James Allen VS Blue Nile | Are Both Worthy Your Admiration and Trust?

The question is, who makes the best diamond jewelry? There are many options out there, and it can be tough to decide which is best for you. But don’t worry! I am here to help. Most people only buy an engagement ring once in a lifetime, so you would want to make the right choice. It is important to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for you engagement ring and don’t regret your purchase or overpay for a ring.

More specifically, I have looked at two of the most popular diamond jewelry brands in the diamond industry: James Allen vs Blue Nile. Both of these companies make high-quality diamond necklaces, earrings, rings and other jewelry which has its own unique selling point. So, why is James Allen my top choice?

I recommend that you take the time to read this comparison to know both Blue Nile and James Allen inside out. You never know, you might just stumble upon the ideal glittering gift that shines!

James Allen VS Blue Nile An Overview

When it comes to purchasing diamonds online, especially if you order an engagement ring, it’s challenging to compare James Allen or Blue Nile. Although we prefer the former, they are both owned by the same parent company Signet Jewelers, which owns a number of online jewelry brands.

Company History

Both companies were started independently and acquired by Signet Jewelers. Signet Jewelers bought James Allen in November 2014.

Blue Nile was started in 1995 in Seattle – originally to just sell diamonds online. However, it was acquired by Mark Vadon, and raised over $100 million through venture capital and an IPO. In 2017 it was acquired by private equity group Bain Capital, and 5 years later in 2022, it was acquired by Signet, who continues to own the business.

James Allen, therefore, has been owned by Signet for 8 years longer and is more integrated into the Signet ecosystem.

Products I have From Both

Speaking from personal experience, my James Allen diamond engagement ring is from jamesallen.com, and it has been absolutely amazing. Even after three years, it retains its stunning shine. I also ordered from Blue Nile when I wanted a more affordable gold pendant, and it was nothing short of terrific.

Both companies provide a wide range of stunning, certified diamonds and designer jewelry. However, when it comes to determining which one offers the best overall shopping experience, it can be a challenging decision.

Thankfully, I’m here to assist you in making an informed choice. Both are great choices, but James Allen offers a more premium selection while Blue Nile has more selection at a lower budget.

Customer Support & Experience

Both websites have exceptional customer service, offering chat and direct call options to assist you in selecting the perfect diamond.

Blue Nile has the advantage of having physical stores where you can witness the true quality of its products. I purchased my engagement ring from Blue Nile after seeing the ring in the store.

Unfortunately, James Allen only has 2 showrooms – one in New York City, and one in Georgetown, Washing D.C. There is one being built in Los Angeles in 2024.

Main Difference

It’s a question every shopper has faced – who is the best colored gemstone jewelry retailer out there? If you’re considering a diamond purchase, you’re likely considering both of these amazing online shops. Both are top suppliers of natural and lab grown diamonds, but there are key differences between them that set them apart.

I always want to make sure the stones I buy are high-quality, so I took a close look at both James Allen and Blue Nile. Here’s my overview of their differences.

First, when shopping online with James Allen, you get to view all diamond collections in 360-degree interactive HD. This is a great way to get into the details of each diamond, as you can see the inclusions in a diamond up close. Meanwhile, Blue Nile only offers a few images before you make your purchase.

Next, James Allen is the clear winner when it comes to the return policy. They offer a lifetime warranty, a full refund, or an exchange with no questions asked. Blue Nile has a 30-day return policy, making James Allen the clear choice if you’re worried about buyer’s remorse.

All in all, each retailer offers its own set of pros and cons. James Allen is the clear winner if you’re looking for cheaper prices, 360-degree viewing, and a flexible return policy.

Finally, James Allen wins again when it comes to pricing. Their diamonds are often cheaper than Blue Nile, which is great if you’re on a budget. However, James Allen’s actual jewelry is of higher quality and usually priced a little higher. Blue Nile’s set pieces are often more affordable, but some run more discounts on items such as diamonds, so make sure to check for any deals.

Diamond Selection

When it comes to diamond selection, both have an impressive selection of high-end diamonds. Customers can shop confidently, knowing they will find the perfect diamond for their special occasion. The two jewelers offer a wide range of diamond colors you can get for your ring, as well as cuts, shapes, and a variety of clarity grades. and diamond colors. Diamond size can vary significantly depending on the customer’s gender, age, or body type.

