Brilliant Earth Review: Pros and Cons
Brilliant Earth is known for their ethically-sourced diamonds. But is the price worth it? Read our full review.
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Overall Score | 4.2 | ||
Price | 4.0 | ||
Selection | 3.5 | ||
Customer Service | 4.0 | ||
Data | 3.5 | ||
Social Responsibility | 5.0 | ||
Unique | 5.0 | ||
Pros and Cons
- Beyond conflict-free philosophy
- Selection of lab-created diamonds
- Beautiful and unique vintage settings
- Smaller inventory of stones
Bottom Line
Good online retailer for socially-responsible diamonds and rings
Is Brilliant Earth Good?
Brilliant Earth is the clear-cut leading jeweler for ethical diamonds and jewelry. Everything Brilliant Earth offers, down to the packaging, is responsibly sourced.
But because of their claim for high ethical standards, many of the diamonds are sold at a premium. But some question whether that premium is justified.
We're here to give you the low-down on Brilliant Earth.
Will this store match your ethical beliefs and offer a diamond at a good value?
In this review, you'll learn:
- Who Brilliant Earth is Best For
- Pros & Cons
- Beyond Conflict-Free Philosophy
- Brilliant Earth Criticism
- Brilliant Earth Products
- Buying Process Online
- Buying Process in Person
- Returns / Resize / Warranty
- Downsides
- Charitable Giving
- How it Compares
Who Brilliant Earth Is Best For
- If you're socially conscious. Brilliant Earth's diamonds come from ethical mines without human rights abuses. It has a strong social mission to give back to diamond mining communities.
- If you're looking for lab-created diamonds. Brilliant Earth has a large selection of lab diamonds. Another major advantage is that they cost less.
- If you love vintage settings. Brilliant Earth has a huge collection of beautiful vintage rings. It has both one-of-a-kind antiques and vintage-inspired settings.
Search for Diamonds
Shop for diamonds at Brilliant Earth, a CreditDonkey recommended partner for socially-responsible diamonds.
Pros & Cons
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| © CreditDonkey |
PROS:
- Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
- Selection of lab-created diamonds
- Socially responsible metal and ring boxes
- Beautiful and unique settings
- Social mission to give back to mining communities
- 30-day free returns
- Lifetime warranty
CONS:
- Smaller inventory of stones
- Higher pricing than other online retailers
- Only 7 physical showrooms
We'll get into more detail below. But first, let's highlight the current Brilliant Earth promotions and perks.
Brilliant Earth Promotions: July 2020
Brilliant Earth Philosophy
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| © CreditDonkey |
Brilliant Earth was created in 2005 with a philosophy that goes beyond conflict-free.
Conflict-free merely means diamonds that have not been used to fund civil wars. But there are still other ethical concerns. Diamond mines often have unsafe working conditions and unfair wages.
Brilliant Earth's mission is to only source diamonds that:
- Were not used to fund civil wars
- Are clean of human rights abuses
- Come from mines that pay fair wages
- Come from mines with safe labor practices
- Are mined with the least environmental impact
Brilliant Earth appeals to the socially conscious shopper. If you're looking for the lowest prices, then there probably isn't much of a reason to shop at Brilliant Earth. Their prices are higher than a similar diamond of the same specs from another online retailer.
All diamonds come with a certificate of origin, showing that they have been ethically sourced.
Brilliant Earth Criticism
There have been some questions regarding Brilliant Earth's practices, mostly centering on whether the company's claims of countries of origin can be trusted.
Brilliant Earth has spoken up to set the record straight. It uses a chain of custody protocols to track each of their diamonds from the mine to the Brilliant Earth webstore. The protocols make sure that each supplier along the way accurately track, identify, and sort diamonds based on origin.
In 2016, Brilliant Earth also employed a neutral independent auditor - SCS Global Services - to conduct an audit of their tracking protocol. This company performs third-party evaluation of environmental, social, and quality claims.
SCS has reported that Brilliant Earth's suppliers are in conformance to the custody protocol, and that the diamonds can be verified to their origin. This should give buyers more confidence in their purchase.
Brilliant Earth Products
Now let's go over what you'll find at Brilliant Earth.
Ethically Mined Loose Diamonds
Brilliant Earth offers 3 main types of mined diamonds:
- Canadian Diamonds: Canada is the leading country of responsible mining. These diamonds are about as close to ethically sourced as you can get. The mines have high safety standards and workers are given fair wages and benefits. In addition, the Canadian government imposes very strict regulations to protect the environment and wildlife.
- Russian Diamonds: These diamonds come from the remote Siberian regions of Russia, where diamond mining is the economic lifeblood. Diamond mining provides jobs to locals with above average wages, pensions, and healthcare.
- Botswana Sort: These mines follow international labor and environmental standards. Diamond mining has made Botswana one of the wealthiest African countries, and revenue is reinvested into education, infrastructure, and healthcare for the people.
Lab-Created Diamonds
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| © CreditDonkey |
Brilliant Earth also has a large selection of lab-created diamonds. These are real diamonds identical in every way to naturally mined diamonds. They're just made in a lab.
