Top places to buy diamonds include reputable online retailers like Blue Nile and James Allen for large, certified selections (GIA/IGI) and 360° viewing. For ethical,, lab-grown, or specialized options, Brilliant Earth, Vrai, and Shane Co. are top choices. Physical, in-person buying is best at reputable local jewelers or diamond districts.
Blue Nile +5
Top Online Diamond Retailers
- Blue Nile: Known for extensive inventory, high-quality photos, and educational resources.
- James Allen: Features 360° HD videos of all diamonds, allowing for detailed inspection.
- Brilliant Earth: Focuses on ethically sourced, natural, and lab-grown diamonds.
- Vrai: Specializes in sustainable, lab-grown diamonds.
- Rare Carat: A premier search engine to compare prices across multiple retailers.
- Diamond Mansion: Offers a wide selection of GIA-certified diamonds.
- 1800 Loose Diamonds: Provides a variety of shapes and sizes, both earth and lab-grown.Blue Nile +7
Physical Stores & Jewelers
- Shane Co.: Offers hand-picked loose diamonds and in-store shopping.
- International Diamond Center: Features certified diamonds with reputable grading.
- Diamonds Direct: Known for a large selection of natural diamonds.
- The Jewelry Exchange: Direct importer with multiple nationwide showrooms.
- Whitehouse Brothers: Specializes in, designed, and crafted jewelry.Shane Co. +4
Tips for Buying Diamonds
- Certifications: Ensure the diamond comes with a grading report from a reputable lab such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute).
- View Online: Use high-resolution, 360-degree imagery to inspect for inclusions.
- Reputation: Purchase from jewelers that offer warranties, free shipping, and return policies.
- Ethical Sourcing: Check if the retailer provides conflict-free, ethically sourced stones.