As I researched places to buy my girlfriend‘s engagement ring, I came across the heritage jewelry brand Helzberg Diamonds. Around since 1915, they market themselves as trusted diamond experts specializing in fine jewelry and luxury watches.
Intrigued by their legacy spanning over a century, I decided to extensively evaluate Helzberg as an option for such an important lifelong purchase.
Over 6 months, I have now assessed their customer service, product quality, value comparisons and more first-hand. Here’s what I learned in this comprehensive Helzberg Diamonds review.
All About Helzberg Diamonds – The Engagement Ring Store with 100+ Year Legacy
Before diving into Helzberg’s strengths and weaknesses, let’s look at key background details on this jewelry giant.
Helzberg Diamonds At a Glance
- Founded 1915 in Kansas City
- 200+ stores across 36 states
- 32 outlet stores with discounted jewelry
- Certified from American Gem Society
- Parent company = Berkshire Hathaway
- Donates to Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Launched ecommerce site in 1999
- Began augmented reality try-on technology
As you can see, Helzberg has over a century worth of jewelry expertise. They operate both online and over 200 physical showrooms primarily found inside malls and shopping centers nationwide.
The company holds certification from the American Gem Society (AGS) ensuring their gemstones and diamonds match advertised quality claims.
Personally, I appreciated learning about Helzberg’s charitable initiatives donating a portion of proceeds to Make-A-Wish. This showed genuine care for community.
However, as I shopped for engagement rings, some questions lingered about whether Helzberg was still as sparkly as their legacy suggests…
- Given the AGS seal, are ALL diamonds backed by third-party certification papers?
- Is their engagement ring quality and craftsmanship comparable to other fine jewelers?
- Are genuine natural diamonds used or mostly lab-grown gems?
- How do buyers rate their first-hand shopping experience?
Let’s now analyze pros and cons from personal experience across 6 months of evaluations.
My Assessment – Helzberg Diamonds Pros & Cons
Helzberg Diamonds Pros
Timeless Classics & Positive Brand Recognition
Walking into Helzberg stores, displays flaunt gorgeously-designed jewelry racks showcasing true timeless elegance. The styling nods to vintage aesthetic while feeling modern and freshly polished.
And people recognize the Helzberg name. Several friends and family members had purchased from them before. This gave me confidence in their positive reputation.
Industry Experience & Gemological Expertise
Between attending gemology conferences and reading several books on diamond quality, I’ve continued developing my own jewelry knowledge over the years.
Helzberg’s passionate lifelong jewelers impressed me with their mastery around the 4Cs – diamond Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. They answered all my ultra-specific questions without hesitation. It was reassuring to deal with true industry experts.
AGS Member Signaling Quality Commitment
As an independent gemological institute, the AGS holds members to meticulously high standards regarding diamond quality and business ethics. Their zero tolerance policy for any misleading claims or questionable conduct reinforced Helzberg‘s commitment to integrity.
Seeing those AGS logos inside stores helped alleviate some worries about getting duped on this monumental purchase.
Free Lifetime Services – Cleanings, Inspections and Select Repairs
One underrated aspect I appreciated was Helzberg’s lifetime care plan included free with jewelry purchases. For my fiancé’s ring, that means:
- Annual cleanings to keep sparkle fiery
- Diamond/setting inspections checking for damage
- Minor repairs like rhodium plating or prong tightening
Considering the typical costs charged by jewelry services annually, this free plan will save substantially long run.
Helzberg Diamonds Cons
Pricey Compared to Online Retailers
Being 21st century folks, my girlfriend and I heavily researched diamond rings all online for months before visiting any stores. I learned quality specs and their price correlations solidly.
Comparing identical quality diamonds against James Allen and Blue Nile prices, Helzberg came in 15-20% above for similar stones and settings.
Clearly their expansive retail footprint adds considerable overhead. I expected some pricing premium but not quite that substantial.
Pushy Sales Reps
We had pleasant upbeat greeters welcome and offer sparkling water. No issues there. Staff only turned aggressive making commission-fueled pushes for upgrades and add-ons.
One overly-eager associate kept suggesting I finance a larger center stone well outside budget just because Helzberg approved my credit for it.
I stood firm but less assertive shoppers may crumble from such high-pressure tactics.
Limited Online Selection
Helzberg’s website severely lacks unique or exclusive collections you’d expect from a luxury jeweler. No proprietary loose diamonds. Minimal settings not carried by every mass retailer.
It felt like window shopping Zales online – very pretty but rather boringly predictable.
