Frequently Asked Questions

James Allen does not operate retail locations. This allows us to cut overhead costs and focus exclusively on quality and service - providing you with a high quality product at a much better value than your local jewelry store.

By the same token, we understand how important it is for our customers to see and feel jewelry - especially a piece of jewelry as personal as an engagement ring. That's why we offer free shipping on all our items, a 60-day money back guarantee, and free ring resizing for 60 days after your purchase.

That being said, we have offices in both Maryland and New York City, in the heart of the diamond district.

Yes. We currently have G.I.A Graduate Gemologists on staff at both our Maryland and New York offices. These gemologists are an integral part of our customer service team. If you have any further questions, you can speak with a graduate gemologist at any time.

Our corporate office is located in the heart of the New York diamond district.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

• James Allen Customer Service
• 605 North Bentz #203
• Frederick, MD 21701
• 
  
• James Allen Corporate Office
• 6 East 45th Street
• New York, NY 10017

All jewelry purchased from James Allen is eligible for a free cleaning every six months. You may also return your jewelry to our offices for free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning. Contact Customer Service at 1-877-826-9866 for more information.

Yes. Every finished engagement ring or piece of fine jewelry valued at $1,000 or higher will be accompanied by a full insurance valuation.

Definitely. At James Allen, we understand how important it is for our customers to see and feel jewelry - especially a piece of jewelry as personal as an engagement ring.

So here at James Allen, we offer free shipping on all orders, with no minimum purchase. In fact, we're so confident that you'll be impressed by the quality of our jewelry that we offer a money back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your order, you have 60 days to return your item and receive a full refund.

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That's no problem, either. We offer free ring resizing for 60 days after your purchase. Even better, we'll send the newly-resized ring back to you, for free, via two-day FedEx.

Yes. You can purchase our loose diamonds, engagement rings or fine jewelry using our secure checkout process.

Yes. Custom designing an engagement ring is a great way to create a ring that is perfect for your unique personality—a beautiful expression of love. Learn more about custom designing your own engagement ring or fill out this form to get started. You can also call customer service 24/7 for any inquires.

If you would like assistance with placing your order, please call us toll free at 1-877-826-9866, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For questions about your order, call Customer Service at 1-877-826-9866, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or send an e-mail to service@jamesallen.com.

You can check your order status online by clicking here. You will need your order number and email address.

When you place an international order, we will ship it to you for free. Once the package arrives in your country, the courier will contact you to collect any taxes or duties. Shipping is done via Fedex International Priority for orders over $500 in value and usually takes two to three days. Packages valued below $500 are sent USPS Priority Mail.

There are several methods available to determine your ring size (or the ring size of a loved one). Please click here for a full list of the options available to you.

Each customer is entitled to one free ring resizing within 60 days of purchase. After 60 days, the fee is $25 for gold rings and $50 for platinum rings.

We'll return your ring to you (for free) via two-day FedEx.

Please note that eternity bands and tension rings cannot be resized and must be completely remanufactured.

Of course not! In fact, we encourage you to choose your diamond separately - this is what makes your jewelry unique!

Yes! Every ring on the James Allen website is available for purchase, regardless of whether or not you purchase a center diamond from us. Many rings, however, cannot be manufactured unless we have the diamond in our possession. Tension settings, rings with diamond halos, and other unique designs fall into that category. In those instances we require that you send the diamond to our offices and charge a $100 setting fee. You can also order an insurance appraisal for an additional $50. To order those designs, please contact our offices and we will provide you with an exact shipping and insurance quotation. For all other designs, you can complete your order through our online shopping cart. When you check out with just a setting (and not a diamond), please provide us with the exact shape and millimeter dimensions of your diamond so we can include properly sized prongs.

Please Note: While we will take every precaution to ensure that your diamond is professionally mounted into our ring setting, JamesAllen.com cannot be responsible for any damage that may occur during the setting process. CZ (cubic zirconia), diamond simulants, clarity-enhanced diamonds, gemstones, or other diamond substitutes are particularly prone to damage. Any diamond simulants or enhanced diamonds should be clearly marked as such when sent to our offices.