Not to mention, Blue Nile was once renowned for its expansive and impressive online diamond selection, yet James Allen has since outdone it in recent years. James Allen diamonds boast an impressive 600,000+ glistening loose diamonds, while Blue Nile offers a staggering 400,000+.

On the other hand, there are other companies like Brilliant Earth that focus on a less wide offer of ethical diamonds and conflict-free diamonds.

Get the BEST Diamond Selection

Whether you are looking for a stunning brilliant-cut diamond or a unique antique-style cut, both have something to suit your needs, but James Allen is clearly a winner here. With such an extensive selection of diamonds, customers can rest assured that they will find something to make their special day shine.

Ring Design Process

James Allen and Blue Nile are reliable jewelers that offer customers the chance to create a truly unique diamond ring design. With James Allen, customers can design diamond rings online with a large 3D preview of their own ring and order it directly from the website.

Blue Nile, on the other hand, offers customers the chance to work with a professional jewelry designer who will help them bring their vision to life.

Both offer a wealth of options for customers looking to create a truly one-of-a-kind ring design. However, the main advantage of James Allen is that it provides a diamond comparison chart. 

James Allens is better for creating your ring design because it has more options and steps which allow for a much better customization process – take a look at the screenshot below from their website:

With all these options if you really know what you want James Allen is a better choice to design a ring on.

Blue Nile’s design of your own jewelry is good, but not as robust. It’s simpler, with fewer options as you can see below

Online Shopping Experience

With James Allen’s customized designed rings and Blue Nile’s expertise in GIA certified diamonds, customers can preview their perfect diamond before making a purchase. Both jewelers offer a wide selection of beautiful diamonds, and they provide the customers with a 3D preview before finalizing the order. Whether you’re looking for a unique design or something classic and timeless, James Allen and Blue Nile have the diamond.

With that being said, James Allen wins the race to deliver an incomparable, blissful online shopping journey. Unlinke some other companies, like Briliant Earth, that have more brick-and-mortar shops, James Allen have brilliant, pristine 360-degree HD videos for every diamond it offers online. With Blue Nile, on the other hand, only some previews are available while they seamlessly transition to the same cutting-edge technology. My fiance and I loved the ability to see every piece in depth from James Allen.

One nice thing about Blue Nile is that they give you a free ring sizer – you don’t even have to pay for shipping and there are no obligations to order with bluenile.com. It’s 3-d, made from plastic, and much better than the ring sizers you print yourself. Take a look below:

The complimentary sizer took 9 days for it to arrive from Washington to California, so if you live on the East Coast or further away expect it to take longer to arrive. I highly recommend ordering one as you look for rings – you have nothing to lose – seriously!!

Pricing

When it comes to prices, both have excellent prices for their diamonds. Yet, on occasion, James Allen’s prices undercut those of Blue Nile for diamonds of equivalent quality. However, Blue Nile has an undeniable advantage in the cheaper glimmering fine jewelry department. You are sure to find something under $100 that includes free packaging and shipping.

Blue Nile has a wider selection of jewelry such as diamond studs at best prices, while James Allen focuses more on offering premium quality diamonds at a slightly higher cost. Although bluenile.com does offer some stunning diamonds at competitive prices, James Allen provides a product worthy of the price paid.

Customer Service

When it comes to customer service, both companies provide excellent service. James Allen offers 24/7 real-time support and a dedicated diamond specialist to help customers start a session anytime without an appointment and answer any questions or concerns.

They also offer free professional ring cleaning every six months.

Blue Nile also provides great customer service, including a realistic virtual shopping experience with personalized appointments to simulate an in-person consultation. 

James Allen is superb if you need instantaneous assistance, while Blue Nile diamond retailer is ideal if you wish to “peruse” some jewelry. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a beautiful diamond that will shine bright for many years to come.

FAQs on Blue Nile vs James Allen

Now I will answer the most frequently asked questions about James Allen vs Blue Nile.

Conclusion on James Allen vs Blue Nile

After much consideration and research, it is clear that James Allen is a very worthy candidate for both admiration and trust. With a wide variety of products and pricing, it is easy to find something to fit any budget. Furthermore, their commitment to customer service and satisfaction is second-to-none, making them a reliable source of quality jewelry. So if you’re looking for a trusted jewelry source that makes high-quality diamond jewelry, like dimond studs, earrings, rings or necklaces, then give James Allen a look. You won’t regret it!