Everything to Know About Buying an Engagement Ring From James Allen

Founded in 2006 by Oded Edelman, James Schultz, Michele Sigler, and Dean Lederman, James Allen pioneered stunning 360° video technology combined with 24/7 customer service and terrific prices. This proved to be a winning combination that offered customers a special engagement ring shopping experience that they couldn’t get elsewhere, and they could enjoy it all from the comfort of their own homes. 

James Allen sales manager Lorraine Brantner tells Brides, “Our mission is to offer consumers the highest quality diamonds and largest selection at the best price. We aim to take what is a famously intimidating process and make it both more transparent and more enjoyable. And, of course, we hope to help you nail the ring!”

Ahead, discover everything you need to know about buying an engagement ring from Jame Allen, plus 15 of our favorite ring offerings!

What Does James Allen Offer?

James Allen partners with diamond and gemstone offices all over the world to provide hundreds of thousands of loose stone options to their customers. The company takes ethical sourcing seriously, requiring all partners to abide by strict ethical standards, including the Kimberly Process. They also only source their metal materials through ethical sources. Every single diamond on James Allen is certified conflict-free.

In addition to its well-established standards, James Allen has changed over time, and it now includes additional products and services. “In the spirit of transparency and choice, we’ve added things like virtual try-on, a selection of lab-created diamonds, and our newest option, The Ring Studio, which lets you completely customize your ring down to the head and shank’s metal and style,” shares Brantner. 

This Ring Studio helps engaged couples design their dream engagement ring. You can pick your head style, shank style, metal options and even change the preview center stone shape and size. Each ring qualifies for the company’s standard 30-day return window. So, without any pressure, you can see your ring design come to life in real-time with real-life images and an interactive video.

James Allen FAQs

Why do couples choose James Allen?

“We are easy and fun to work with! We are a commission-free team, and we have a blast assisting customers with the perfect diamond or setting,” offers Brantner. “We also love getting the story behind why you are purchasing the special gift. If you are not crazy about what you selected once you see it in person, we make it easy to return for a refund or exchange for something new.”

What should couples know before shopping for an engagement ring at James Allen?

Brantner shares, “Trust your instincts! If you keep going back to the same style setting, or the same diamond over and over again that is a sign it could be ‘the one.’ We also find it beneficial for customers to look at and try on different styles, center stone shapes and sizes locally, too. You may think you like something in photos, but once you try designs on you may surprise yourself and want something different.”

What is the James Allen shopping experience like?

“Our customer service team has non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts available 24/7,” explains Brantner. “We do offer diamond appointments at our NYC location with a graduate gemologist on site. Any team member is more than happy to compare diamonds, gemstones, and setting options with you.” Additionally, she notes that each ring is made to order and undergoes a series of quality checks before it is sent. “We care that it is perfect!”

Does James Allen offer jewelry insurance?

“We highly recommend that customers have additional insurance coverage on their jewelry,” she urges. “We recommend Jewelers Mutual for our U.S. and Canadian customers, and we also offer a supplemental Care Plan through Jewelers Mutual that provides additional coverage for three years. Regular insurance will assist if a piece is lost or stolen, and sometimes repairs. The Care Plan will cover many things in between our lifetime warranty and replacement in the event an item is lost or stolen.”

Can people try on rings when shopping online? If not, how are the rings sized?

Brantner exclaims, “You sure can! Our rings can be previewed with our Virtual Try-On feature so you can see what the styles will look like on your finger. If you are looking to confirm your ring size, the best way is to be measured by a professional jeweler. We are happy to mail a complimentary sizing kit upon request to US customers and we have online measuring tools as well.”

How Does James Allen Compare to Its Competitors?

“The James Allen experience is a special way of finding an engagement ring. It has 360° HD imagery of every single diamond to allow you to truly see what you are preparing to purchase,” explains Brantner. The company also offers a hassle-free 30-day return window (which starts when the order is shipped) and lifetime warranty services for jewelry care and cleaning.

She adds, “Additional repair services are also offered! Should something fall outside of our lifetime warranty our team will review the work and costs with you before we proceed.” James Allen grants all customers one free ring resizing within the first year (excluding eternity bands, tension rings, and “extreme size changes that could require a remake”). Plus, the customer service team is available 24/7.

Does James Allen sound like your perfect jeweler? Discover 15 unique engagement ring options below.