Spence Diamonds Review

Spence Diamonds, founded in Vancouver in 1978, has built a name for itself with seamless branding, sleek stores, and a distinctive image. Despite over four decades of experience, the quality of their diamonds does not consistently match the polished image.

The Company and Expansion

Spence Diamonds began in Vancouver and expanded into the U.S., with a turbulent journey that saw initial closures and later re-entries into the American market. The company was bought by Lion Capital in 2015, known for owning brands like Jimmy Choo and All Saints. Spence Diamonds’ image and marketing remain strong, but customer experiences have varied significantly, particularly regarding warranties and quality.

The Shopping Experience

Spence Diamonds offers a unique shopping experience where customers can freely try on model rings made from silver and cubic zirconia before selecting their diamond. The concept aims to minimize sales pressure, allowing buyers to make independent choices. However, the quality of this experience often hinges on staff competence, which has proven inconsistent across different stores. Some customers have reported inattentive staff and a lack of expertise when needed most.

Diamond Quality and Certification

Spence Diamonds previously relied on in-house appraisals, but they have since transitioned to offering GIA-certified diamonds. While this is a positive step, the overall quality of their diamonds remains average to low, failing to meet the standards expected for the prices they charge. Many of their settings have also come under scrutiny for durability concerns, especially after customer complaints about costly repairs despite Spence's supposed lifetime warranty.

Pricing

The diamonds at Spence are notably overpriced, coming in at around 40% more expensive than comparable offerings from online competitors like Whiteflash, Blue Nile, or James Allen. The high price tag is not adequately justified by either the quality of the diamonds or the shopping experience, which lacks the luxury touch found in similarly priced competitors.

Final Thoughts

Spence Diamonds excels in branding and offers a visually appealing in-store experience, but ultimately falls short in terms of diamond quality and value for money. For buyers seeking exceptional service, quality diamonds, and reasonable pricing, options like Whiteflash, James Allen, or Leibish & Co provide a better overall experience and more transparent value.