Shopping At Zales.com
Today, we will be doing a review of Zales.com; the online branch of well-known Zale Corporation. Back in 1998, the online store was launched to help the company build a presence in Internet e-commerce.
Fast forward 17 years into 2014, Zales.com online business is expanding and offers an extremely wide range of services. They can be considered as a pioneer of contemporary and social ideas in the world of online diamond trade.
Zales.com brings together the world of professional jewelry with the world of people whose eyes will shine when they see the “budget” label. While they seem to be the obvious choice for many bargain shoppers, Zales may not be the correct fit for many others.
Let us take a look at what’s in the package and decide whether Zales.com is a place where you should buy your next piece of diamond jewelry or not!
Examining The Features And Services Provided
Before I get started with the a long list of negative points about Zales, let’s first talk about the positive aspects of Zales since there are only a few in my opinion.
I must say that the range of services provided by Zales is applaudable. From diamond engagement rings to branded watches, there is a wide range of fine jewelry available for both men and women. Surprisingly, Zales also has a well-designed and usable mobile version of their website.
As you fine tune your search criteria to a level where every single parameter is fine tuned to your needs, it would please you to know there are still dozens of products and available options to choose from.
When it comes to customer services, they also provide a number of methods in which you can get in touch with them for support. They have a toll free number which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you prefer textual communication, you can also write to them via e-mail.
Or if you prefer, you can get in touch with them through their Facebook or Twitter profile pages or leave a comment on their blog. Yes, Zales is an up-to-date business and are using social media as a form of marketing as well as feedback channel.
Policies, Shipping & Returns
Mass Produced Ring Setting Designs
In terms of financing, Zales provides everything that most of their competitors offer, and more. While I am personally not a fan of buying luxury products on credit and end up paying unnecessary interests, some of you might still be interested to explore this option. You can get more details at their credit services page.
You would typically get free shipping for purchases and they also have a unique, 60 day return policy which is way more generous than many of their competitors. What that means is that if you order something online, you will get it at your door paying without any shipping fees and be able to try it out for more than two months.
For any reasons you are not satisfied with the purchase, you will be refunded without any questions asked as long as their return terms and conditions are met.
How the Typical Customer Might Look Like
Zales.com is everything but elitist. Their modern edge reveals that their target market includes typical users of social media networks. Also, the fact that they are providing “huge discounts” on several of their items proves that they are not willing to catch the eyes of opulent executives.
That said, they do offer some extravagant designs even though the majority of listings consist of varied pieces in the lower price ranges. The middle class young man whose lifelong dream was buying a diamond engagement ring for his chosen one might make Zales.com seem like a perfect choice for him. However, the pretentious mogul might find services better fitted for his empyrean budget at other places.
To a seasoned jewelry buyer like me, I know better that quality diamonds are NEVER on sale. So, here’s the most important question for diamond ring shoppers…
How do the quality of their diamond engagement rings fare?
Buyer Beware! You Better Read The Fine Print And Check Details
Generally when it comes to buying diamonds, unbelievably low prices guarantees garbage quality. High quality diamonds are never on sale because traders and consumers are willing to pay more for them. So, let’s take a look the engagement ring product listings from Zales.com and you begin to understand why they can offer “low prices”.
1-1/2 CT. T.W. Diamond Frame Double Row Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
I want to bring to your attention that the majority of the diamonds used in the pre-set engagement rings are not graded by a reliable lab like GIA or AGS. To make matters worse, the listings have really bad clarity ratings to begin with.
In case you don’t know yet, the beautiful image you see on the left in NOT a correct representation of the jewelry piece. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you are getting what you see. By the way, Zales also made it very clear in their fine print that “the merchandize may not always be exactly as pictured”.
Do you see the large flawless diamond set in the ring? Sorry, you are NOT receiving that in reality…
Here’s How Diamonds Graded By GIA as I1 and I2 Look Like In Real Life
Do you fancy yourself buying and presenting an engagement ring to a loved one with the diamonds shown above? Now, these diamonds are graded by GIA as I1 and I2 respectively. Could you imagine how much worse the diamonds in Zale’s engagement rings will look like when the diamonds aren’t even certified?
Zales Signature “Celebration” Diamond Cuts
By now, you probably know that the default Zales pre-set diamond rings aren’t a great idea since you won’t know what you are getting exactly. Brace yourself, there’s even more to come…
Did you know that Zales has a line of signature diamonds they labeled with a “Celebration” brand name? With bold claims of creating “the most brilliant diamond in the world”, Zales has touted its horn loudly in that statement.
Is this really true? Well, we performed an in-depth review of the 3 different Celebration diamond cuts and weren’t impressed at all. Find out why on the next page…
>>
