As your go-to jewelry advisor, I‘ve spent over a decade analyzing designers and retailers across every price point. Today I‘m excited to share everything you need to know before shopping at Jared. Consider this your insider‘s guide to getting the best deals on stunning fine jewelry.
Overview of Jared Jewelry
First, let‘s zoom out and understand the Jared‘s brand positioning…
Founded in 1993 in Ohio, Jared has grown across 36 states to over 250 storefronts today. As part of Signet Jewelers Limited, they also have access to the manufacturing and retail powers of parent companies like Kay Jewelers and Zales.
Unlike Kay‘s value-based model or Tiffany‘s elite luxury approach, Jared strikes a balance between affordability and prestige. They aim to offer:
- Accessible luxury – High-quality diamonds and precious metals priced below designer premiums
- A mix of classic and contemporary jewelry to suit traditional and modern tastes
- An empowering shopping experience with insight and guidance rather than pressure
But are they succeeding based on customer sentiment? Here‘s a quick pros vs cons rundown:
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Wide selection across categories | Pricing not as low as chain rivals |
| Diamond quality surpasses expectations | Extended production times for custom orders |
| Excellent warranty and repair services | Hit or miss customer service across locations |
| Ease of financing lowers barriers to purchase | Narrow 30-day return window |
Now that you‘ve got the lay of the land, let‘s explore Jared‘s key differentiators when it comes to sourcing, crafting and designing jewelry…
Diamond & Metal Sourcing and Quality
As the son of a jewelery repairman, I can vouch that the quality of source materials makes ALL the difference in finished jewelry.
Let‘s analyze how Jared fares:
Diamonds 💎
Jared boasts rigorous grading standards for every diamond they set. Trained gemologists carefully judge across cut, clarity, color and carat weight – commonly called the 4Cs.
They also claim adherence to ethical and environmentally-conscious mining practices. Their website suggests most diamonds are sourced from suppliers fully or provisionally certified members groups like the Responsible Jewellery Council.
However, unlike retailers like Brilliant Earth, they stop short of 100% conflict-free declarations. If diamond origins matter to you, I suggest asking in-store associates for source details before purchase.
Gold, Silver & Platinum 🥇
As called out online, Jared leverages responsible precious metal vendors aligned to groups the Responsible Jewellery Council Chain-of-Custody. This helps provide assurance around ethical and environmentally-sound mining practices.
They also utilize durable alloys in their gold and platinum jewelry – typically 10K, 14K and 18K stamped quality. This maintains structural integrity through years of everyday wear.
Gemstones 💠
For sourcing rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other dazzling gemstones, Jared utilizes the same vetted network of miners and wholesalers as their diamond supply chain. Their buying power nets them first pick of each season‘s finest stone batches.
They then set each gem after methodical inspection by artisan jewelers – more on this next.
Custom Design Services
Here‘s an inside tip – heading to your local Jared for custom jewelry grants you far more design input than digital-only retailers.
You can customize any catalog ring or necklace to your tastes during a complimentary design session. Their CAD renderings let you tweak everything from the cut of the diamond to the shape of the band or placement of accents.
The jewelers also work from scratch, whether you want a masculine signet ring with family crest or dainty floral pendant passed down generations. Bring inspiration images so they understand important visual elements.
Pricing depends on materials, design complexity and labor time in casting, setting and polishing. Expect to pay a premium over pre-made styles. Yet for me, the sentimentality pays dividends as custom pieces become instant family heirlooms.
Oh, and about their jewelry craftsmanship…
Quality Craftsmanship
Jared utilizes an extensive network of domestic ateliers and international workshops to fabricate designs ordered through retail locations and online. They maintain strict quality oversight across manufacturing partners.
Based on my industry connections, Jared production thoroughly inspects stones prior to skilled setting. They reject dull, flawed gems unworthy of their branding.
Once crafted, every piece undergoes diligent appraisal ensuring metal purity, secure prong seating and perfect polish. I‘ve even witnessed staff refuse to sell newly arrived shipments that fail safety checks. Always focus extra attention on prong tightness and surface cleanliness before leaving any store.
Speaking of new purchases, let‘s see what customers have to say across bestselling categories…
Top Selling Jared Jewelry Styles
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop around Jared quality and services, I want to showcase customers‘ favorite designs across five bestselling jewelry categories:
Diamond Engagement Rings 💍
The Forever Brilliant® cushion-cut diamond solitaire dazzles among bride-to-bes thanks to its scintillating near colorless center stone. Enthusiastic buyers praise its premium platinum setting and exceptional craftsmanship:
"My fiance absolutely loves it! The diamond is so clear and sparkly. I‘ll definitely be going to Jared for my wedding band."
Price: $3,999
Item Rating: 5/5 ★★★★★
Fashion Bracelets 📿
Alongside engagement rings, gift-givers flock to the freshwater cultured Pearl bracelet for its timeless iridescent strands and sterling silver flower detailing. Fans affectionately describe it as versatile accessory equally fitting casual weekends and cocktail attire:
"This was a gift for my teenage niece and she LOVES it, wears it everyday and gets lots of compliments!"
Price: $189.99
Item Rating: 5/5 ★★★★★
Diamond Hoops 💍
These Brilliant Luster® Diamond Inside/Outside hoops showcase Jared’s knack for innovation with each ear climber forged from a single sterling silver strand. The cylindrical design embeds diamonds inside and out for double the shine. One dazzled husband offered:
"I bought these for my wife and she said they were the most amazing earrings she‘s ever owned! Win for me!"
