Brilliant Earth Jewelry Review

Brilliant Earth, founded in 2005 by Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, was created out of a desire to find ethically sourced diamond jewelry. The company has since become synonymous with socially responsible and environmentally conscious jewelry. But do their practices align with their ethical promises? Let’s dive into the details.

Company Background and Ethical Commitment

Brilliant Earth prides itself on offering diamonds that are ethically sourced and eco-friendly, with their Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds aiming to go beyond the Kimberley Process requirements. They emphasize transparency, using blockchain technology for diamond tracking and sourcing from Canadian mines known for ethical practices. Additionally, they contribute to communities affected by unethical diamond mining through their Brilliant Earth Foundation. These practices set them apart from many conventional jewelers, making them a notable player in the ethical jewelry movement.

Diamond Quality and Pricing

Brilliant Earth offers a range of both natural and lab-created diamonds, all certified by reputable gemological labs. Their lab-created diamonds, which are often up to 70% less expensive than natural diamonds, provide an affordable and more sustainable option. Brilliant Earth has invested in lab-grown diamonds to cater to customers looking for eco-friendly alternatives, offering the same brilliance as mined diamonds without the environmental and social concerns associated with traditional mining.

However, it’s worth noting that not all diamonds come with light performance or diagnostic images like ASET maps or Ideal Scopes. While they offer these images upon request, this falls short compared to companies like Whiteflash, which provides these images upfront. Brilliant Earth’s pricing is competitive, but the lack of comprehensive visuals for many diamonds can make evaluating value more challenging.

Customization and Designer Options

Brilliant Earth offers a user-friendly custom design feature, allowing customers to select from various settings, diamond shapes, and metal types. They also feature designer pieces from prominent names, which adds a degree of variety. Their customization process is straightforward, making it accessible for buyers looking to create their own engagement rings or unique pieces.

The selection of lab-created colored diamonds is also commendable, making rare and fancy colors more accessible at a lower cost. Customers looking for customization options will find Brilliant Earth’s offerings suitable, though other jewelers may provide more extensive designer collections.

Website and Shopping Experience

Brilliant Earth’s website is well-designed and easy to navigate, featuring a thorough education section that helps guide buyers through the complexities of diamond purchasing. The introduction of 360-degree videos for viewing diamonds enhances the shopping experience, although not all diamonds have comprehensive imagery, which can be a downside. Nevertheless, the site’s focus on ethical education and its transparent approach to sourcing helps build trust with consumers.

The shopping process itself is smooth, with secure payment options and the ability to purchase without creating an account. They also provide free shipping in the US, Canada, and Australia, making it convenient for customers in these regions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong commitment to ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices.
• Offers both natural and lab-created diamonds, including fancy colors.
• User-friendly customization feature and straightforward website navigation.
• 30-day return policy with free resizing for added convenience.

Cons:

• Lack of upfront light performance images for all diamonds.
• Pricing can be higher compared to some competitors for similar quality.
• Limited availability of comprehensive imagery for diamonds may deter some buyers.

Final Verdict

Brilliant Earth stands out for its ethical commitment, offering a compelling choice for buyers looking for conflict-free and eco-friendly diamonds. Their lab-created diamonds and customization options provide excellent value for those wanting sustainable jewelry. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limited availability of detailed diamond images and the higher pricing for some pieces compared to other retailers. For those seeking a clear emphasis on transparency and ethical practices, Brilliant Earth is a top choice, though companies like Whiteflash or James Allen may provide better overall diamond visuals and quality.