As an avid jewelry lover with an eye for both value and craftsmanship, I‘ve been shopping Ross-Simons for over a decade. Known for making fine jewelry accessible, Ross-Simons strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality.
In this in-depth Ross-Simons jewelry review, I‘ll give you an insider‘s look into this Rhode Island-based brand. From its early beginnings in 1952 to navigating today‘s vast online selection, you‘ll discover why Ross-Simons should be your go-to for everything from diamond studs to gemstone statement rings.
Overview of Ross-Simons History and Reputation
Founded by Sidney Thomas Ross in 1952, Ross-Simons has focused on handcrafted jewelry for 70 years and counting. This family-owned company quickly made its name as an expert in sourcing.
By partnering directly with manufacturers, Ross-Simons gives customers "insider access to the finest, hand-selected materials without the middleman markups," as current CEO Darrell Ross explains.
From traditional retailers to national catalogs to today‘s robust ecommerce site, Ross-Simons now ships over 15 million catalogs per year. They‘ve maintained a sterling reputation along the way for their:
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Commitment to quality: Rigorous standards ensure longevity and structural integrity. Lifetime guarantees provide peace of mind.
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Artistry and innovation: From complex settings to proprietary cuts like the Leo Diamond®, Ross-Simons invests in master craftsmanship.
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Generations of expertise: Skilled in-house designers, goldsmiths, setters, polishers and more translate vision into wearable art.
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Affordability: Direct sourcing allows Ross-Simons to offer fine jewelry at typically 25-50% less than traditional retailers.
As the numbers show, this winning formula keeps customers coming back year after year:
- 52% of sales come from repeat buyers
- 93% of customers surveyed say they would recommend Ross-Simons
- 4.6/5 stars average rating across 29,000+ reviews
Next let‘s explore why Ross-Simons stands apart when it comes to the jewelry itself.
Quality Craftsmanship and Materials
Ross-Simons sources across the globe to find manufacturers invested in master technique. Many have been partners for 20+ years, like India‘s diamond cutters and Italy‘s 22K goldsmiths.
To ensure structural soundness along with beauty, every piece must pass rigorous on-site inspections. Items with gemstones are hand-set to prevent damage and loss.
You can trust Ross-Simons to reveal a stone‘s pure color, clarity and sparkle potential. Their in-house gemological team hand-selects each diamond, pearl and precious stone to meet standards for:
Diamonds: Cut, carat weight, color, clarity
Gemstones: Vibrancy, dimensions, enhancements
Metals: Karats, sturdiness, hypoallergenic options like 10K gold
Pearls: Luster, size, surface smoothness
This expertise shines through across price points – from affordable birthstone studs to heirloom engagement rings worthy of passing down.
Now let‘s explore some of Ross-Simons‘ top sellers and collections.
Bestselling Ross-Simons Jewelry Styles
With hundreds of jewelry lines spanning classic to trendy, Ross-Simons has the right accessories to elevate any outfit.
As a Ross-Simons insider, I‘ll spotlight seven of their top-rated and bestselling jewelry pieces:
Tanzanite and White Topaz Pendant Necklace
Centered around an oval tanzanite, this royal necklace features a halo of 34 sparkling white topaz gemstones set in warm 14K yellow gold over sterling silver. The regal design pops against both casual and formal wear.
Price: $299 $169
Average Rating: 4.7/5 stars (243 reviews)
Diamond Bypass Ring
With crisscrossing bands lined by a total of 20 diamonds, this versatile bypass ring adds a delicate yet substantial touch. An enduring symbol of love, it makes a timeless anniversary gift.
Price: $999 $349 with extra 25% off
Average Rating: 4.8/5 stars (124 reviews)
Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Lustrous and elegant, this hand-knotted pearl strand is secured by a sterling silver flower clasp. At 36 inches, it has a graceful presence with or without a pendant.
Price: $325 $149
Average Rating: 4.7/5 stars (259 reviews)
Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring
Set in warm 14K yellow gold, the eye-catching 5x7mm ruby center stone steals focus while accent diamonds add extra sparkle. The cushion cut flatters all skin tones.
Price: $2,495 $799 with extra 10% off
Average Rating: 5/5 stars (44 reviews)
Personalized Initial Necklace
This 14K gold over sterling silver necklace can be customized with your initial. Delicate at 16 inches long, it layers beautifully with other dainty chains.
Price: $149 $39
Average Rating: 4.8/5 stars (964 reviews)
Medium Twisted Hoop Earrings
A modern twist on a classic style, these textured 14K gold over sterling silver hoops measure 1 inch long. They move with you while adding polished flair.
Price: $325 $79
Average Rating: 4.8/5 stars (550 reviews)
Gemstone Stack Rings
This adjustable set allows you to customize your own stack. Mix meaningful birthstones or create color stories with the six slide-on bands. They look beautiful solo or combined.
Price: $475 $149
Average Rating: 4.8/5 stars (264 reviews)
Beyond these winners, Ross-Simons has hundreds of curated jewelry lines fit for everywhere from the office to date night. Their website makes it easy to shop by category, gemstone, metal, price and so much more.
Up next in this Ross-Simons review, I‘ll share inside tips for navigating the buying process.
Insider Tips for Shopping Ross-Simons Online
Over the past decade, I‘ve ordered dozens of items from Ross-Simons. Here are my best tips for finding exactly what you‘re looking for online:
Browse Bestsellers
Their website features top customer favorites across categories like earrings, bracelets and rings. It‘s a great way to discover quality styles vetted by other shoppers.
Search by Gemstone or Metal
Know you want rose gold or your birthstone? Use the handy filtering tools on the sidebar. This allows you to narrow down your search quickly.
