report as well as a few extra luxuries for you to enjoy!
The modern case opens with ease, revealing a luxurious ring box tucked inside. With one more slide of the drawer beneath, you'll find documents about your jewelry and an included microfiber cloth - perfect for keeping it clean!
That said, there have been reports of rings arriving with diamonds that have fallen out:
I hope this is an exception.
Conclusion
Brilliant Earth has established itself as a leader in the fine jewelry industry, with a strong focus on ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and a wide selection of natural, lab-created diamonds, and gemstones. Their comprehensive customization process, exceptional customer service, and tailored shopping experience make them a popular choice for those seeking unique and conscientiously crafted jewelry pieces.
However, it's important to note that while Brilliant Earth offers high-quality diamonds, there are competitors in the market that provide superior diamond quality, such as Whiteflash with their A CUT ABOVE® diamonds. Additionally, James Allen and Blue Nile may have larger selections for customers to choose from. These alternatives should be considered by customers who prioritize the highest quality diamonds or desire an even broader range of options.