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Brilliant Earth stands tall as a shining beacon. But what's the real scoop behind this brand's glittering facade? I'm here to delve into an in-depth review of Brilliant Earth, unearthing the truth beneath the sparkle.
Brilliant Earth has made a name for itself as a purveyor of ethically sourced, high-quality jewelry. But does it truly live up to the hype? Stay tuned as I sift through the facts, weigh the pros and cons, and give you my honest opinion. Whether you're a seasoned jewelry aficionado or a newbie looking for your first piece, this review is your guide to understanding Brilliant Earth.
Brilliant Earth is a company that sells diamond jewelry with an ethical and socially responsible approach. It sources its diamonds from Canada, Namibia, and Botswana and also offers lab-grown and vintage rings. It has a foundation that supports organizations around the world and has doubled its contributions since 2020. Brilliant Earth's diamonds are certified and meet the Beyond Conflict Free standard, which addresses issues such as forced labor and child labor. It also offers a range of diamonds in various styles, carats, colors, and cuts.
Brilliant Earth History
I'm now turning my investigative lens to the origins of Brilliant Earth. Formed in 2005, this pioneering company emblazoned its path early on, making ethically sourced jewelry its cornerstone. Founders, Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, graduating students from Stanford University at the time, laid the groundwork for the brand. Confronting a void in the market for responsibly sourced precious gemstones and metals, they launched Brilliant Earth.
Their mission? Simple yet profound. Brilliant Earth was constructed not just as a brand, but as an answer to the often opaque and unethical practices of mainstream jewelry production. The founders placed the environment and human rights at the apex of their agenda, a unique undertaking in the luxury goods market of the time.
Brilliant Earth's growth can be charted in leaps and bounds since its inception in 2005. From 2005-2012, demonstrating their commitment to ethical sourcing, the brand expanded its collections to include offerings from Canada, Botswana Sort, and Russia. It also broke new ground by being the first to market recycled gold and platinum in all of its jewelry.
Between 2013 and 2021, the brand made remarkable strides in innovation and transparency. It was at the forefront of scientific advancements, launching the industry's first Diamond Origin Initiative in 2018. Maps tracing the supply chain from mine-to-consumer became the norm, and diamonds found themselves accompanied by origin reports, a groundbreaking concept in the jewelry industry.
So, not only did Brilliant Earth blaze trails in the world of fine jewelry, it has continued to pave the way for ethical sourcing and transparency in the industry. Maintaining its stance as a leader rather than a follower, the brand serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more responsible, sustainable future in jewelry production. All of this history shapes the brand's unique position within the jewelry market, and I'll be keeping this at the forefront as my scrutiny of Brilliant Earth presses forward.
The Company
Brilliant Earth emerged on the scene in 2005, the brainchild of Stanford University graduates, Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg. Their mission? Resolving the glaring gap in the jewelry market - ethically sourced gemstones and precious metals. Apart from their eco-friendly approach, they revolutionized the industry with the introduction of recycled gold and platinum.
A distinct array of collections is a testament to the company's expansive growth. Each collection dives into the stratums of different regions, reflecting their unique beauty. Brilliant Earth's commitment doesn't stop at the design level; they've launched initiatives like the Diamond Origin Initiative to ensure complete transparency. Such strides make the company a forerunner in promoting ethically sourced luxury goods, securing its stand in the jewelry industry.
Let's unearth more facets of Brilliant Earth's corporate profile to effectively illustrate exactly what sets this brand apart. Take, for instance, the fact that the company holds a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation with an impressive A+ rating. Their standards are as sparkling as the dazzling diamonds they carefully curate.
Furthermore, Brilliant Earth is not solely limited to the production of high-quality and ethically sourced jewelry. They realize the importance of fostering sustainability beyond their products, evident from their commitment to offset 100% of the carbon emissions generated by shipping their products.
