Diamond jewelry is no small purchase: You’re searching for a piece you or a loved one will wear for years to come, so you should be entirely confident that what you’re buying is authentic and will arrive safely. After researching dozens of retailers, I landed on the 14 best places to buy diamonds. My top overall pick is Blue Nile, due to its impressive variety of diamond jewelry, plus free shipping and appraisals for engagement rings and customized pieces. For affordability, I recommend Mejuri, which specializes in high-quality, everyday pieces that won’t break the bank.
The best places to buy diamonds make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for, from sparkling ... [+] engagement rings to everyday pieces.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Whether you have something specific in mind (like an engagement ring) or just want some inspiration, the list below touches on every category, from lab-grown diamonds to ethically sourced natural stones. All of my picks have been formally reviewed by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Here’s what we recommend—and trust—for the best places to buy diamond jewelry.
Price range: $800 to $100,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | White-glove services: Lifetime diamond upgrade
Molvar named Brilliant Earth as the best place to buy diamonds in her roundup of the best online jewelry stores, praising its transparency, sustainability and outstanding assortment of stunning diamond pieces. The San Francisco-based company specializes in high-quality natural and lab-grown diamond jewelry that feels modern, yet timeless. Customization isn’t just reserved for engagement rings or wedding bands; you can also design your own earrings or necklace.
Best For Engagement Rings And Wedding Jewelry
Blue Nile: High-Quality Stones In Elegant Settings
Blue Nile
Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring
Price range: $250 to $40,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping, 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime manufacturer warranty | White-glove services: Appraisal and diamond rating report, virtual advisors
Blue Nile earned the top spot on our list of the best places to buy engagement rings for several reasons: The brand offers impeccable customer service and a beautiful array of natural and lab-grown diamonds. There are plenty of customization options for those who wish to go that route, as well as a healthy selection of ready-to-ship rings. Blue Nile also stands out for its diamond upgrade program, which allows you to swap out your diamond at any time for a credit that can be used toward the purchase of a higher-quality one.
James Allen: Build Your Own Custom Ring
James Allen
James Allen Flush Fit Pavé Wedding Ring
Price range: $250 to $29,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | White-glove services: Virtual advisors, financing
If customizing your engagement or wedding ring is of the utmost importance, James Allen is my recommendation. All you have to do is select your center stone; then, you can reach out to a customer service representative who will guide you through all the details. You’ll then be able to see a three-dimensional rendering of your ring before finalizing your order. If you prefer a pre-set style, James Allen has plenty to pick from, including both natural and lab-grown options.
Zales: Endless Styles From A Trusted Brand
Zales
Vera Wang Love Collection Oval Twist Engagement Ring
Price range: $1,000 to $49,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping, free 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | White-glove services: Fine jewelry repairs, free cleaning and inspection, gold and platinum exchange program
Zales is an established name in the jewelry business, and its website is as easy to shop as any one of its brick-and-mortar locations: It offers an exhaustive amount of options for every budget and preference. While the initial number of ring choices may be daunting, you can narrow them down using the site’s filters for price, cut, setting and more. The site frequently runs online promotions, which can help you find a good deal.
Best For Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
Vrai: Sustainable And Style-Forward
Vrai
Vrai Solitaire Necklace
Price range: $148 to $67,000+ | Shipping and returns: $10 standard shipping, free 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | White-glove services: Free resizing, cleaning, polishing, virtual appointments with a diamond expert
Vrai has been around since 2014, and its Pacific Northwest-based foundry has been carbon neutral-certified since 2017. Its diamonds are made using an entirely hydro-powered production process, which eliminates carbon emissions. Since Vrai produces its diamonds in-house—there’s no middleman—its prices are incredibly fair. In addition to engagement rings, the brand also has a gorgeous selection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings, including a thoughtfully curated collection for men.