I wanted to discover amazing new ring designs but only found their standard solitaires.
Maybe better options exist in person? I headed to stores next…
Inconsistent Store Quality & Service
My local Helzberg sales consultant named Carl won me over from the moment we met. An avid gemology enthusiast, he guided my research sharing unique tips until I found the perfect stone and setting combination. I even negotiated 10% off for ordering in-store.
But jewelers at the other location nearby severely disappointed. One outright lied claiming they custom design all rings inhouse when my fiance‘s style was an obvious modified generic mounting. Shameful…
Based on first-hand experience across two stores in different states, Helzberg severely lacks service quality assurance. It‘s luck of the draw whether you get a good retail associate or not. And there‘s no accountability driving improvement.
Now that we’ve assessed the brand’s strengths and weaknesses overall, let’s analyze specific best selling products starting with the stars of the show – Helzberg engagement rings.
Helzberg Engagement Rings Review
Given my mission to find a lifelong ring for my girlfriend, I focused exclusively on comparing diamond engagement rings.
Over two dozen rings made my shortlist before deciding on “the one”. Let’s analyze a few of my top contenders.
Top Helzberg Engagement Ring Pick #1:
3⁄4 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring – $4,999
This 14k white gold classic solitaire ring stopped me in my tracks. The dazzling 3⁄4 ct round brilliant diamond featured a stunning Excellent cut grading from GIA.
Surrounding the I-color VS2 clarity center stone, a petite micro pave halo with 0.50 carats of smaller diamonds added brilliance.
I loved everything about the design. Timelessly elegant while having just enough uniqueness with the diamond halo and slender band styling.
The only less positive aspect – the $5k price felt slightly overvalued compared to online options with similar diamonds and settings. But acceptable given Helzberg’s excellent craftsmanship.
Ultimately passed only because I found an even better fit…
Top Helzberg Engagement Ring Pick #2:
1 Carat Emerald Diamond Halo Ring – $3,299
I became enamored by emerald cuts after Helzberg’s Carl showed me this jaw-dropping stunner.
The 1 ct lab-grown emerald diamond at the center displayed perfect symmetry with precisely cut translucent edges. Surrounding the gorgeous centerpiece, a double halo of petite pave diamonds elevated the sophistication.
As a man with more modern minimalist taste, this ring spoke louder to my personal style preferences over traditional solitaires. The angular faceting paired with crystal clarity totally won my heart.
And at just $3,299, the pricing also delighted by ringing in nearly $2k under expected cost for a diamond of this caliber.
Ultimately, my girlfriend expressed wanting a classic round so I kept searching. But this emerald remains my favorite across all Helzberg collections viewed. Absolutely gorgeous in every facet.
The One – My Chosen Helzberg Engagement Ring:
Verragio Insignia 1 Carat Round Halo Diamond Ring
This splendorous creation beams magnificence from every angle with its brilliant round center stone hugged between a contouring halo of smaller dazzling diamonds.
The luscious layers taper delicately skyward lifting the eye’s focus to the 1 carat stellar showstopper. Leafy vines cascade down the split shank band with tiny diamond accents adding nuanced allure.
No words or pictures fully capture the breathtaking vision igniting heart flutters the moment I saw this ring in Helzberg’s Verragio Signature display. I nearly proposed on the spot!
My girlfriend wholeheartedly agrees this exquisite ring was destined for her dainty finger. The vintage softness, perfect diamond quality and timeless premium design by Verragiofuse into sheer perfection.
While certainly at the upper end of my initial budget, the unparalleled artistry emanating within this ring punctuates pure magic I’ll pay two-fold to enjoy for eternity.
My Advice: If deciding between the brilliant brands sold at Helzberg like Verragio, Gabriel & Co., Scott Kay or Tacori, splurge a little extra because their expertise crafting unique fine jewelry styles shines brilliantly.
You get what you pay for…and in my case, totally worth it!
Now that you’ve seen stunning engagement ring possibilities from Helzberg, let’s shift to reviewing their wedding band offerings.
Helzberg Wedding Bands Review
After obsessing for months over engagement rings, choosing wedding bands felt relatively straightforward by comparison.
We wanted simple, slender, durable bands allowing her engagement ring star full spotlight. After trying on different width and metal color options, two specific Helzberg bands became top contenders.
Petite Pave Diamond Wedding Band in 14K Rose Gold
This feminine band adds just the right delicate dose of extra sparkle courtesy of a trailing row of tiny pave set diamonds.