The JAMES ALLEN inscription shown in our online product images is to protect the copyright of our photographs and videos. Your ring will only be stamped with the metal type (18kt or Platinum) and the "JA" hallmark.

In order to place a formal hold, simply call or email our office with your full name, email address and phone number. Holds are for 24 hours.

Yes. If you have requested specific information about a diamond (such as additional images or reports) then we'll hold the diamond until you receive the information.

Diamonds that have been placed on hold will appear unavailable through the website. Your purchase can be completed simply by calling our customer service center at 1-877-826-9866.

Every loose diamond, ring and piece of jewelry listed on the website is sold with a 100% money back guarantee. Designing your own ring using our system or having your diamond mounted into any ring does not make the ring custom. Custom orders refer to ring designs that are not on the JamesAllen.com website. Please note: all returns on engraved rings will require a $25 re-polishing fee.

A Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or International Gemological Institute (IGI) diamond certificate assures the value and quality of your diamond. GIA, AGS and IGI are the gold standard in diamond grading. Their reports detail key characteristics of each diamond.

The Four C's - Carat (size), Color, Clarity and Cut - are the industry grade standard from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Every diamond is specifically graded on these features.

A diamond's cut determines how effectively it returns light to the viewer's eye: a well-cut diamond appears brilliant and fiery, while poorly cut stones look dark and lifeless. Well-cut diamonds often appear larger than stones of the same carat weight. To learn more about cuts, click here.

"Eye-Clean" is a term used to describe a diamond that is clean to an unaided eye in a face-up position from a distance of 8 to 10 inches. Diamonds of VS2 or higher in quality will usually be eye-clean. Diamonds of Si1, Si2 and I1 need to be visually inspected to determine whether any inclusions are visible from the top. We can inspect any diamond at no charge.

We ship every loose diamond and diamond engagement ring with an independent GIA, AGS or IGI lab report. This report can be examined by a qualified gemologist and compared against the unique characteristics of your diamond.

Yes. All diamonds on our website are available for purchase.

Smaller diamonds (often called melee) are cut in factories around the world and are available in a variety of qualities.

The lowest quality goods are usually labeled as "commercial" and consist of I/J/K color and I1 clarity. "Promotional" goods are higher in both color and clarity, but are still cut for maximum weight. The highest quality diamonds are often referred to as "Collection".

Collection diamonds are finer in both color and clarity. They're precisely cut to maximize fire and brilliance. Collection quality goods are only available from specialty dealers.

We pride ourselves on using collection diamond melee in all of our engagement designs.

JamesAllen only sells diamonds that are 100% natural and untreated.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) will not issue grading reports on diamonds that have been treated or enhanced, so purchasing our diamonds - which are all GIA, AGS or IGI certified -- is another guarantee that your diamond is natural.

Every gemstone used in our jewelry was mined from the earth. We do not sell synthetic or lab created gemstones.

Yes. It is very common for natural gemstones to be heated. Heating the stone can intensify color and clarity, making the gemstone more beautiful and valuable. In addition, emeralds are commonly infused with a colorless oil, wax or resin to improve their appearance and luster. Nearly all rubies and emeralds on the jewelry market today are heated or treated in some fashion.

Yes, very slightly. In order to give 18kt White Gold a pure white color, it is plated with rhodium. This is a standard practice for 14kt and 18kt White Gold jewelry. Over time, the rhodium plating may wear off. When that occurs, the true color of the white gold (a slightly buttery off-white) will appear. James Allen offers lifetime free rhodium plating on all our jewelry.

Conflict-free diamonds are gems that were not obtained due to human rights abuses, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation.

At James Allen, we make sure that our customers receive conflict-free diamonds. Our internal guidelines exceed government requirements.

• We manufacture most of our own diamonds, and therefore have first-hand knowledge of their conflict-free origins.
• We only purchase polished diamonds from professional members of the diamond trade.
• We have contracts with our suppliers that guarantee that their diamonds are conflict-free.

