Glare Gems

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

I have never made an online purchase before, how can I be sure Glare Gem is reputable?
Since our inception in 1999, our goal was – and is – to introduce new and innovative ways for customers to purchase high quality diamonds and fine jewelry in the privacy of their own homes, on the go, and at their own pace. We aim to provide all the education, guidance, and value you need to make purchasing online easy.

Learn a little bit about us and see what our 1.7 million customers are saying, and you will find that our unique approach and reputation have allowed us to become one of the largest online jewelers today, now offering shipping all over the world.

Why should I choose Glare Gem?
Unlike traditional jewelers, Glare Gem is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer phone support, live chat, and e-mail with non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts. Learn and shop the way you want, with no pressure, hassle-free 30-day return or exchange period.

Our unparalleled, exclusive diamond selection – we have over 100,000 independently graded diamonds compared to maybe a few hundred at a traditional jewelry store – comes with a best price guarantee, and every engagement ring is handcrafted by expert jewelers. Our commitment is always to ensure you get a lifetime of value.

Is there a Glare Gem store location I may visit?
Yes! While Glare Gem primarily sells diamonds and fine jewelry online, our showrooms offer the perfect way to see, touch, and try on our rings in person. Unlike at a traditional jewelry store, our non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts are available for one-on-one consultations, to help you find your perfect fit. They’ll answer all your questions and assist you in placing an order on our site for free shipping to your doorstep.

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What is your return policy?
Our commitment to you does not end at delivery. Items may be returned or exchanged within 30 days from when they were shipped, free-of-charge and no questions asked. To be eligible for return, items must be in their original purchase condition and include all product documentation.

We have free extended holiday returns, too. To ensure your recipients love their holiday gifts, orders shipped between November 15 through December 15 may be returned through January 15, free of charge and no questions asked. Our regular 30-day return policy resumes on December 15.

What cannot be returned within 30 days?
Engraved jewelry items, other than rings, may not be returned. Diamonds purchased as part of our Glare Gem Diamond Upgrade Program may not be returned for credit. All Glare Gem engraved rings may be returned for credit, but the engraving fee will not be refunded. The removal of Glare Gem engraving from any exchanged or resized ring is free with no additional engraving fee. Special orders are final sale and are not eligible for return.

Can I process the return online?
Yes, as long as the item was purchased in the U.S. for $2,000 or under. For an expedited exchange, consider a return for refund and simply place a new order.

Which items cannot be processed online?
All items purchased for over $2,000, international orders, and U.S. customer returns for exchange, resize, repair, or loose diamonds returned for mounting. If any of the above apply, please call a Diamond and Jewelry Consultant for further assistance.

Can I return an item that was given to me as a gift?
Yes, Glare Gem is happy to exchange it for merchandise credit within 30 days of purchase. Place the gift in its original packaging with the receipt (if available) and follow the return instructions. Your refund will be credited to you in the form of a Glare Gem gift certificate.

Will the buyer of my returned gift know that it was returned?
No, we will not alert the buyer that the gift was returned.

Do I pay the return shipping costs?
No. Our commitment to you includes free returns within the 30-day return period.

How should I package my return for shipping?
Set up the Return Merchandise Authorization online (or by calling Glare Gem), and we’ll send you an e-mail that walks you through correct packaging procedures.

How long will it take Glare Gem to process my merchandise return?
On the average, about 4-5 business days from the time we received your item, enter it into our system, and pass it along to our Quality Assurance department (roughly 24 hours, Monday-Friday). For returned items, please allow an additional 2-3 days before the outbound package is shipped.

I am expecting my returned item to be replaced. How long does it take to reach me?
Once your return is processed allow 2-3 business days to receive the outbound package. On its shipping date, expect a confirmation e-mail no later than 5 P.M. PST.

Will I be notified during the merchandise returns process?
Yes. Once your package arrives at Glare Gem, it takes 1-2 business days before you receive an e-mail alerting you that your return is being processed.

When should I expect to receive my return credit?
For U.S. Customers, allow 3-5 business days from the time of the confirmation e-mail for the funds to reach your account, from there, processing time may vary depending on your credit card company’s funds transfer policy. For international credits, allow up to 7 additional days (M-F).

Will Glare Gem update me during the return process?
Yes. You’ll receive an e-mail from us alerting you that your return has been received, then another one alerting you it’s been passed along to our Quality Assurance department. For returned items, we’ll send you an e-mail with a shipping confirmation no later than 9 P.M. (EST) on the day it ships.

Can I track the status of my return order?
Yes. Go to Return Status to check the status of your delivery in real time.

Can I do a “rush order” on my return?
Please call and speak to one of our diamond and jewelry experts to request expedited shipping for your return.

Yes. You may stay informed on special offers and promotions by subscribing to the Blue Nile e-mail list. Sign up at subscription status page. We also offer a 1.5% discount on bank wire transactions.