Grown Brilliance: Eco-Friendly Diamonds Paired With Recycled Metals
Grown Brilliance
Grown Brilliance Round Halo Stud Earrings
Price range: $300 to $135,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping, free 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing warranty | White-glove services: Live agent customer support, financing options
Not only does Grown Brilliance use exclusively lab-grown diamonds in its jewelry, it further commits to sustainability by using 96% recycled gold in its settings. The brand also excels in engagement ring customization: Through its Truly Custom program, you can have a team of craftspeople bring your vision to life based on a sketch or photo. Beyond engagement rings, you’ll find a tasteful assortment of earrings, bracelets and necklaces, which range from subtle to statement-making.
Clean Origin: Responsible Supply Chain
Clean Origin
Clean Origin Delicate Halo Diamond Pendant
Price range: $225 to $169,235 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and 100-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing warranty | White-glove services: Complimentary ring resizing within 60 days
Clean Origin was co-founded by a third-generation diamond jeweler in 2017; the brand’s focus is on producing diamonds in an environmentally conscious, ethical way. All of its pieces use high-quality lab-grown diamonds, from its sparkling engagement rings to its dazzling tennis necklaces. For those particularly looking for a ring, the site makes the customization process easy. Meanwhile, those looking at gifts will appreciate the ability to shop by price range and occasion.
Best For Affordable Diamond Jewelry
Mejuri: Artful Pieces At Great Prices
Mejuri
Mejuri Bezel Lab Grown Zig-Zag Ring
Price range: $78 to $8,900 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping above $75, free 30-day returns | Warranty: 2-year warranty | White-glove services: In-store and virtual styling appointments
If you want diamond jewelry that’s unique, tasteful and easy on the wallet, Mejuri fits the bill. Its natural diamond and lab-grown diamond options are responsibly sourced, made with 14k gold that consists of 94% recycled materials. At Mejuri, the jewelry is on the minimalist side—think elegant, versatile pieces that go with everything in your closet. The direct-to-consumer brand carries everything from wedding bands to pendants, with a wide variety of pieces in the below-$500 range.
Quince: High-Quality Essentials
Quince
Quince 14K Gold Diamond Baguette Huggies
Price range: $70 to $3,600 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping, free 365-day returns | Warranty: No | White-glove services: Financing available
Quince first launched in 2018 as a clothing brand, but has quickly grown to include a tasteful collection of diamond jewelry at prices that won’t make you balk. The brand sells its items directly from warehouses to customers, cutting down on traditional overhead costs. The result is high-quality pieces that offer extremely high value for what you’re paying. Quince offers jewelry made with ethically produced natural diamonds as well as lab-grown diamonds, set in recycled 14k gold. Like the delicate baguette huggies featured above, most pieces skew minimalist and subtle—you won’t find many bold statement pieces here.
Best For Everyday Diamond Jewelry
Stone And Strand: Whimsical, Understated Styles
Stone And Strand
Stone And Strand Lab-Created Diamond Jubilee Necklace
Price range: $98 to $5,820 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping, 100-day returns | Warranty: 100-day product warranty | White-glove services: Engraving on select pieces
For those who are looking to flesh out their collection of everyday jewelry, Stone And Strand is a treasure trove. Its fairly priced pieces—made from either conflict-free natural diamonds or lab-created diamonds—are perfect for pairing with work outfits or casual weekend wear. With certain pieces, like the Diamond Orbit Bracelet, you have the option to add customized engraving.
Catbird: Delicate Jewelry You'll Never Want To Take Off
Catbird
Catbird Diamond Fizz Bracelet
Price range: $112 to $15,500 | Shipping and returns: $6 standard shipping, $6 10-day returns | Warranty: 2-year warranty | White-glove services: Virtual styling and shopping service
Brooklyn-based Catbird is an editor favorite for dainty, thoughtful jewelry that makes an impression without calling too much attention to itself. You’ll find everything from responsibly sourced natural diamonds to recycled diamonds to lab-grown diamonds, placed in 100% recycled solid gold or platinum settings. Its popular Diamond Fizz bracelet features a 1.7mm round brilliant cut recycled white diamond, which adds just a hint of sparkle to your everyday routine.