Additionally, Brilliant Earth understands the role education plays in sustainable consumption. Their efforts to educate customers about the environmental and social impacts of jewelry manufacturing helps customers make informed decisions, underlining the brand's dedication to an end-to-end ethical approach.
In short, Brilliant Earth's corporate profile paints a promising picture. It's more than a jewelry retailer - It's a champion of sustainability, dedicated to pioneering practices that protect the people and the planet.
I would also recommend reading my review on Whiteflash (who stock lab diamonds as well) and specialize in cut quality
Brilliant Earth Diamonds and Pricing
Brilliant Earth presents consumers with a competitive pricing strategy for an exquisite selection of diamond rings. Luxury by essence, the cost of their ornaments follows a pricing trend contingent on the category and diamond type selected. Each ring potentially carries a unique price tag in relation to the diamond it beholds. Offering a versatile diamond filtering option, Brilliant Earth commits to meeting consumer budget requirements while not forgoing premium quality. Upon an overall comparison, their diamond prices reflect close resemblance to other market-leading brands.
Commitment to Eco-Friendliness
The eco-conscious approach adopted by Brilliant Earth unmistakably signifies their dedication toward a better planet. They propagate the use of lab-created diamonds, adhering to ethical processes that limit detrimental environmental impacts.
Assessing the Beauty and Quality
The splendor and quality of Brilliant Earth's lab-grown diamonds are at par with their naturally-mined counterparts. With identical physical, chemical, and optical attributes, their lab diamonds offer the same allure and brilliance, showcasing the company's commitment to quality.
Evaluating the Value
Lab diamonds from Brilliant Earth present excellent value. With prices reasonably less than natural diamonds of alike size and quality, they provide a cost-effective yet splendid alternative. This distinctive edge places Brilliant Earth and their lab-grown diamonds with significant prominence in the diamond industry.
Moreover, their lab diamonds come with HD Video, detailed certification, and a wealth of product information. Although concerns arise with IGI grading associated with lab diamonds, direct engagement with the Diamond Expert can provide personalized guidance for the diamond purchase. For additional insights, explorations into other diamond leaders like Whiteflash merit consideration before final acquisitions, reinforcing Brilliant Earth's value in the sustainable yet luxurious diamond market.
Brilliant Earth Lab Created Diamonds
On their website, Brilliant Earth note three main benefits of lab-grown synthetic diamonds:
Eco Friendly
"Lab created diamonds are sustainable diamonds; they are ethically grown with minimal environmental impact."
Beauty and Quality
"Lab diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds."
Value
"Lab diamonds offer excellent value, and are slightly more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality”
Synthetic diamonds certainly have their place within the diamond industry, and this is where Brilliant Earth stand out for me. If you're on a smaller budget but still want to enjoy the benefits of a real diamond then this is a great option. The diamonds are free from mining, have the same physical properties to that of a real diamond and have a lower cost. Learn more about my opinions on these synthetic diamonds here. I would also read my review on James Allen who stock synthetic diamonds, however if you're looking for the best of the best 'natural' diamonds then I'd suggest reading my review on Whiteflash as well before purchasing.
For their lab diamonds Brilliant Earth present us with an HD Video, diamond details and the diamond certificate.
Under diamond details we're provided with a plethora of information:
I have a minor concern with the IGI grading: read my thoughts on IGI diamonds clear here, however this is inevitable when purchasing lab diamonds, so what's the solution to this challenge?
Get in touch directly with myself. At Diamond Expert, I pride myself on being able to offer bespoke diamond buying insights to you - for absolutely nothing at all. For more information read my Concierge Service page or contact me directly.
The Website
Twisting through the digital canvas of Brilliant Earth's website, one finds it's an elixir of information, every strand meticulously woven with clear and concise details. A unique drop-down menu, comfortably nestled in the top navigation bar, sections the website into understandable parts. For the diamond enthusiast, there's a 'Diamonds' subheading, brimming with drop-down options that range from 'Design Your Own Diamond Ring' to 'Fancy Color Diamonds'.
