A Deep Dive into Helzberg’s Diamond Shops and Rings

Helzberg Diamonds is a big name in the jewelry world – one that most of our readers have undoubtedly heard, passed by, and no doubt considered for themselves already. With more than two hundred locations, they’re a true powerhouse – a statement that may be a positive, may be a negative, depending on which way you look at it.

Why? Because Helzberg Diamonds’ business model is highly effective for them, but not necessarily the type of experience we’d consider recommending to our readers. They are a veritable powerhouse of the jewelry world, but is that really what you’re looking for when you set out to purchase the perfect engagement ring?

Jump To…

• Unveiling Customer Experiences
• From Classic to Contemporary: Range of Designs 
• Diamonds under the Loupe: Quality and Certification
• Evaluating Value: Pricing at Helzberg
• Post-Purchase Perks: Warranty and Services
• Conclusion
• 7 FAQs
• 6 Practical Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring at Helzberg’s Diamond Shops

Introduction to Helzberg Diamonds

A Century of Sparkle: The Legacy of Helzberg 

Helzberg Diamonds is considerably older than some of the other big jewelry chains we’ve reviewed, having opened its first set of doors way back in 1915, in Kansas City.

If you’ve read many of our reviews before, you’ll know that we’re pretty fond of the bricks-and-mortar jewelry stores that have been around (and growing) throughout generations. We appreciate the rich history and romantic narrative that accompanies a jewelry store with so many stories behind it, but it’s hard to bring about that same quaint approach to Helzberg Diamonds given the size of the brand these days.

True, they’ve worked to retain that ‘vibe’, although their stores tend to feel a little copy-paste and, often, it can feel a little gimmicky. In 2019, they started to ordain a few of their associates so that couples could actually get married in their stores. It never really took off, and you could probably go your whole life without meeting a single couple who said ‘I Do’ between the Movado and Enchanted Disney displays.

Nationwide Presence: From Coast to Coast 

It’s clear that Helzberg are trying to cater to as many customer types as possible. Their offerings extend from in-store shopping to an online ‘Create Your Own’ process reminiscent of the big online vendors. As well as natural diamonds, they also offer lab grown diamonds and moissanite.

Helzberg Diamonds do use the GIA for diamond grading, but also a variety of other labs, including the AGS and GCAL. Their reasonings for using multiple labs are unclear, even in spite of the fact that they voluntarily answer that exact question on their website. Generally, using a variety of grading labs holds no benefit at all for the shopper – it allows jewelers to offer a broader range of price points for their diamonds, without having to acknowledge their inferior quality.

Unveiling Customer Experiences

For the most part, Helzberg Diamonds is geared toward the mass market. It’s designed to cater to the high demand that comes with the territory of operating more than two hundred stores across the US, and, as a result, isn’t going to be able to offer the same unique, intimate experience you’d associate with a smaller store. Their desire to cater to all price points means that a lot of their diamonds are low quality and not worth the investment.

In other words, we don’t feel that shopping at Helzberg is a luxury. Obviously, if you’re catering to the lower- and mid-range price points, it’s not quite so easy to ensure a luxury experience – but, then again, stores like Lux Bond & Green have been offering just that for well over a century.

Their stores are pretty middle-of-the-road and largely reminiscent of other mall jewelry stores we’ve talked about in the past. When you’ve got as much choice (in terms of quality, certification, price, and design) as a store like Helzberg offers, you want to make sure you’ve got the very best level of service from the person serving you. A jeweler needs to help you navigate those decisions but, as a result of Helzberg’s sheer size, there’s a lot of inconsistency from store to store in terms of the service you’ll receive.

From Classic to Contemporary: Range of Designs 

Helzberg offer a very broad range of options to shoppers. It certainly wouldn’t be hard to find a design that suits your partner’s style and preferences just from browsing their ranges. Prices range from under $1,000 to over $5,000, so there’s a relatively good range for meeting different budgets.  

Custom Creations: Making It Yours

Helzberg also offer a custom engagement ring service. The digital design platform is easy to use, although it does feel a little more limited than some of the other platforms we’ve reviewed. 

Diamonds under the Loupe: Quality and Certification

Helzberg do offer some high-quality diamonds. In store, they can come across as highly impressive; your sales associate can show you the diamond through a special viewer, and you can see the hearts and arrows phenomenon for yourself (something you’ll never see again, once the diamond is mounted in a setting, of course). Hearts and Arrows diamonds, while fascinating, simply aren’t worth the premium stores can attach to them.

The 4Cs at Helzberg: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat 

The Masterpiece collection creates a pretty notable divide between the store’s high-quality offerings, and ‘the rest’. As an inexperienced shopper, it would be all too tempting to disregard the confusion of a collection of differently graded diamonds in favor of the simplicity of a Masterpiece diamond, even if there was a pretty dramatic difference in terms of cost.

Trust in Certification: GIA and Beyond 

Their Masterpiece collection is AGS certified, with Ideal (0) Cut grades, ensuring that they offer a very impressive light performance. 

At Will You, we consider the GIA to be the most preferable grading lab for diamonds, and all our diamonds are accompanied by a full GIA report. The AGS is also a very reliable lab; besides the GIA, it’s generally considered to be the most reliable lab for diamond grading. 