When you shop at James Allen, you can be certain that your diamonds are coming from the most reputable providers.

Read more about our conflict-free diamonds.

We add new diamonds to our inventory on a daily basis.

Yes. We can provide you with a free quote on any GIA, AGS and IGI graded diamond of 1/2 ct or larger. However, we do not accept used rings or uncertified diamonds.

Diamond in the Rough is the most renowned brand for natural, rough diamond jewelry. James Allen has partnered with Diamond in the Rough to offer a stunning collection of natural rough diamond rings in a wide variety of styles. Each setting is custom-designed to compliment the definitive beauty of the hand-picked rough center diamond, making these diamond rings truly unique.

Traditional engagement rings usually feature polished diamonds or gemstones. A Diamond in the Rough ring is a beautiful alternative to a traditional polished and cut center stone, as it features an unpolished, uncut center stone. A Diamond in the Rough ring is a unique expression of love and is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine’s Day gifts. A Diamond in the Rough ring can also be an engagement ring for those who prefer something distinctive.

The center stones in Diamond in the Rough rings are unpolished and not cut. This is what gives them their unique, one-of-a-kind look.

Diamond in the Rough rings are evaluated by carat weight, color, and natural shape, but also on their inherent beauty and rarity. Since each and every Diamond in the Rough piece is one of a kind, they cannot be measured using a typical standardized scale.

Like all diamond jewelry, it is important to take care of your Diamond in the Rough ring. Do not shower with your ring on to avoid solutions like hair products and soap getting underneath the stones. To clean your Diamond in the Rough ring, use a professional, nonabrasive cleaning solution. Apply the solution with a soft bristle brush to remove residue and dust.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), as well as PayPal, Google Checkout, certified checks and money orders, wire transfers, and personal checks.

Many customers purchasing items valued over $1,000 prefer paying by wire transfer. Wire transfer orders receive a 1.5% discount from our listed price. Customers paying by wire will receive wiring instructions once they have completed the check-out process. We must receive confirmation from our bank that a wire transfer has been completed before items can be shipped. At our sole discretion, we may require bank wire payment for any international order or orders in excess of $20,000.

Credit card orders can be placed online using our secure server or over the phone with our customer service department. For security purposes, James Allen may request additional documentation (such as drivers license, photocopy of credit card, etc) on some transactions.

When paying by personal check, certified check or money order, James Allen reserves the right to deposit and hold each payment for up to ten business days. All check payments that are not received within one week of when the order was placed will be cancelled. Each personal check and/or certified check must be drawn from a US bank account. Personal checks must also have the customer's name and address imprinted on the front of the check. Customers paying by check will receive mailing instructions once they have completed the check-out process.

Please contact our customer service department at 1-877-826-9866 if you have any additional questions.

Yes. Bank wire customers receive a 1.5% discount off their entire order.

James Allen only collects sales tax on orders that are shipped to Maryland and New York.

Your credit card will be billed at the time of purchase.

Yes. If you'd like pay with two different cards, please place your order over the phone with customer service at 1-877-826-9866, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (EST).

The security code is a 3 or 4 digit number that appears on your credit card. Visa and MasterCard users will find this code above the signature on the back of the card. Discover and American Express users will find this number on the top right of the front of the card.

Yes. James Allen offers payment options to help you purchase the bridal jewelry of your dreams. Simply click here to select the option best for you and complete the application form online.

Yes. James Allen ensures that our customers' purchases are secure. We use secure encryption and fraud protection for all credit card transactions. All sensitive data is encrypted using 128-bit Secure Socket Layers (SSL). You can view our Thawte Certificate to view an independent verification of our site's security.

We keep your information 100% private and confidential.