Lab diamonds are environmentally friendly. They're also made in safe working environments with fair wages. And another huge plus - they cost a lot less. We've found that Brilliant Earth's lab diamonds cost about 20% less than a similar mined diamond.
Always wanted a pink or yellow diamond? Brilliant Earth also has lab-created colored diamonds. Naturally colored diamonds are super expensive and rare. Lab-grown colored diamonds have the same beauty at lower prices.
Yes. Lab diamonds contain the same chemical properties as naturally mined diamonds. Even expert gemologists can't differentiate between the two. Brilliant Earth's lab-created diamonds are conflict-free and environmentally sustainable, and cost about 20% less than natural ones.
Recycled Diamonds
The company also sells "recycled" diamonds. These are stones that have been taken from vintage rings or purchased from customers looking for an upgrade.
By reusing a stone, the company ensures that's one less diamond that needs to be mined.
This is a great option if you're truly looking to reduce your footprint. However, these recycled diamonds are not exactly cheaper (and they should be, since they're essentially used diamonds). In many of our searches, even new diamonds (with the same specs) on James Allen turned up cheaper than BE's recycled diamonds.
Socially Responsible Metal
Brilliant Earth doesn't stop with ethical stones. All their gold and platinum jewelry have been recycled from old jewelry or industrial and electrical products.
The process of mining metals can be very environmentally harmful. Brilliant Earth makes use of metals that already exist in the market. This reduces the need to mine new metals.
All the metals Brilliant Earth uses are pure. You don't have to worry about receiving a lower quality of metal by going in this direction.
Unique and Beautiful Settings
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| screenshot from brilliantearth.com |
Brilliant Earth has beautiful rings that stand out from other jewelers. They specialize in vintage-inspired and nature-inspired designs.
Just about all the rings can be made in:
- 18k white gold
- 18k yellow gold
- 14k rose gold
- Platinum
They also have a selection of one-of-a-kind antique jewelry if you want something truly unique.
If you can't find a ring you like, you can work with the company's designers to create your own.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
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| screenshot from brilliantearth.com |
Brilliant Earth aims to be as sustainable as possible - even down to the ring box and shipping packaging,
The elegant ring boxes are made from responsibly sourced natural wood. The shipping packaging has been redesigned to decrease paper packaging use.
All the packaging are FSC Certified, which ensures that the materials come from responsibly managed forests.
Buying Process Online
If you prefer to shop online, Brilliant Earth delivers a pleasing experience. The website is easy to navigate. It's well organized by category and has a good search function. It's easy to find the exact specs you want using the filters.
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| screenshot from brilliantearth.com |
Brilliant Earth has recently stepped up their photo game too. Now, more than half of the diamonds on their sites have a real photo and/or 360-degree video. This allows you to see a magnified photo of the actual stone. You'll be able to see any flaws on the diamond. So you can look for cheaper eye-clean diamonds.
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| screenshot from brilliantearth.com |
To find diamonds with actual photos/videos, click on the "Real View Available" filter on the diamond search page. Diamonds without the real view filter will only show a stock photo.
Being able to "see" the diamond is important on such a huge item. You can have more confidence in your purchase.
Buying Process in Person
Brilliant Earth does have 7 showrooms in America. If you want to visit one, you'll want to make an appointment. A sales associate will take you through the inventory of rings.
You can create a ring with their stones and settings. Or you can bring in your own rings to melt down and be remade into a newly designed ring. The stores also sell vintage rings.
You won't feel short on options when you shop at a Brilliant Earth store. The company may have a smaller selection than other jewelers, but they have a lot of unique rings. You'll have plenty of options to see.
Returns, Warranty, and Other Policies
- Free shipping. Your purchase will be shipped to you for free. Returns within 30 days can be sent back for free too. This is for all U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia orders.
- 30-day free return. If you're not happy with your purchase for whatever reason, you can get a full refund within 30 days.
- 60-day free resizing. Brilliant Earth offers one free resizing. But some styles cannot be resized. Custom or engraved rings have a resizing fee.
- Free lifetime warranty. You get free lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. This does not include wear and tear, loss of gemstones, loss or theft.
- Lifetime diamond upgrade. At any time, you can trade in your Brilliant Earth loose diamond for 100% credit towards a new diamond. The new diamond needs to be of at least 50% greater value. This does not apply for their gemstones or lab-created diamonds.
- Financing. If you're unable to pay in full, Brilliant Earth offers a 12-month interest free option. You can also use a layaway plan and make monthly payments after an initial deposit.
Disadvantages of Brilliant Earth
- More expensive. Some diamonds cost more at Brilliant Earth. Generally, we've found that smaller diamonds (less than 1 carat) tend to be pricier than a diamond with the same specs at James Allen (read review). However, if you're looking for a bigger diamond (over 1 carat), then the prices are very comparable.
If you're interested in going a bit bigger, be sure to check our guides for 2 carat and 3 carat diamond rings.