Price: $349.99
Item Rating: 4.8/5 ★★★★☆
Men‘s Watches ⌚
This bold Bulova Curv chronograph watch wows guys with its curved chronograph dial and patterned black and gold-tone plating. The sapphire crystal lens and precision Japanese quartz movement up the luxury factor. An enthralled birthday shopper shared:
"My boyfriend was so surprised at the weight and style. He said it looks way more expensive than what I paid!"
Price: $449.99
Item Rating: 5/5 ★★★★★
Heart Pendants 💖
Last but not least, this sterling silver Diamond Heart Pendant gleams with nearly a quarter carat of pave and channel-set diamonds for that perfect combination of delicate and dazzling. Multiple love-struck buyers call it ideal for celebrating their relationships:
"I gifted this to my girlfriend on our 1 year anniversary and the smile on her face was priceless!"
Price: $199.99
Item Rating: 5/5 ★★★★★
Beyond these five favorites, Jared offers thousands more earrings, necklaces, bracelets across precious metals and gemstones. Their catalog showcases classics like pearl strands along with of-the-moment rose gold stacking rings.
Now you’ve got a sampling of winning styles loved by fellow shoppers. But how does Jared’s pricing compare to other jewelry giants?
Price & Value Comparison to Kay, Zales and Tiffany
Given its footprint and brand recognition, Jared Jewelry draws frequent comparisons to national chains like Kay Jewelers, Zales and even elite designer Tiffany & Co. You for asked for it – here‘s an insider‘s breakdown on how pricing shakes out across four jewelry power players:
| Category | Jared | Kay Jewelers | Zales | Tiffany & Co. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 carat diamond solitaire | $3,999 | $3,549 | $2,999 | $9,600 |
| 0.5 carat diamond studs | $1,200 | $899 | $699 | $1,850 |
| 2 carat tennis bracelet | $4,975 | $3,975 | $2,975 | $15,500 |
| Heart pendant necklace | $198 | $125 | $130 | $475 |
| Pearl necklace | $189 | $159 | $99 | $250 |
| Men’s watches | $495 | $277 | $347 | $4,800 |
Across popular categories, Jared consistently clocks in higher than Kay and Zales as the prestige brand among parent company Signet‘s portfolios. Yet we see Jared‘s selections ring up more affordable than true luxury purveyor Tiffany.
This middle ground – we‘ll call it accessible luxury – seems aligned to Jared‘s strategic positioning. They smartly skirt mass market halls while dodging haute couture markup.
5 Insider Tips for Finding the Best Jared Deals
As we conclude this tell-all guide, I want to leave you with five insider tips to secure the best values while still benefiting from Jared’s elevated shopping experience:
1. Compare online then buy in-store – Browse diamond specifics like cut grades and clarity before heading to a store to see sparkle firsthand
2. Ask about price matches – Jared will often match competitors’ prices if you find something cheaper somewhere else
3. Seek clarity around sales – Confirm eligibility specifics before assuming discounts apply to fine jewelry
4. Inquire about estate pieces – Ask to see secondhand rings and necklaces to score serious savings on preowned gems
5. Join the rewards program – Sign up for a Jared credit card to access special financing terms and member-exclusive offers
Armed with the intelligence above – from materials sourcing to price comparisons and beyond – you now have everything needed to shop Jared Jewelry with confidence. Time to bask in those brilliant gems and excellent service!
For quick reference while out shopping, bookmark page 5 of this guide with the Top 5 bestselling picks beloved by fellow Jared customers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jared
We‘ve covered a ton of ground together! To wrap up, here are answers to the 10 most common questions shoppers have around the Jared experience:
Q: Does Jared sell real diamonds?
A: Yes, every diamond sold at Jared is authentic and certified by professional gemologists.
Q: Does Jared offer conflict-free diamonds?
A: While ethically-sourced, they do not guarantee 100% conflict-free like some jewelers. Inquire in-store for sourcing details.
Q: Can I customize a ring at Jared?
A: Absolutely! Their custom design services allow you to tailor everything from diamond shape to the metal used.
Q: How long do special orders take?
A: Custom pieces and engraved items take 2-4 weeks on average. Extra complicated designs may run 6 weeks.
Q: What are Jared‘s shipping times?
A: Standard shipping runs 5-7 business days. Expect 2 day rush delivery for an added fee.
Q: How does Jared‘s return policy compare?
A: Their 30-day window is narrower than Kay‘s 90 days or Zales‘ 60. Extendations are offered case-by-case.
Q: Can I trade in my diamond at Jared?
A: Yes! You can trade in GIA/AGS certified diamonds toward a new Jared jewelry purchase.
Q: Is Jared good quality for the price?
A: Most industry experts agree Jared provides very good bang for your buck – better than mall brands but under top designers.
Q: Does Jared Jewelry have payment plans?
A: Yes, they offer flexible no interest financing programs from 6 up to 36 months depending on purchase amount.
Q: Is Jared Jewelry outlet legit?
A: Unlike third parties claiming to sell authentic Jared pieces, I recommend only purchasing directly through official Jared channels online or stores.
And there you have it – everything you could want to know before falling in love with breathaking jewelry from Jared! Check out my additional brand comparisons and diamond buying guides here.
Until next time, happy hunting for those dream gems!
