When it comes to buying diamond jewelry, Jared has established itself as a leading luxury retailer, with over 450 stores across the United States. Their stylish selections, top-notch customer service, and polished shopping experience have earned them a loyal following among higher-end shoppers.
But are their prices really worth the premium you’ll pay compared to online and independent jewelers? Does the quality justify the cost? In this comprehensive Jared Jewelers review, we’ll provide an insider’s look at their history, products, and practices to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief History of Jared Jewelers
Jared Jewelers was founded in 1993 by Charles Jared Tanenbaum in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company experienced rapid growth through acquisitions and new store openings, expanding to over 120 locations by 1999. Their aspirational marketing portraying glamorous couples and black-tie events established Jared as a destination for upscale diamond jewelry.
In 2001, Jared was acquired by Signet Jewelers Limited, the largest specialty jewelry retailer in the world. As part of Signet, Jared had the resources to dramatically grow its store count to over 450 locations nationwide today, making it the largest jewelry retailer in the United States.
Jared Jewelry and Diamonds: An Overview of Their Products
As a full-scale jeweler, Jared offers an extensive selection of fine jewelry, spanning engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. Their signature Leo diamond cut maximizes brilliance and is available on many bridal sets. Beyond diamonds, they also sell gemstone pieces featuring sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls.
Settings primarily use 14K or 18K gold, platinum, or sterling silver. High-color and clarity graded diamonds are standard. Jared also carries luxury watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Tag Heuer. For custom engagement rings or other personalized pieces, their on-site jewelry makers and setters can bring your vision to life.
In addition to finished jewelry, Jared sells loose-certified diamonds. Their inventory includes stones graded by GIA, AGSL, or other labs. You’ll also find a collection of lab-grown diamonds clearly disclosed as such, typically priced 30-40% less than mined diamonds of equivalent size and quality.
How’s the Customer Service at Jared Jewelers?
Given their luxury market positioning, customer service is a priority for Jared. Sales associates promptly greet all customers entering their bright, polished showrooms. Employees receive extensive product knowledge training to provide expert guidance in selecting merchandise personalized to your taste and budget.
Reviewers generally praise Jared’s sales staff as courteous and knowledgeable without being overly aggressive or pushy like stereotypical jewelry store salespeople. However, a few shoppers have shared negative experiences, feeling pressured to spend beyond their budget.
Once you’ve made a purchase, Jared’s support services aim to keep customers happy. Their customer service department has a reputation for swift turnaround in handling repair requests, returns, cleanings, and custom orders. Shipping times are faster compared to competitors. The lifetime warranty provides free sizing adjustments and repairs on manufacturing defects.
There are some complaints posted online about poorly handled special orders, lost paperwork, incorrect sizing, and customer service dropping the ball. However, most issues seem to be promptly resolved when escalated to store management.
Evaluating the Quality of Jared’s Jewelry
Jared utilizes high-end materials and skilled craftsmanship perfected by their experienced jewelry makers, manufacturing most pieces in-house. Their diamond jewelry features precious metals like 14K or 18K gold and platinum rather than cheaper alloys. Side diamonds and center stones exhibit high color and clarity grades, especially for bridal jewelry.
Compared to mall brands like Kay or Zales, Jared’s jewelry has superior settings, metal durability, and diamond quality. Their pieces are reasonably durable for daily wear with proper care. However, some customers report issues like loose stones and damaged ring shanks at a higher frequency than certain independent jewelers. Lifetime maintenance may be required.
There seems to be some variability in the quality of finished work across locations. Reviews point to occasional problems like rough diamond setting prongs or imperfect polish lines on rings. Settings may fail to protect stones from chipping or loss. Overall, Jared’s in-house manufacturing produces fine jewelry exceeding big box store brands in design, materials, and craftsmanship. Just expect periodic inspections and repairs to maintain your pieces.
Jared’s Lab-Grown Diamonds: An Emerging Category
In response to growing consumer interest, Jared now carries lab-grown diamonds. They clearly disclose these are man-made, not mined diamonds. Jared provides GIA grading reports on their lab diamonds confirming weight, clarity, color, and cut specifications.
As you’d expect, prices on lab diamonds are significantly lower than equivalent natural diamonds. Savings of 30-40% are typical. Availability is somewhat limited on larger lab stones over 1 carat. But within the typical engagement ring size range, Jared has a decent lab diamond selection. Make sure to review the certificate provided to verify grades and origin.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Jared Jewelers
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions jewelry shoppers have about Jared Jewelers:
Do they offer financing?