- Smaller inventory. Brilliant Earth doesn't carry as many jewelry options as some other jewelers. But there are still enough choices to satisfy most people.
- Small number of stores. If you want to shop in person, Brilliant Earth may not be a great option for you. There are only seven cities that have Brilliant Earth showrooms.
Charitable Giving
If you're not sold on Brilliant Earth's value, perhaps you'll support its social mission.
Brilliant Earth donates 5% of its profits to help improve human rights, environmental practices, and economic development in diamond mining areas in Africa. Some of this includes:
- Building schools and providing education for children so they don't have to go work in the mines.
- Helping fund scholarships for gemology training
- Helping to establish fair wages and safe working conditions for artisanal miners
- Restoring land for agricultural use
Brilliant Earth also tries to offset their carbon footprint by contributing to Tropical Rainforest Conservation in Brazil. This project aims to reduce global carbon emissions, conserve habitat for endangered plants and animals, and improve the local water quality.
How it Compares
Brilliant Earth vs Blue Nile:
Brilliant Earth | Blue Nile | |
|---|---|---|
Benefits and Features | ||
| Selection | Ethically-mined diamonds from Canada, Russia, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Selection of lab-created and recycled diamonds. | Large selection of online diamonds, sourced from suppliers around the world |
| Customer Service | Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (PT) by phone or live chat. | |
| Data | Grading report; many diamonds have actual photo. | |
| Return Policy | 30-day free policy. Brilliant Earth provides the FedEx shipping label and free return shipping on all ring, loose diamond, and loose gemstone orders. | 30-day money back guarantee. Blue Nile will send you a fully insured free shipping label via email. Items must be in their original purchase condition, including all product documentation. |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against on all manufacturing defects. This does not apply to Brilliant Earth's collection of estate and vintage jewelry. | Lifetime manufacturer warranty. Terms and exclusions apply. |
| Buyback | Diamond buyback program through Mondiamo based on market value. | |
| Resizing | 1 free ring resizing within 60 days of purchase for US, Canada, UK, and Australia customers. Free shipping both ways. Custom and engraved rings are subject to resize fees. Eternity rings cannot be resized. | Blue Nile provides complimentary resizing for Build Your Own Rings®, and Diamond Bands when within the manufacturer's recommended sizing range, during the first year. |
| Upgrade Policy | Get 100% credit when you upgrade your loose diamond. New diamond must cost at least 50% more than the original diamond's value. Diamond must be in saleable condition with the original grading report. Upgrades are not available for lab-created diamonds. | Lifetime diamond upgrade program on all GIA and AGSL graded diamonds. You will receive credit equal to 100% of the original price toward the purchase of a new diamond. The price of your new diamond must be at least twice the price of your original diamond. Your diamond must be in its original condition with the original diamond grading report. |
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Brilliant Earth vs James Allen:
Brilliant Earth | James Allen | |
|---|---|---|
Benefits and Features | ||
| Selection | Ethically-mined diamonds from Canada, Russia, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Selection of lab-created and recycled diamonds. | Inventory sourced from local diamond suppliers |
| Customer Service | Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (PT) by phone or live chat. | |
| Data | Grading report; many diamonds have actual photo. | Grading report, 360-degree HD video |
| Return Policy | 30-day free policy. Brilliant Earth provides the FedEx shipping label and free return shipping on all ring, loose diamond, and loose gemstone orders. | If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you may return it in its original, unworn condition within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. Free return shipping only applies to U.S customers and is limited to three per customer. |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against on all manufacturing defects. This does not apply to Brilliant Earth's collection of estate and vintage jewelry. | James Allen warrant that all items will be free from any manufacturing defects at time of delivery. James Allen will repair and maintain your jewelry for a lifetime. Lifetime warranty offers free prong tightening, re-polishing, rhodium plating and cleaning services. |
| Resizing | 1 free ring resizing within 60 days of purchase for US, Canada, UK, and Australia customers. Free shipping both ways. Custom and engraved rings are subject to resize fees. Eternity rings cannot be resized. | All engagement rings and wedding bands, excluding eternity bands and alternative metals, may be resized once for free within the first year of purchase. |
| Upgrade Policy | Get 100% credit when you upgrade your loose diamond. New diamond must cost at least 50% more than the original diamond's value. Diamond must be in saleable condition with the original grading report. Upgrades are not available for lab-created diamonds. | Any loose diamond purchased from James Allen can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2X or greater value. The diamond that is being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by the original laboratory grading document. |
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Bottom Line
Brilliant Earth has a great philosophy of going beyond just conflict-free. We really appreciate their mission. We also love their commitment to help mining communities.
Generally, the value is good for socially-responsible diamonds. Larger diamonds have very comparable prices with other online jewelers. However, smaller diamonds tend to be more expensive.
Brilliant Earth does have a large selection of lab-grown diamonds. If you want an ethical diamond at a lower price point, we highly recommend looking into that.
One thing for sure though, is that Brilliant Earth does offer gorgeous, unique settings. That too, may sway your decision.
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