Allow me to illustrate how easy it is to navigate. Visiting the 'Diamonds' tab directly paves your way to an abyss of sparkling options. You're immediately greeted by a comprehensive diamond search tool. In case confusion stands in your way, Brilliant Earth provides a diamond buying guide, offering a step-by-step journey through the process of selecting the perfect diamond.
Diving deeper, the website offers another innovative feature - the 'Education' tab, designed to shed light on the confusing world of precious gemstones and metals. With comprehensive articles on topics such as 'Birthstones by Month', 'Diamond Shapes', and 'Ethical Gemstone Mining', knowledge seems just a click away.
Brilliant Earth's website doesn't just stop at product listings and education. It also serves as a transparent window into the brand's ethical practices and sustainability initiatives. Their 'Mission' tab unravels their commitment to sustainability and explains their Better Business Bureau accreditation, A+ rating, and carbon offsetting efforts.
And if you're wondering about customer experiences, the website neatly tucks away thousands of Brilliant Earth reviews under the 'Reviews' tab. Outstanding customer service, premium quality diamonds, and the company's commitment to ethical sourcing are common themes weaved into these reviews.
Add to that the ease of contacting their Customer Service and Diamond Experts from any page, Brilliant Earth's website is as brilliant as the gemstones they offer, providing holistic user experience coupled with meticulous attention to detail.
Brilliant Earth proves itself as a cut above the rest by possessing a multitude of exemplary services. Remember, this selection streamlines the process of choosing and purchasing fine jewelry, providing a superb experience, characterized by transparency and simplicity.
Ethically-Sourced Diamonds
At its core, Brilliant Earth maintains an unwavering commitment to offering ethically sourced diamonds. Each beautiful piece, like the round or princess cut engagement rings, is guaranteed to be blood-free diamonds. By choosing Brilliant Earth, you contribute positively to the mining communities and the environment.
Custom Jewelry Design
Delving further into its exceptional offerings, it is essential to point out Brilliant Earth's custom jewelry design service. This allows you to create unique designs for rings, necklaces, earrings, and other pieces. You're not limited to generic, off-the-shelf designs; indeed, Brilliant Earth realises every personal vision, fostering self-expression.
Ring Sizing
A particularly valuable service is their ring sizing guide. It eliminates guesswork and assures a seamless fit, quite literally. There are ring size charts available, along with measuring tips, and a downloadable ring sizer.
Lifetime Warranty
Lastly, there's a lifetime warranty offered on every item. This warranty doesn't merely provide a cover for manufacturing defects; it's an assurance of Brilliant Earth's confidence in the quality of their jewelry.
These services show why Brilliant Earth earned a spot amongst the industry's top firms, working seamlessly to pair desirability with ethical sourcing and quality.
Conclusion and Final Review
After diving deep into Brilliant Earth's offerings, it's clear they're a standout in the jewelry industry. With their ethical sourcing, top-tier quality, and exceptional customer service, they're setting the bar high. Their user-friendly website design and comprehensive educational resources make the shopping experience a breeze. But what sets them apart most is their commitment to sustainability and transparency. They're not just selling jewelry; they're providing a service that's both environmentally conscious and ethically responsible. It's easy to see why customers rave about their experiences. If you're in the market for high-quality, ethically-sourced jewelry, Brilliant Earth is a choice you can feel good about. Their dedication to quality, ethics, and customer satisfaction is truly brilliant.
If you are looking for an alternative to a diamond, consider Brilliant Earth - their lab and lab colored diamonds offer fantastic value for money for those on smaller budgets. But what if you're looking for something else? If you are looking for excellent quality diamond (super ideal cut) from a company with just as much commitment to social initiative programs, choose Whiteflash, I'd also consider James Allen as an alternative for lab diamonds if Brilliant Earth don't have anything you'd consider, and have a look at Blue Nile as well if you're on a tight budget, but always get in touch directly with me for additional support and help.