From Kiss to Forever: The Kay Engagement Ring

It’s safe to say that the world has moved on from the heyday of the great American mall – and, as a result, that most of us are pretty quick to write off names like Kay Jewelers as relics from a bygone era, easily evoked by the smell of a Cinnabon stall or the multi-layered echo of the atrium on a busy Saturday morning.

Sure, there are some great memories attached to those days but, at the same time, they feel a little out of date. Stores that considered the mall their stomping ground – stores like Zales and Kay Jewelers – are, and always were, an obvious choice.

With that being said, is it really so wrong to go with the obvious choice? There are certain things that Kay Jewelers seem to have fallen behind on, but the world of fine jewelry and the process of finding an engagement ring hasn’t left them behind just yet.

In other words, we’re not going to pretend that Kay Jewelers is anything groundbreaking – or that it’s even changed much since the last time you walked through their doors, or stopped to stare into their window. What we’re also not going to do, however, is write off Kay Jewelers altogether simply because it’s part of an ‘older way’ of doing things. The ‘new way’ is, in our opinion, a far worse option…

Jump To…

• The Diamonds in Kay Jewelers Engagement Rings
• Styles and Settings: Finding Your Perfect Match
• Conclusion
• Buying Guide to Shopping at Kay Jewelers
• 7 FAQs

Introduction to Kay Jewelers Engagement Rings 

The Backstory to “Every Kiss Begins With Kay” and Kay Jewelers Engagement Rings

Kay Jewelers is one of a number of major American jewelry store chains owned by the industry giant, Signet Jewelers. We have reviewed its sister companies, Zales and Jared Jewelers, already at WillYou, and found a number of similarities (as well as a number of differences) between them. While Zales is a good all-rounder for finding gifts for Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas, Jared is a little more up-market – a little more prestigious thanks to its typical placement outside of malls, rather than crammed between a Victoria’s Secret and a Footlocker.

But we’re here to talk about Kay Jewelers – once again, a big name on the mall circuit, but still sufficiently independent from its siblings that it’s got plenty of talking points of its own.

Kay Jewelers was initially founded more than a hundred years ago, in Pennsylvania. The year was 1916, and the business – owned by the Kaufmann family – sold a wide array of items, from furnishings to decorative items and, as you can imagine, jewelry.

Unfortunately, not much else is known about Kay Jewelers’ early beginnings. The store passed into the second generation – brothers Sol and Edmund, who found far greater promise in the store’s jewelry section than any other – and, eventually, became one of Signet Jewelers’ key players in the American market. These days, Kay Jewelers boasts more than 1,000 locations across the country and a name that is likely to be one of the first that pops into our heads when we think of jewelry.

It seems almost inevitable that that represents an Achilles heel of sorts. The obvious choice is the safe choice – and the safe choice becomes, in time, a pretty generic and even unimaginative option, particularly with the industry thriving creatively as it is now.

We can, however, still see a lot to commend in a store like Kay’s. Sure, it’s not one of the highest-rated stores – nowhere near, in fact – but it’s got a lot more going for it than plenty of others…

Kay Jewelers Engagement Rings: The Legacy 

Kay Jewelers may have branched out into ecommerce in more recent years, but they will probably always be known as a familiar face in the mall. In many parts of the country, shoppers can walk in and have that traditional experience. They can look in the case, see the diamonds move and sparkle on the back of their hand, talk to the jeweler, and experience their options, rather than just pointing and clicking.

Of course, we’re big proponents of online shopping for an engagement ring. That is: when it’s done in the right way. At WillYou, we have carefully engineered the entire process using our JewelerAI to ensure that customers get that experience, even though they’re not standing in a jewelry store. A lot of other online vendors can offer that type of experience.

So, compared with some online vendors, Kay Jewelers has the edge.

Now, Kay Jewelers is not a luxury, high-end brand, but that’s as much a benefit as it is a downside. The high-end luxury brands are overpriced, and not the right places to turn to if you want to get the best diamond possible for your investment.

We’re more than willing to admit, of course, that in order to get the best possible diamond for your investment, you’d really need to have to do your research before heading into a Kay Jewelers. They’re lacking that finesse when it comes to selecting the very best diamonds for their customers and, in our opinion, seem to be taking a more ‘try everything and see what sticks’ approach. Clearly, it works for them – but, in order to make Kay Jewelers work for you, you’d have to prepare yourself with a list of non-negotiables first.

The Diamonds in Kay Jewelers Engagement Rings

This is where our review takes a downturn. We’ve talked up the in-store experience that Kay Jewelers can offer, but don’t let that make you complacent when it comes to the diamonds themselves.

Buying a good diamond is a combination of two things, alongside researching the basics of quality beforehand. First, you want to be able to see it – second, you want to be able to fall back on the report to understand the things you can’t see (and, to an extent, the things you can).