I wanted an option pairing smoothly with rose gold engagement rings, but also working should she later wish to wear her e-ring on the right hand. The warm metal tone and diamonds still felt timeless.
At only 2mm wide, this wedding band felt dainty and balanced against her engagement ring’s proportions. And priced reasonably at $575 for a branded jewelry product with natural diamonds.
Platinum Comfort-Fit Wedding Band
Weighing comfort and durability factors highest, a simple platinum rounded band won out. The super dense precious metal with 95% purity ensures lasting shine resistant to scratches.
My girlfriend also prioritized comfort for lifelong everyday wear. This band’s slightly domed interior and smoothed edges should comfortably contour to her finger.
No frills needed for this classic staple style costing around $699 online. But Helzberg offered a brick and mortar price match guarantee so I got the best value.
For commemorating marriage vows through perpetuity, understated elegance radiates strongest in their Platinum Comfort wedding bands.
Beyond engagement rings and bands, let’s explore other bestselling jewelry items from Helzberg.
Top Helzberg Jewelry Review
While most known for diamond brides-to-be, Helzberg crafts gorgeous jewelry across all types like necklaces, bracelets, pearl strands plus charms and luxury watches.
I evaluated four top non bridal items during my Helzberg Diamonds deep dive:
Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold – $1,195
This gorgeously versatile necklace features a circle pendant showcasing dazzling diamonds in various shapes. The unique asymmetry grabbed my eye along with the sparkling brilliance from quality cut stones.
Suspended from a fresh looking modern cable chain, this polished necklace felt stylish for women of all ages. At just under $1,200 retail from a fine legacy jeweler like Helzberg, I considered this a strong value too for real natural diamonds.
Tacori Blue Sapphire Bracelet– $1,140
I wanted to assess one of Helzberg’s designer jewelry partners. Known for feminine designs with signature crescent silhouettes, Tacori never disappoints.
This lovely sapphire tennis bracelet mix features round vivid blue sapphires with tiny diamond accents sprinkled throughout the linked 18k white gold chain.
The gorgeous blue gemstones evoke a feeling of joyful calm. And the dainty diamond detailing adds nice texture against the smooth sapphire beads.
Well worth $1,140 for a branded luxury product made with substantial 18k gold and quality colored gemstones.
Mikimoto Pearl & Diamond Ring – $498
Wanting the perfect gift for my sister’s birthday, I bought this fabulous Mikimoto ring from Helzberg combining luminous cultured pearls with sparkling diamond accents.
An obsession with Japanese culture and royal symbols makes this ring’s cherry blossom inspiration an excellent fit for her personality.
The lustrous pearls centerstage encircled by pink sapphire cherry blooms and tiny diamond leaves equate sheer feminine perfection. And priced affordably under $500 too!
Movado Bold Diamond Watch – $995
In the market for updating my watch, I tried on this Movado Bold style from their prominent display inside Helzberg.
The museum dial punctuated by a small diamond marker at 12 o’clock keeps the aesthetic elegantly minimalistic.
I appreciated the boom presence from its 42mm gold-tone case against the sleek black museum dial. Quartz movement keeps precise time while the diamond adds a hint of luxury.
For just under $1,000, this Movado timepiece offered reliable quality and modern versatility worth the investment.
Final Verdict – Is Helzberg Diamonds Worth It?
If seeking traditional diamond engagement ring styles with excellent craftsmanship, Helzberg deserves strong consideration. Time-honored classics receive brilliant new life from their master jewelers.
For factoring their overall company strengths against areas needing improvement:
Helzberg Diamonds Strengths
✅ Iconic experts in diamond jewelry
✅ Timelessly beautiful designs
✅ Provides exceptional care services
✅ Huge brick and mortar presence
Opportunities for Improvement
❌ Sales service inconsistencies
❌ Pricing not fully competitive
❌ Underwhelming online selection
❌ Pushy sales tactics at times
Ideally, Helzberg would better support their sales teams through proper training enabling more excellent 5-star experiences customers deserve.
My Key Tip: Temper expectations around uniqueness and budget pricing relative to online sites. Embrace Helzberg more for quintessential styles with helpful onsite jewelers to guide you.
After six months of extensive evaluations, I rate Helzberg 4 out of 5 stars as a leading bridal jeweler specializing in gorgeous classics while providing helpful gem guidance along the journey of finding forever rings.
For all my sparkle-adoring readers out there, best wishes as you search for the brightest beauty destined to radiate joyfully upon your finger or special someone‘s hand now until eternity!