Evaluating Value: Pricing at Helzberg

It’s pretty hard to make any sweeping statements about Helzberg’s prices since the sheer variety of diamonds on offer from this store means that you could pretty much find something for any budget – a fact which naturally means that quality is a major

At first, it can be hard to grasp why a jewelry store with a reputation and customer base to maintain would bother stocking diamonds that are simply not worth the money shoppers could spend on them but doing so represents a pretty easy way to compete – or to appear to compete – with other budget sellers and online vendors.

Post-Purchase Perks: Warranty and Services 

When you shop from Helzberg, you may be eligible for one or more of their care plans and warranties. The brand is a little vague on details on their site, stating that only ‘select jewelry pieces’ will qualify for these services. 

The options include a Lifetime Care Plan and a Three-Year Care Plan. Compared to some of the competitors we’ve looked at, this isn’t a particularly stand-out offering – particularly if your chosen piece doesn’t qualify for the Lifetime Care Plan. 

Conclusion

While Helzberg Diamonds may boast a century-long legacy and a nationwide presence, our evaluation reveals a mixed bag of offerings and experiences. The brand’s extensive reach and diverse inventory cater to a broad spectrum of customers, but this breadth comes at the expense of personalized service and consistency across stores.

Despite offering a range of designs and customization options, Helzberg’s mass-market approach often translates to lower-quality diamonds and a lackluster shopping experience. The use of multiple grading labs adds confusion rather than clarity for consumers, raising questions about the true value of their offerings.

While some may find value in Helzberg’s competitive pricing and post-purchase perks, such as warranty options, others may be left wanting a more refined and intimate experience when selecting such an important purchase as an engagement ring.

Ultimately, while Helzberg Diamonds remains a prominent player in the jewelry industry, our assessment suggests that discerning consumers seeking quality, consistency, and a touch of luxury may find more satisfaction elsewhere. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Helzberg’s Diamond Shops and Helzberg Diamond Rings

• Q: What types of diamond certifications does Helzberg offer?
• A: Helzberg Diamonds offers a variety of diamond certifications, including those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), and other reputable organizations. Each diamond’s certification details its specific qualities and grades based on the 4Cs.
• Q: Can I customize my engagement ring at Helzberg’s Diamond Shops?
• A: Yes, Helzberg Diamonds offers a “Create Your Own” option, allowing customers to select their preferred diamond and setting to create a personalized engagement ring that matches their style and budget.
• Q: Does Helzberg Diamonds offer financing options?
• A: Yes, Helzberg Diamonds provides financing options to qualified customers. They offer a range of plans, including interest-free options for a specified period. Customers are encouraged to inquire in-store or online for specific details and eligibility.
• Q: How does Helzberg’s return policy work?
• A: Helzberg Diamonds has a 30-day return policy for most items, provided they are in their original condition and accompanied by the receipt and any certification. Some exclusions may apply, so it’s best to check their official policy or inquire directly.
• Q: Are there any warranties or guarantees with Helzberg diamond rings?
• A: Helzberg Diamonds offers a lifetime care plan for many of its jewelry pieces, including engagement rings. This plan may include services such as cleaning, inspections, and certain repairs. Details and conditions vary, so customers should review the specifics upon purchase.
• Q: Does Helzberg sell lab-created diamonds?
• A: Yes, Helzberg Diamonds offers a selection of lab-created diamonds. These diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds but are created in a laboratory setting, often resulting in a more affordable price point.
• Q: Can I trade in my old diamond ring at Helzberg’s for a new one?
• A: Helzberg Diamonds may offer trade-in programs for diamond jewelry, allowing customers to upgrade to a new piece. The value and eligibility of the trade-in will depend on the original purchase and the item’s current condition. It’s recommended to consult with a Helzberg associate for specific details.

By addressing these FAQs, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the services and offerings at Helzberg’s Diamond Shops, helping you make more informed decisions regarding your diamond jewelry purchases.

6 Practical Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring at Helzberg’s Diamond Shops

Purchasing a diamond engagement ring is a significant milestone. When exploring your options at Helzberg’s Diamond Shops, keeping these practical tips in mind will help ensure you make an informed and satisfying decision.

• Tip 1: Understand the 4Cs
• The 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) are crucial in determining a diamond’s quality and value. While shopping at Helzberg’s, prioritize the cut as it greatly affects the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Remember, a higher clarity or color grade doesn’t compensate for a poor cut.
• Tip 2: Compare Diamond Certifications
• Helzberg’s offers diamonds with various certifications, including GIA. These certifications provide an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s quality. However, the standards can vary between different organizations. Always compare diamonds of similar grades side by side to get a true sense of their quality.
• Tip 3: Inspect the Diamond Under Different Lighting Conditions
• The store’s lighting can make diamonds look more brilliant than they actually are. Request to view the diamond under different lighting conditions, including natural light if possible. This will give you a more accurate representation of the diamond’s appearance.
• Tip 4: Ask About the Return and Warranty Policies
• Before making a purchase, inquire about Helzberg’s return policy and warranty. Understanding these policies can provide peace of mind, knowing you have protection should any issues arise with the diamond or setting after purchase.
• Tip 5: Consider the Setting Wisely
• The setting of your engagement ring can enhance the diamond’s beauty and protect it from damage. Discuss various setting options available at Helzberg’s, and consider how each setting complements the diamond and matches your partner’s style.
• Tip 6: Pay Attention to Diamond Treatment
• Some diamonds may undergo treatments to improve their appearance. While shopping at Helzberg’s, ask if any of the diamonds you’re considering have been treated. Treated diamonds can be more affordable but may require special care in the long run.