We’re talking, of course, about diamond certification – those independently created reports provided by third parties, detailing the specifics of a diamond’s Four Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight) as well as other aspects impacting its appearance and light performance, like proportion and fluorescence. These third-party gemological laboratories are all aimed toward providing the same service, but their methods are totally different from one another’s, and the results often wind up being wildly different depending on what lab your diamond is sent off to.

At WillYou, our diamonds are GIA certified. The GIA is widely regarded as the best choice, primarily because of its fair and unbiased approach. It was initially founded to bring transparency to shoppers who didn’t know much about the diamonds they were buying and remains true to that original philosophy to this day.

Shoppers who look at GIA diamonds can feel sure that they’re not being led to believe that the diamond they’re being shown is worth more than it is, which, as you can imagine, is an invaluable lifeline for many, many people around the world who aren’t trained in gemology.

At Kay Jewelers, the majority of their (certified) diamonds feature reports from the IGI, rather than the GIA…

Understanding Diamond Quality: IGI Reports

The IGI, or the International Gemological Institute, is geared up to produce reports on much higher volumes than the GIA. They invest less time into each diamond, which reduces turnaround time for vendors looking to acquire certification and, as a result, represents an ideal alternative to the slower, more exacting (and more expensive) labs.

The trouble with churning out reports like a factory line is that it risks increasing the opportunity for human error, or general inconsistencies. In the past, independent investigations have demonstrated evidence of these inconsistencies. Even our own investigation made clear the trouble with using the IGI rather than the IGI.

For more information, you can read our full guide to IGI diamonds. While it’s not the worst lab we’ve discussed at WillYou, the service it offers seems to offer significantly more benefit to vendors (i.e., in this instance, Kay Jewelers themselves) rather than the shopper. The only apparent benefit is a slightly reduced cost since certification is cheaper and not so highly regarded, but you’ve got to question whether that reduced cost will be offset by the potential overinvestment shoppers make into IGI diamonds.

Styles and Settings: Finding Your Perfect Match

As you can probably guess, a store of Kay’s size and prominence offers an incredibly wide range of ring settings. There are plenty of classics – halos, solitaires, three-stone settings, and budget-friendly clusters – but we didn’t see anything truly innovative or groundbreaking. It’s not that we expected to – stores like Kays are successful at what they do and don’t need to revolutionize jewelry design when so many of their customers turn to them because of the fact that they know exactly what to expect. Plenty of jewelry stores stick to the tried-and-tested favorites, so we’re not going to fault them for that.

One of the most impressive parts of their offering is their Custom Jewelry Design studio, where you can bring a sketch – or even just an idea – into one of their stores, and consult with their craftsmen to bring it to life.

They offer a digital version of this – an online ring builder almost identical to those of the big online vendors – but it’s limited.

That is, after all, another issue all the big stores have – the pressure to ensure consistency across more than a thousand stores. Zales employs many, many sales associates, consultants, and jewelers to man their stores, and working toward a strong and consistent experience across the entire country inevitably means that they won’t be able to equip their staff with the same levels of expertise, passion, or creativity that you’ll find in a smaller, local jewelry store.

Triumphs: When Kay Exceeds Expectations 

Kay Jewelers is a definite giant of the industry. It is impressive how they have grown over the years, and there’s no doubt they have helped to create countless perfect moments between couples, friends, and family members. We can’t help but feel a little nostalgic when we happen to find ourselves in the mall, walking past their doors, for the holiday seasons and Valentine’s Days past.

With more than a thousand locations and a sentimental pull that many Americans feel, it’s a shame we can’t give Zales – or their sister companies – higher ratings.

Challenges: Learning from Customer Feedback

IGI diamonds are poor investments and, given the fact that the overwhelming majority of diamonds on sale at Kay Jewelers seem to have been graded by the IGI, it stands to reason that we would consider them to be poor investments.

Kay Jewelers also sell pieces featuring low-cost diamond alternatives like cubic zirconia, moissanite, and white sapphire. These three gemstones all offer relatively convincing alternatives from a distance – although, up close, the differences between them and real diamonds are clear to see, even if you’re not an expert (or even particularly experienced with looking at diamonds).

Conclusion

While they don’t carry quite the same weight in the jewelry world as the luxury, high-end retailers, Kay Jewelers do offer a more accessible option for anyone looking to fit their budget to a beautiful engagement ring.

There’s plenty to like about these stores, even if they are a little ‘cookie cutter’. It’s not the ideal experience for someone looking to buy the most beautiful engagement ring possible, but it’s not the worst, either. 

What lets them down most is the emphasis they place on IGI diamonds. This lab is nowhere near as beneficial to shoppers as the GIA or AGS, and we can’t recommend you opt for a diamond graded in this way.

