Hey there, jewelry lover! If you‘re in the market for an engagement ring, wedding band, or just some fabulous new bling, you‘ve probably heard of Helzberg Diamonds. This iconic jewelry chain has been around for over a century, with more than 200 stores across the country and a big online presence. But with so many jewelry retailers out there, you might be wondering: is Helzberg Diamonds really all that?
As a total jewelry junkie and a bride-to-be myself, I‘ve spent countless hours researching and trying on engagement rings from practically every store out there. And I have to say, my experiences at Helzberg really stood out. In this tell-all review, I‘m sharing everything you need to know about Helzberg Diamonds, from their mind-blowing selection to their quality, prices, customer service, and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the intel you need to decide if Helzberg is the right choice for your forever bling. Let‘s dive in!
About Helzberg Diamonds
Before we jump into the juicy details, let‘s start with a quick history lesson on Helzberg Diamonds. This company goes waaaay back – all the way to 1915, when Morris Helzberg opened up his first jewelry store in Kansas City. That tiny shop grew into a total empire, with Helzberg expanding to over 100 stores across 23 states by the 1990s.
Fast forward to today, and Helzberg is owned by none other than Berkshire Hathaway (aka Warren Buffett‘s company). There are more than 200 Helzberg stores in 36 states, plus a big online store that launched back in 1998. And get this – in 2019, Helzberg started offering actual in-store weddings officiated by their very own associates! Talk about full service, right?
Another fun fact about Helzberg? They‘re all about staying ahead of the curve. They were one of the first national jewelers to offer lab-grown diamonds, and they‘re even experimenting with augmented reality so you can virtually "try on" rings from home. Pretty neat!
Engagement Rings at Helzberg Diamonds
Okay, let‘s talk engagement rings – because let‘s be real, that‘s probably why you‘re reading this review. And let me just say, Helzberg Diamonds has a RIDICULOUS selection of drool-worthy rings. Seriously, I spent hours playing with all the sparkly options at my local store, and I still didn‘t see everything.
One thing I really appreciate about Helzberg is that they have options for literally every budget and style. Whether you‘re looking for a classic solitaire, a trendy halo setting, or a blinged-out eternity band, they‘ve got you covered. And the quality is top-notch across the board – every diamond is hand-selected for maximum sparkle and fire.
If you really want to turn heads, check out Helzberg‘s "Diamond Masterpiece" collection. These rings feature ginormous center stones (I‘m talking 2 carats or more) and lavish, diamond-encrusted settings. Basically, they‘re the Kim Kardashian of engagement rings – total stunners, but definitely not for the faint of heart (or wallet).
On the other end of the spectrum, Helzberg also has some seriously gorgeous rings for more modest budgets. I‘m obsessed with their "I Am Loved" collection, which has a great selection of dainty solitaires and sweet, vintage-inspired designs for under $1,000. And if you‘re open to lab-grown diamonds, you can get even more bling for your buck.
Speaking of lab-grown diamonds, Helzberg was one of the first big jewelers to embrace this eco-friendly, budget-savvy option. Their "Radiant Star" collection features stunning lab-created stones that are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, but cost about 30% less. I compared a lab-grown round solitaire with a natural diamond one, and I truly couldn‘t tell the difference. Amazing!
Wedding Bands Galore
Of course, Helzberg Diamonds isn‘t just about engagement rings – they also have a massive selection of wedding bands for women and men. No matter your style or budget, you‘re sure to find a band that perfectly complements your engagement bling.
For women, Helzberg has all the classic options: simple gold or platinum bands, sparkly eternity rings, and even bridal sets that perfectly match your engagement ring. One of my fave styles is their "Perfectly Paired" bands – they‘re designed to nestle seamlessly with your engagement ring, so you get that stunning stacked look without any pesky gaps.
Helzberg also has a great selection of men‘s wedding bands, from classic domed gold rings to modern designs in high-tech materials like tungsten and cobalt. I‘m loving the mixed-metal trend for guys – think a sleek white gold band with a pop of rose gold in the center. So cool and contemporary!
One thing to note: wedding bands at Helzberg are pricier than some other jewelers, especially if you want a diamond-studded style. For example, a white gold eternity band with a half-carat of diamonds will run you around $2,000 at Helzberg, while you might find a similar style for closer to $1,500 at stores like Kay or Zales. But again, you‘re paying for that Helzberg quality and craftsmanship. It‘s an investment!
Dazzling Diamond Quality
Let‘s talk about what really matters: the diamonds themselves. After all, who cares about a pretty setting if the stone is dull and lifeless? Well, I can confidently say that Helzberg Diamonds truly lives up to its name. These stones are the real deal.
For starters, Helzberg is committed to ethical and conflict-free sourcing. They adhere to the Kimberley Process, which helps ensure that diamonds are mined safely and humanely. And all of their diamonds are hand-selected for exceptional quality – no duds here.
One thing I really appreciate is that Helzberg offers a wide range of diamond grades to fit different budgets and preferences. Whether you‘re looking for a flawless, colorless stone or a more economical option with slight inclusions, they‘ve got you covered. And thanks to their high-tech imaging and grading tools, you can see exactly what you‘re getting before you buy.
If you‘re shopping online, Helzberg has detailed 360-degree visuals for every single diamond, so you can really see that sparkle from every angle. They also include comprehensive grading reports from trusted labs like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), so you know exactly what you‘re getting in terms of carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
Of course, as with all things in life, you get what you pay for. Helzberg‘s diamonds are absolutely stunning, but they‘re not necessarily the cheapest option out there. You might be able to find a better deal at an online retailer like James Allen or Blue Nile, especially if you‘re willing to compromise a bit on quality. But if you want the peace of mind of buying from a respected national jeweler with a long history and brick-and-mortar presence, Helzberg is definitely the way to go.