Returns

If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your order, you may return it within the first 60 days of shipment for a full refund or exchange - we even pay for the return shipping. Free returns only apply to U.S customers and are limited to three per customer. Please note: There will be a $25 re-polishing fee if an engraved item is returned. To return an item, simply follow the Return Procedures listed below:

1. Contact our Customer Service department at 1-877-826-9866.
2. Advise the representative that you wish to return your order.
3. Within one business day of your phone call we will email you a pre-paid, fully insured FedEx 2-Day label, along with instructions on how to safely and securely package your items.
4. Take your order and the label to the nearest FedEx location and simply mail it back to us! If you need packaging materials, FedEx will assist you.
5. Your order should arrive in our office in two business days (excludes weekends and holidays).
6. All refunds will be processed within two weeks and done in the form of the original purchase method. Bank wires will be refunded via company check.

Improperly packaged items:

Items sent to our office without a RAN number, packages shipped beyond the 60-day return period, and packages that are improperly packaged or uninsured will be refused receipt.

Damaged and Used Items:

Returned merchandise must be undamaged and in "new and unused condition." Items showing obvious signs of wear or alteration by a jeweler other than James Allen will not be accepted.

Loose diamonds:

Loose diamonds must be accompanied by the original laboratory grading report or a $150 charge will be assessed to replace the certificate.

Eternity bands and tension rings:

Eternity bands and tension rings usually cannot be resized and must be completely remanufactured.

Special orders:

Special orders cannot be returned. A ring plus center diamond that we mount together - such as the Design your Own rings - is not considered a special order.

Yes. Any diamond can be exchanged for 100% credit towards a new purchase valued at least 2x the original amount. The diamond being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by original laboratory grading document. We can also remodel most rings to accommodate the new diamond for a minimal charge.

Yes. We have a two-year buy back policy. If you need to sell your diamond, we will buy back your loose diamond for 70% of the original purchase price. The diamond must be in original condition and accompanied by original laboratory grading document.

Please note that our buyback program only applies to loose GIA, AGS or IGI graded diamonds and does not apply to engagement rings or other fine jewelry.

We ship diamonds to the U.S., Canada and internationally. We deliver to your home, business, APO, or nearest Fedex location.

Regarding deliveries to Canada: Customs taxes may vary, depending upon the nature of the item and the Province you are having the item shipped to. For example, purchasing a loose diamond will not incur a customs tax, whereas a diamond engagement ring, diamond earrings or a diamond pendant will incur a customs tax from anywhere between 5% and 8.5%.) Other than GST/PST/HST, there are no additional import duties for orders shipped to Canada.

Before having an item shipped to Canada, please learn more about the exact taxes and rates you may be subject to pay.

Click here for a complete list of countries that we serve.

JamesAllen.com provides fast, free shipping on all order destinations, regardless of order amount.

International customers will be responsible for any duties, VAT, taxes or surcharges levied or charged by their country, so please check with local authorities prior to placing your order to confirm taxes and duties. Military personnel located overseas may also have their packages shipped to an APO or FPO location free of charge. Please keep in mind, however, that APO/FPO shipments are done through the US Post Office and can take up to three weeks to arrive.

Click here for a complete list of countries that we serve.

When you place an international order, we will ship it to you for free. Once the package arrives in your country, the courier will contact you to collect any taxes or duties. Shipping is done via Fedex International Priority for orders over $500 in value and usually takes two to three days. Packages valued below $500 are sent USPS Priority Mail.

Yes.

Yes. We will gladly mail your purchase to any military APO using the US Postal Service Registered Mail. Registered mail shipments are fully insured and can take up to three weeks for delivery, so order early!

Loose diamonds are shipped FedEx Priority the same day as payment. All other jewelry and engagement rings will be shipped in 2-10 days, depending on the production schedule of that item. Accurate shipping times are located on the detail page for each item. Please note: Overnight Friday packages arrive on Monday. To find out if your order can be expedited, please call our Customer Service Center at 1-877-826-9866.

Every item sold by James Allen is inspected by our quality control department prior to shipment to ensure care and satisfaction.

Rush orders are available. Please call our Customer Service Center at 1-877-826-9866 to find out if your order can be expedited.

Yes. Our items are fully insured during transit. All purchases require a signature at the time of delivery.

James Allen takes every precaution to ensure that your order arrives safely. Your order is fully insured during transit, and we require a signature for all packages.