Yes, Jared provides credit cards and payment plans to help finance large purchases. Financing approval is required.
Can I return or exchange a purchase?
Jared allows returns and exchanges within 30 days, except on special orders. You’ll receive a refund or credit based on current value.
Do they buy back diamonds?
They may buy back diamonds at market value depending on quality. Typically, you’ll receive 20-30% less than the original purchase price.
Are their diamonds conflict-free?
Jared states their diamonds comply with the Kimberley Process, ensuring conflict-free and ethical sourcing.
An Inside Look at Jared’s Store Design and Imagery
Walking into a Jared store, the polished aesthetics and abundant displays make luxury jewelry the focus. Case lighting illuminates sparkling diamonds while subtle backgrounds keep the emphasis on pieces rather than decor. Rings are artfully arranged by gemstone shape to highlight their brilliance.
Jared’s marketing reflects high-end imagery of glamorous couples in evening wear and other aspirational settings beyond many shoppers’ realities. Their website and commercials project sophistication and prestige with décor resembling a chic lounge where one might sip martinis.
Some may find this degree of opulence intimidating rather than inspiring. But their presentation aligns well with the upper-crust clientele Jared aims to court.
Navigating the Jared Shopping Experience
The shopping experience inside Jared adheres to the expectant pampering of a luxury boutique. Associates promptly greet all customers and offer to answer questions or suggest pieces to try on. Large glass cases display the vast selection under optimal lighting. Rings are prominently showcased front and center.
For weddings, guests will find registry kiosks seamlessly integrated among cases. Tablet stations allow easy browsing of bridal sets. Quotes from gleeful couples and pictures of smiling brides remind shoppers of happy endings Jared promises to deliver.
Don’t be surprised if you’re encouraged to upgrade to a larger center stone or higher clarity grade. While some appreciate the guidance to maximize beauty and quality, others may resent what feels like pressure or upselling. Just be firm and clear on your budget to avoid an unpleasant sales encounter. With the right associate, most find the experience enjoyable if walking in prepared to splurge.
Beware the Big Jared Pricing Premium
Now for the painful part. It’s no secret Jared commands premium pricing well above competitors. As the nation’s leading luxury jeweler, lavish stores in prime locations and heavy advertising raise overhead costs. These expenses get built into inflated prices and steep markups.
It’s not unusual to find identical or similar diamond jewelry selling for 30-50% less at online retailers and independent local jewelers. Make no mistake: Jared’s perpetual “sales” of 25-50% off are on deliberately inflated regular prices. After discounts, you’ll still pay more compared to market pricing elsewhere. Those deals are designed to make you feel like you’re getting a bargain while spending more than needed.
When negotiating, sales associates may claim they cannot go below certain price thresholds. However, customers have found success politely asking for additional discounts at slower times or on big-ticket items. If you have your heart set on purchasing at Jared, come armed with market price data, and don’t be afraid to push back.
Only Buy Diamonds With GIA or AGS Grading Reports
Given the wide variance in diamond prices between vendors, having an independent grading report is critical for verification. Insist on seeing GIA or AGS certificates confirming the 4Cs dimensions on any stone you purchase. Beware of lower-cost reports done in-house.
Reviews indicate inconsistent grading and inflated assessments by Jared’s internal Gemological Institute. Make sure you receive and carefully examine the certificate before completing the sale. For extra protection, consider having the diamond independently appraised by a graduate gemologist to confirm it matches the report.
The Bottom Line: Our Final Take on Jared Jewelers
If luxury experience, polished stores, and exceptional service are top priorities, Jared Jewelers likely won’t disappoint. Their expertise in guiding customers to gorgeous pieces makes browsing an enjoyable event for many high-end shoppers.
Just walk in knowing you’ll pay a significant premium.
While Jared sells quality diamonds and materials, inflated base prices mean you can get similar items for less elsewhere. Take the time to shop and compare.
Carefully check any diamond grading reports. With unrealistic “regular” prices and perpetual discounts, savvy buyers don’t take advertised Jared deals at face value.
Overall, Jared makes the most sense for buyers who value the pampered, premium shopping experience and don’t mind overpaying somewhat for the prestige.
If your priority is finding the best price on similar quality, you can likely do better through careful online comparisons or negotiating with independent local jewelers. But when only the highest-end brand name will do, Jared remains a trustworthy if expensive option.