Why don’t I see discounts on your loose diamonds?
We at Blue Nile are committed to offering high-quality loose diamonds at the lowest prices available. In fact, we are so confident in our prices that we offer a price match program; if you find an advertised diamond of comparable size, shape, and quality, we will work to match the competitor’s price.

How is my order packaged?
For standard orders within the U.S., we ship using secure, non-descript packaging material. Inside, you’ll see Blue Nile’s elegantly branded gift packaging – ideal for gifting or personal storage. See additional shipping options here

I’m giving this as a gift. What are my options as I place my order?
For that extra personal touch, we recommend personalized engraving. It’s available on most of our rings and all engraving-friendly items. We also offer polishing cloths, our own professional jewelry cleaner, and complimentary gift cards (plain or customized). You may also request a gift receipt.

Can I track my order?
Yes. On the day of shipment we’ll email you shipping confirmation that includes order-tracking information. You’ll be kept informed of the transportation process at every step. You may also access shipping information by viewing your Order Status page.

Do you collect sales tax when shipping to my state? What are the duties and taxes?
For U.S. orders, we currently collect sales tax for orders shipped to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. We do collect duties and taxes when shipping to Canada and within the European Union (EU). For all other destinations overseas, customs will contact you if you owe additional taxes and duties. For more information see our “ship to” country policy.

Do you offer a warranty on the jewelry I purchase from Blue Nile?
Yes. In staying true to our high standards of customer satisfaction, we offer a Lifetime Warranty to protect against manufacturer defects in craftsmanship. The warranty does not include normal wear and tear or damages incurred due to trauma, negligence, lack of regular maintenance, loss, or theft.

How do I best care and maintain my new jewelry purchase?
We offer complimentary cleaning and product check-up (recommended every six months) as a well-advised preemptive measure against the possibility of stone loss or damage that occurs when prongs are bent, pulled, caught, or broken during normal wear. We only ask that you cover the shipping and insurance to safely transport the ring to our facility. And as a gesture of gratitude for choosing Blue Nile, we’ll cover the shipping back to you

My ring is defined as a “special order.” Why am I asked to call Customer Service to complete the sale?
The ring you have chosen requires a longer lead time (4-6 weeks) and must be ordered specifically for you. These are often final sale items and prices can fluctuate depending on specific criteria required in order to customize the ring. Talk with one of our diamond and jewelry experts to get a quote within 2-5 business days.

When is the best time to buy a diamond?
Diamond prices are determined by unpredictable fluctuations in the market which can happen at any time without warning. So, fiscally speaking, it’s anyone’s guess. But if you‘re currently in the market for a diamond, and you’ve chosen one but are reluctant to finalize the purchase, contact us within 72 hours and we’ll lock in the price for you. However, in all fairness, we reserve the right to correct pricing errors if – and when – they occur.
Helpful hint: If you happen to find a diamond that is very similar to another (but priced lower) – and you wish to prevent a savvy visitor to our site who will identify it and purchase it quickly – we recommend that you ask us to place it on a 48-hour reserve.

Why do nearly identical diamonds differ in price?
We’re constantly sourcing diamonds to offer the finest quality at the most competitive prices. In the industry, prices are based on suppliers’ buying power and market conditions at the time of sourcing. We price our diamonds based on our cost, not the current market or solely by its quality and size. And regardless of how competitively a diamond is priced at Glare Gem, we always pass the savings onto you.
Helpful hint: Select customers tend to quickly identify the best values of a seemingly identical diamond. So if you are interested in a diamond that appears to be of a higher value, call one of our diamond experts to review its characteristics. If the diamonds are virtually the same – yet one’s value stands out from the other – they tend to sell fast. If you request additional time to decide, our diamond experts will grant you a (no-obligation) 24 or 48-hour hold on the diamond in question.

Are your ring settings available without a center stone?
Yes. Many of our ring settings are available for purchase, except designer styles or those with integrated heads that secure the diamond such as Halo settings, bezel rings and three-stone rings. Please note: We do not size blank settings, and they can only be accepted for return within 30 days (in unaltered and in original condition). For additional information on which settings are available, contact a Glare Gem representative.

What is your ring resize policy?
We provide complimentary resizing for Build Your Own Rings™, and Diamond Bands when within the manufacturer’s recommended sizing range, during the first year. Simply contact a Diamond & Jewelry Consultant at 1-800-242-2728 to arrange for your free resize.
Diamond and gemstone eternity rings with a specific number of gemstones per finger size; milgrain or ornate bands, some silver rings, or rings with alternative metals such as Tungsten cannot be resized. We are happy to exchange your ring for another size within 30 days of purchase. It is important to note that should you opt for an exchange, your new ring may contain a different number of gemstones, diamonds, or a reduction or increase in precious metal weight which may cause a change in the price.

Do you have a diamond price guarantee policy?
Yes. We have a diamond price guarantee verification program to provide you with the confidence that you’re receiving the best price on your purchase. This free program lets you compare the price of a competitor’s diamond against a matching diamond at Glare Gem.