Blue Nile review

Blue Nile is the strongest pick for a diamond or engagement ring bought online because its policies cover the parts of the purchase that are hardest to check from a screen. Blue Nile says its diamonds are evaluated by the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gemological Institute, so each stone comes with an independent report. Returns are free for 30 days, though the clock starts on the shipment date and items must be unworn in original packaging. Gold and platinum pieces with a purchase price of $1,000 or more carry a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects; cheaper items, pearls and silver are excluded. Rings get one free resize within 6 months, up or down two sizes, with a 30-day exchange if resizing is not possible. Orders over $500 ship overnight by secure carrier. The Diamond Price Match Guarantee and Diamond Upgrade Program add value for repeat diamond buyers. Blue Nile also says James Allen will become a brand it offers, so James Allen shoppers end up here.

Who it is for

engagement ring and diamond buyers

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Diamonds evaluated by GIA and IGI
• Free returns within 30 days of the shipment date
• Limited lifetime warranty on gold and platinum items of $1,000 or more
• One free resize within 6 months on eligible rings, up or down two sizes
• Overnight secure delivery on orders over $500

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Diamond Price Match Guarantee against a comparable stone from a qualified competitor
• Strength: Diamond Upgrade Program credits eligible GIA and IGI graded colorless diamonds toward one priced at least twice the original
• Strength: 30-day exchange option when a ring cannot be resized
• Weakness: The lifetime warranty excludes items under $1,000, pearls and silver jewelry
• Weakness: The 30-day return window starts when the order ships, not when it arrives
• Weakness: Some sale items cannot be returned or exchanged

Key facts

• Returns: Free, 30 days from shipment
• Warranty: Limited lifetime, gold and platinum from $1,000
• Grading labs: GIA and IGI
• Resizing: One free resize within 6 months
• Shipping: Overnight over $500, two-day under $500

Where it ranks

Blue Nile is No. 1 in our Best Online Jewelry Stores verdict and No. 1 in Best Places to Buy Fine Jewelry.