Frequently Asked Questions
I have never made an online purchase before, how can I be sure Blue Nile 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 Blue Nile?
Unlike traditional jewelers, Blue Nile 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.
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, no questions asked. The customer is responsible for return shipping fees. To be eligible for return, items must be in their original purchase condition and include all product documentation.
We have 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. 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 Blue Nile Diamond Upgrade Program may not be returned for credit. All Blue Nile engraved rings may be returned for credit, but the engraving fee will not be refunded. The removal of Blue Nile 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?
No. This feature is not available outside of the U.S.
Can I return an item that was given to me as a gift?
Yes, Blue Nile 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 ship it either via FedEx (preferred) with our provided shipping label, or a carrier of your choosing. Your refund will be credited to you in the form of a Blue Nile gift certificate that is emailed to you. You can begin the process at our Online Returns portal. Already have a gift certificate? View your gift certificate status.
Will the buyer of my returned gift know that it was returned?
No, we will not alert the buyer that the gift was returned.
Am I required to use Blue Nile's return shipping method?
No. You may choose any carrier you prefer, but we highly recommend that you insure the shipment - particularly on items valued at $500 or higher.
Do I pay the return shipping costs?
Yes. We deduct FedEx shipping costs from your refund credit on return items under $2,000. For non-FedEx returns you will have to arrange your own shipping and cover any costs.
How should I package my return for shipping?
Set up the Return Merchandise Authorization online (or by calling Blue Nile), and we'll send you an e-mail that walks you through correct packaging procedures.
How long will it take Blue Nile 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 Blue Nile, 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 Blue Nile 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?
Yes, you may choose to do FedEx Overnight Delivery which will significantly speed up the process. Expect shipping charges much higher than FedEx Ground shipping.
Are discounts available?
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, Missouri, 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 Australia, Canada and United Kingdom. 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 financing?
We offer competitive financing for US customers through our Blue Nile credit card.
Can I pay using a combination of bankcard and financing?
Yes. First, apply for the Blue Nile credit card to determine your credit limit. Then call us and we'll be happy to assist you with options for combining payments. Payment information can only be taken by phone.
I applied for financing but my purchase was not authorized. Do you know why?
For matters involving privacy and protection, we do not have access to sensitive information regarding credit applications. Within 10 days you'll receive a letter from the financing company with further information.
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.
How can I safeguard my purchase against damage, theft, or a loss?
We recommend that you contact an independent insurer or make arrangements with your homeowners' or renters' insurance carrier.
Helpful hint: Compare rates and coverage before choosing a provider. Ask very specific questions regarding a full range of potential scenarios (E.g. "What happens if all my valuable jewelry gets lost or stolen?" or "What happens if my wedding ring or diamond goes missing?"). Knowing your
valuable and treasured jewelry is safely insured will give you peace of mind – and satisfaction in knowing you're protected.
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. Speak with a Blue Nile Diamond and Jewelry consultant to get a quote within 2-5 business days (depending on the complexity of the order).
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 Blue Nile, 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?
No. Our ring settings are only available with the purchase of a center stone.
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 00801-14-7055 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 Blue Nile.