Best For Diamond Jewelry Gifts
Kendra Scott: Fashionable Pieces For Every Taste
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott Lee Open Frame Earrings
Price range: $120 to $4,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping on fine jewelry, free 30-day returns | Warranty: 1-year product warranty | White-glove services: Fine jewelry repairs, birthday discount
If you have a pretty good idea of your recipient’s personal taste, Kendra Scott is a popular destination for gifts—there’s truly something for everyone. It’s easy to filter through the site’s collection of fine jewelry, which includes pieces made with natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. From understated pendants to eye-catching earrings, there are plenty of options at prices that won’t break the bank.
David Yurman: Precious Pieces They'll Keep Forever
David Yurman
David Yurman Buckle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold With Pavé Diamonds
Price range: $260 to $30,000 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns | Warranty: N/A (not listed) | White-glove services: Jewelry repair services
Since 1980, David Yurman has built its stellar reputation on its timeless, carefully crafted jewelry pieces. Its bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings are certainly an investment, but the quality is apparent. All of David Yurman’s diamond jewelry is made with GIA-certified, conflict-free stones. There are plenty of gift-worthy pieces that are on the subtler side, like the equestrian-inspired bracelet above, as well as bolder, more intricate styles.
Tiffany & Co.: Iconic Pieces Backed By A Lifetime Warranty
MOST POPULAR
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany T Smile Pendant
Price range: $425 to $485,000 | Shipping and returns: Free standard shipping and 30-day returns | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | White-glove services: Jewelry repair services, personalization, complimentary ring cleaning
Originally founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been a long-standing player in the diamond jewelry game. With free shipping on all orders, you can gift your special someone (or yourself) with that legendary little blue box without leaving your home. The brand’s stunning diamond selections range from delicate pendants to statement-making bangles, all backed by Tiffany & Co.’s lifetime warranty, which includes complimentary repairs and cleaning.
This story was overseen and editied by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in lab-grown diamonds from the International Gem Society and another certificate in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America.
We regularly update this article to ensure all of our selections continue to meet our high standards for inclusion on this list. It was last refreshed in January 2025.
How I Chose The Best Places To Buy Diamonds
To find the best places to buy diamonds, I researched over a dozen top diamond companies, considering factors such as the overall quality, shipping and return policies, range of styles and customer service.
Once I narrowed down my picks, Molvar reviewed my list to verify that each retailer had the qualities to fit their respective superlatives.
I then spent time on each retailer’s website, evaluating how easy it was to navigate through options and select customization features. I took note of any white-glove services, including gem appraisal, free cleaning and inspection and fine jewelry repairs.
Price, too, was also considered. I included options to suit a wide range of budgets, including picks from wallet-friendly retailers likeMejuri, as well as higher-end offerings from luxury retailers like David Yurman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Brand Is Best For Diamonds?
All of the brands on this list have been carefully chosen for their high-quality diamonds, variety of styles and excellent customer service; the best brand for you ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. That being said, I selected Brilliant Earth as the best place to buy diamonds overall: It offers a wide range of classic and modern jewelry, made from your choice of sustainable lab-grown diamonds or ethically sourced natural diamonds.
What’s The Difference Between Natural And Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are mined from the earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled setting using either the high-pressure-high-temperature process or chemical vapor deposition. Both stones are visually identical; only a trained gemologist with specialized equipment is able to tell the difference. Lab-grown diamonds are less costly than natural diamonds, but they don’t hold their value over time as well as natural diamonds do.
Is It Better To Buy Diamonds In Store Or Online?
Neither option is necessarily “better” than the other, but buying diamonds online has a few perks: You can view and compare dozens of styles in one sitting, and prices tend to be lower than what you’d find at a brick-and-mortar shop. However, if you value in-person assistance and prefer to see each piece of jewelry up close, shopping for diamonds in a store might be the better option for you.