Kay Jewelers review

Kay Jewelers suits buyers who want a physical store behind an online purchase. Kay says it has been in business for 110+ years and has sold 10 million engagement rings. Online jewelry purchases can be returned within 30 days and exchanged within 60 days of the shipment date, and Kay provides a prepaid label for returns by mail, but exchanges must be done in a store. Diamond rings come with a Lifetime Diamond Guarantee that protects the diamond as long as a Kay jewelry consultant performs inspections every 6 months, and you can stop in between visits for free cleaning and inspection. That makes Kay practical for someone near a Kay store and awkward for anyone who is not. The site runs heavy promotions, with Black Friday deals of up to 50% off when we checked, so list prices say little about real prices; we kept its pricing pending. Payment options include a Kay credit card, Affirm and a lease purchase program.

Who it is for

shoppers who want a store nearby for service

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Returns within 30 days and exchanges within 60 days of the shipment date
• Lifetime Diamond Guarantee with 6-month inspections by a Kay consultant
• Free cleaning and inspection at Kay stores between scheduled visits
• Prepaid return label for returns by mail
• Custom engagement rings built from a chosen diamond, setting and metal

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Exchanges are allowed for 60 days, twice the return window
• Strength: Stores handle cleaning, inspection and repairs in person
• Strength: Payment options include a Kay credit card, Affirm and a lease purchase program
• Weakness: Exchanges must be done in a store, not online
• Weakness: The Lifetime Diamond Guarantee needs a documented inspection every 6 months
• Weakness: Frequent sales make list prices a poor guide to what you will pay

Key facts

• Returns: 30 days from shipment
• Exchanges: 60 days, in store
• Diamond guarantee: Lifetime, with 6-month inspections
• Track record: 110+ years, 10M engagement rings sold, per Kay
• Return label: Prepaid label for mail returns

Where it ranks

Kay Jewelers is No. 7 in our Best Online Jewelry Stores verdict and No. 7 in Best Places to Buy Fine Jewelry.