Buying Guide For Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring at Kay’s Jewelers:

• Understand the 4Cs
  • Carat Weight: Remember, size is not the only indicator of a diamond’s value. While a larger carat weight might seem more impressive, it’s essential to consider all the 4Cs together.
  • Cut Quality: The cut of a diamond affects its brilliance more than anything else. A well-cut diamond will sparkle magnificently, even if it’s smaller. Look for cuts that enhance the stone’s natural beauty and reflect light dazzlingly.
  • Clarity: While searching through Kay’s collection, pay attention to the clarity of the diamonds. Minor imperfections can often go unnoticed by the naked eye but can significantly affect the price. Choose a clarity grade that offers the best value for what is visible.
  • Color: Diamond color can range from colorless to a faint yellow hue. Opt for a diamond that appears white in relation to its setting to ensure a dazzling appearance.
• Review Certification and Grading
  Every diamond at Kay Jewelers comes with a promise of quality. However, reviewing the certification for your chosen engagement ring is crucial. Certifications from reputable labs offer an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s quality and characteristics.
• Explore Settings and Styles
  Kay Jewelers offers a multitude of settings and styles. Whether you prefer a traditional solitaire, a glamorous halo, or a vintage-inspired design, considering your partner’s lifestyle and personal taste will help you select a ring that’s both beautiful and practical.
• Consider the Metal
  The metal you choose for the band plays a significant role in the ring’s overall look and durability. From the classic elegance of gold to the modern appeal of platinum, each metal has its unique advantages. Consider which metal complements the diamond and matches your partner’s daily wear.
• Compare and Contrast
  Take your time to browse and compare different engagement rings within Kay’s vast collection. Use their online resources or visit multiple locations to see the rings in person. Seeing various options side by side can help crystallize what you’re looking for in the perfect engagement ring.
• Reflect on the Warranty and Care Services
  Understanding the warranty and care services that come with your purchase can provide peace of mind. Kay Jewelers offers protection plans and services to maintain the beauty and integrity of your engagement ring over time. Ensure you’re aware of what’s covered and how to maintain your ring’s brilliance.

7 Frequently Asked Questions About Kay Jewelers Engagement Rings

• What types of engagement rings does Kay Jewelers offer?
  Kay Jewelers offers a wide range of engagement rings, including solitaire, halo, three-stone, vintage, and modern designs, as well as custom engagement ring options. They feature diamonds and a variety of gemstones set in different metals like gold, platinum, and sterling silver.
• Are Kay Jewelers diamonds conflict-free?
  Yes, Kay Jewelers ensures that their diamonds are conflict-free, adhering to the Kimberley Process and other strict industry standards. They are committed to ethical sourcing and responsible jewelry practices.
• Can I customize an engagement ring at Kay Jewelers?
  Absolutely! Kay Jewelers provides a custom design service that allows you to create a personalized engagement ring. You can choose the setting, stone, and metal to match your preferences and budget.
• Does Kay Jewelers offer financing options for engagement ring purchases?
  Yes, Kay Jewelers offers various financing options to make purchasing an engagement ring more manageable. Options include special financing plans with the Kay Jewelers Credit Card, subject to credit approval and terms.
• How can I find the right ring size when purchasing an engagement ring from Kay Jewelers?
  Kay Jewelers offers a free ring sizing tool online and in-store assistance to help you determine the perfect ring size. It’s important to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for your engagement ring.
• Does Kay Jewelers provide warranties or protection plans for engagement rings?
  Kay offers comprehensive care plans and warranties for engagement rings, which cover routine maintenance, repairs, and even diamond replacement under certain conditions. Ask for details when making your purchase.
• Can I return or exchange an engagement ring purchased from Kay Jewelers?
  Kay Jewelers has a return and exchange policy that allows you to return or exchange your engagement ring within a specified period, provided it’s in its original condition and accompanied by the receipt. It’s advisable to review their return policy for specific terms and conditions.

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List of Kay Jewelers stores by state:

AK – Alaska

AL – Alabama

AR – Arkansas

AZ – Arizona

CA – California

CO – Colorado

CT – Connecticut

DE – Delaware

FL – Florida

GA – Georgia

HI – Hawaii

IA – Iowa

ID – Idaho

IL – Illinois

IN – Indiana

KS – Kansas

KY – Kentucky

LA – Louisiana

MA – Massachusetts

MD – Maryland

ME – Maine

MI – Michigan

MN – Minnesota

MO – Missouri

MS – Mississippi

MT – Montana

NC – North Carolina

ND – North Dakota

NE – Nebraska

NH – New Hampshire

NJ – New Jersey

NM – New Mexico

NV – Nevada

NY – New York

OH – Ohio

OK – Oklahoma

OR – Oregon

PA – Pennsylvania

PR – Porto Rico

RI – Rhode Island

SC – South Carolina

SD – South Dakota

TN – Tennessee

TX – Texas

UT – Utah

VA – Virginia

VT – Vermont

WA – Washington

WI – Wisconsin

WV – West Virginia

WY – Wyoming