Compare Items Side-by-Side
If you‘re deciding between similar pieces, add them to your cart then view them together in one window. This makes it easy to compare sizes, shapes and pricing.
Read Size Guides Carefully
Pay attention to the described dimensions and metal widths provided. Try printing a size guide to visualize sizing on your own wrist or neck.
Explore Customer Images
Pictures from other buyers help you see how an item may look styled. Read through user-submitted photos for layering ideas and styling inspiration.
Sign Up for Emails
Joining their email list provides early access to the latest collections and exclusive subscriber-only offers. You‘ll also receive $20 off your first order just for signing up.
When it comes time to checkout, keep an eye out for extra opportunities to save on your purchase.
Saving Money at Ross-Simons
Ross-Simons may have affordability built into its mission, but the savings don‘t stop there. Here are some of the best ways to pay even less for fine jewelry:
Take Advantage of Site-Wide Sales
Ross-Simons runs major sales events throughout the year, including Friends & Family (25% off), Summer Sale (up to 50% off) and Holiday Preview (up to 60% off). These are the best times to buy higher-ticket jewelry items.
Shop the Sales & Deals Page
Here you‘ll find overstock jewelry, daily deals and special offers like free shipping or bonus giveaways with purchase. Items discounted up to 70% off make great gifts.
Buy Certified Pre-Owned Jewelry
Gently used jewelry is inspected, professionally cleaned and relisted at up to 50% off retail pricing. You can score major savings on like-new gems and precious metals.
Join Their Rewards Program
The free VIP program includes $150 in reward certificates, 60-day price match guarantees, exclusive offers and early access to the year‘s most coveted pieces before others.
Use RetailMeNot Coupons
Checking RetailMeNot before buying can unlock extra promo codes and percent-off coupons beyond what‘s advertised on the Ross-Simons website.
With the right sale or code, you can easily save $100+ off a single jewelry purchase. Sweetening the deal even more? Ross-Simons offers free shipping year-round.
Next let‘s go over what sets this retailer apart when it comes to service and support.
Standout Customer Service
During my years of shopping Ross-Simons, I‘ve been continually impressed with their customer-centric approach.
For starters, I love their 365 Day Returns policy. Being able to exchange or send back jewelry with over a year to decide shows serious confidence in their products.
Their customer service team has always been friendly, knowledgeable and prompt whenever I had questions about materials, sizing or order issues.
I also appreciate how all jewelry comes packaged in their signature gift boxes and pouches. This makes storing and gift giving equally easy.
Other signs of their focus on service excellence:
- Lifetime Warranties: Diamond, gemstone and pearl jewelry includes lifetime replacement guarantees.
- Free Engraving: Complimentary personalization and engraving offered on many pieces.
- Free Shipping: No order minimums or shipping fees within the contiguous US.
- Reasonable Appraisals: Affordable jewelry appraisals done on-site by GIA experts.
- Special Order Services: Custom designs, re-sizing, repair services and more handled by expert jewelers.
Between sourcing fine materials to providing ongoing support, it‘s clear why 93% of surveyed Ross-Simons customers are happy to recommend them.
How Ross-Simons Compares to Other Jewelry Retailers
Let‘s see how Ross-Simons stacks up against some other leading jewelry retailers:
| Ross-Simons | Blue Nile | James Allen | Kay Jewelers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1952 | 1999 | 2006 | 1916 |
| Headquarters | Rhode Island, USA | Washington, USA | New York, USA | Ohio, USA |
| Store Locations | 3 | 0 | 0 | ~900 |
| Average Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Price Point | Affordable to luxury | Mid to high end | Mid to high end | Low to mid |
| Jewelry Selection | Wide variety | Diamonds & gemstones focus | Diamonds focus | Large variety |
| Craftsmanship | Noted for quality | High, GIA certified | Very high, GIA certified | Mixed |
| Customization | Medium custom options | High custom options | High custom options | Medium options |
| Return Policy | 365 days | 30 days | 30 days | 90 days |
| Warranty | Lifetime | None | Lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Resizing & Repairs | Free services | Fees apply | Fees apply | Free services |
| Site Experience | Very user friendly | User friendly | Simple layout | Cluttered |
With extensive jewelry options focused on wearable fine craftsmanship, Ross-Simons strikes an ideal balance of affordability, quality materials and great service.
Caring for Your Ross-Simons Jewelry
To help your new Ross-Simons jewelry retain its beauty and value over time, be sure to:
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Store properly: Keep pieces in soft fabric pouches inside jewelry boxes away from direct sunlight. Separating items prevents scratching.
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Avoid harsh chemicals: Products like perfume can erode metals. Apply scented products before accessorizing.
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Clean routinely: Use a gentle jewelry cleaning solution with soft cloths to maintain shine. Have diamonds professionally cleaned every 6 months.
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Examine for loose stones: Periodically check prong settings and links for needed repairs.
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Remove during physical activities: Take off rings, bracelets and necklaces when doing heavy cleaning, yardwork or exercise.
Following these care tips allows your Ross-Simons jewelry to last through everyday wear and become future family heirlooms.
Final Verdict: An Overwhelming Yes
If you‘re looking for stunning fine jewelry at prices 25-60% less than traditional retailers, Ross-Simons should be at the top of your list to shop.
Backed by 70 years of expert craftsmanship, Ross-Simons removes the middleman markups to offer you insider access to quality materials from the source.
Between timeless everyday staples and trend-savvy statement pieces, their expansive online inventory has limitless options to fit your personal style. Savings opportunities like sales and promo codes provide even more incentive to treat yourself or spoil loved ones.
So if finding affordable luxury speaks to you, I wholeheartedly recommend Ross-Simons for jewelry worth celebrating life‘s many milestones.