But What About the Customer Experience?
We‘ve covered a lot about the actual jewelry at Helzberg Diamonds – but what about the shopping experience? After all, buying an engagement ring or wedding band is a big deal, and you want to feel supported and celebrated every step of the way. Well, I‘m happy to report that Helzberg truly goes above and beyond in the customer service department.
When I first started engagement ring shopping, I was super nervous and overwhelmed. I mean, this is a huge purchase, and I wanted to get it right! But from the moment I walked into my local Helzberg store, I felt at ease. The sales associate who helped me was so warm, knowledgeable, and patient. She really took the time to understand my style and budget, and she showed me tons of options without ever being pushy.
What really blew me away was the level of personalization and attention to detail. At one point, I fell in love with a setting, but I wanted to tweak the diamond shape and size. No problem! The associate worked with me to customize every aspect of the ring until it was absolutely perfect. She even helped me navigate Helzberg‘s financing options so I could get my dream ring without totally breaking the bank.
And the stellar service doesn‘t end once you‘ve made a purchase. Helzberg offers free lifetime cleaning and inspection for every piece of jewelry, so you can keep your bling looking amazing for years to come. They also have a comprehensive warranty program that covers things like broken prongs, lost stones, and even ring resizing. It‘s an extra cost, but totally worth it for the peace of mind.
The only downside? Helzberg‘s return policy is a bit stricter than some other jewelers. You have 30 days to return or exchange your purchase, but you‘ll need to have all the original paperwork and packaging. And if you bought a customized piece (like an engraved ring), you might be stuck with it. Just something to keep in mind, especially if you‘re prone to buyer‘s remorse.
Helzberg vs. the Competition
Okay, so we know that Helzberg Diamonds has some serious perks – but how do they stack up against other big-name jewelers? Let‘s break it down:
- Kay Jewelers is probably Helzberg‘s biggest competitor, with a similar mall presence and price range. Kay has a slightly larger selection of engagement rings and wedding bands, but Helzberg edges them out on quality and service. Plus, Kay has had some negative publicity in recent years around their diamond sourcing and customer complaints.
- Zales is another mall staple with a similar vibe to Helzberg and Kay. They have great sales and promotions, but their quality and selection aren‘t quite as impressive as Helzberg‘s. And like Kay, Zales has had some less-than-stellar reviews from customers.
- Tiffany & Co. is the creme de la creme of jewelry stores, with a seriously luxe reputation and price tags to match. If you‘ve got an unlimited budget and want that iconic blue box, Tiffany is the way to go. But for most of us, Helzberg offers a more accessible option with comparable quality and service.
- James Allen, Blue Nile, and other online retailers are a great choice if you‘re looking for the absolute best deal and don‘t mind buying a diamond sight unseen. These stores have a massive selection and competitive prices, but you won‘t get that personal touch and in-store experience that Helzberg provides.
Ultimately, the right jeweler for you depends on your unique priorities and preferences. But if you‘re looking for a time-tested company with amazing quality, service, and selection, Helzberg Diamonds should definitely be on your short list.
The Final Verdict
Whew, that was a lot of info! But I hope this in-depth review has given you a better sense of what Helzberg Diamonds is all about and whether they‘re the right choice for your special purchase. In my opinion, Helzberg is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a stunning, high-quality piece of jewelry with a side of stellar customer service.
Sure, you might be able to find a slightly better deal elsewhere, especially if you‘re open to buying online. But there‘s something so special and meaningful about the in-store experience at Helzberg. From the moment you walk in, you feel valued and celebrated. And that personalized attention and care continues long after you‘ve left the store, thanks to Helzberg‘s outstanding warranty and maintenance programs.
At the end of the day, an engagement ring or wedding band is so much more than just a piece of jewelry. It‘s a symbol of your love and commitment, and it‘s something you‘ll wear every day for the rest of your life. So it‘s worth investing in a piece that truly takes your breath away – and that‘s exactly what you‘ll find at Helzberg Diamonds.
Ready to start shopping? Here are my top tips for getting the most bling for your buck at Helzberg:
- Shop during major sales events. Helzberg has amazing promotions around the holidays, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can score some serious savings on engagement rings, wedding bands, and more.
- Consider a lab-grown diamond. If you want a big, sparkly stone but don‘t want to blow your budget, check out Helzberg‘s Radiant Star collection. These lab-created diamonds are stunning and eco-friendly, and they cost way less than natural stones of similar size and quality.
- Don‘t be afraid to customize. One of the best things about Helzberg is their willingness to work with you to create a totally unique piece. Whether you want to tweak an existing design or start from scratch, their expert craftspeople will help bring your vision to life.
- Take advantage of financing options. Engagement rings and wedding bands are a big investment, but Helzberg makes it easier with a range of financing plans. You can spread out your payments over time, so you don‘t have to drain your savings account all at once.
- Get it in writing. When you buy a diamond from Helzberg, make sure you get a grading report from a reputable lab like GIA or AGS. This will give you peace of mind that you‘re getting exactly what you paid for in terms of quality and value.
So there you have it, my friend – the ultimate guide to Helzberg Diamonds. I hope this review has been helpful as you navigate the wild world of engagement ring shopping. And remember, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you find a ring that speaks to your heart and reflects the love you share with your partner. Happy shopping!
