Rare Carat, established in 2016 by Ajay G. Anand, is headquartered at 311 W 43rd St Fl 12, New York, NY 10036-6004. Initially launched as a diamond search engine powered by artificial intelligence, it aimed to bring transparency to an industry often criticized for opacity. Over the years, it has evolved into a full-service marketplace, connecting buyers directly with over 150 online diamond wholesalers.
This growth is evidenced by its recognition as America’s #1 ring marketplace, as noted on its LinkedIn profile, where it powers over $100 million in annual sales and has been featured in major publications like the New York Times and Forbes.
Products and Services Offered
Rare Carat’s product portfolio is diverse, catering to various preferences and budgets. The company offers:
- Natural Diamonds: Sourced from reputable suppliers, these diamonds are certified by GIA or IGI, ensuring authenticity and quality. Details on certification can be found on their loose diamond search page (Loose Diamond Search: Buy Certified Diamonds Online), which explains the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) and the importance of laser inscriptions for verification.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created using state-of-the-art technology and certified by IGI, GIA, or GCAL. They are highlighted for their sustainability, as noted on their lab-grown diamond jewelry page (Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry – Rare Carat), offering a lower environmental impact compared to mined diamonds.
- Engagement Rings and Other Jewelry: Customers can shop for rings in various styles (Solitaire, Pavé, Halo, etc.) and materials (yellow gold, white gold), with options to start with a diamond or a setting, as seen on their main shopping page (Buy Natural Diamonds, Lab Grown Diamonds & Engagement Rings Online). They also offer necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
The platform provides tools like the Rare Carat Report and Deal Score, leveraging AI and human expertise to evaluate diamonds, enhancing the shopping experience with detailed insights, as mentioned in a review on RyanWasHere.com.
Pricing Strategy and Comparison
Rare Carat’s pricing strategy is designed to offer value, often saving customers up to 40% by comparing prices across trusted wholesalers, as mentioned on their homepage (Buy Natural Diamonds, Lab Grown Diamonds & Engagement Rings Online). Comparisons with competitors like James Allen and Blue Nile suggest that Rare Carat’s prices can be lower, particularly for lab-grown diamonds, as discussed in a review on PriceScope. However, the trade-off is that Rare Carat acts as a marketplace, and quality control may vary by retailer, as noted in a review on LabDiamondsReview.com.
A table comparing pricing and services with James Allen, based on available data, is as follows:
| Aspect | Rare Carat | James Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Competitive, often lower, especially for lab-grown diamonds | Slightly higher, with price-matching program |
| Product Quality Control | Varies by retailer, less oversight | Consistent, with in-house inventory and 360° HD imaging |
| Customer Service | Highly rated, live gemologist support | Dedicated, 24/7 support, flexible warranty options |
| Return Policy | 30 days, free returns, one free resizing within 90 days | Similar, with additional lifetime warranty on purchases |
This comparison highlights Rare Carat’s focus on price savings, though customers may need to conduct additional research to ensure quality, as mentioned in a review on Petragems.com.
Customer Experience and Support
Customer experience is a cornerstone of Rare Carat’s operations, with a TrustScore of 5 out of 5 from 2,835 reviews on Trustpilot as of February 2025. Reviews emphasize several key areas:
- Website Usability: The platform is user-friendly, with filters for the 4Cs and additional options like “Rare Carat Ideal Cut,” making research easy, as noted in customer feedback on Trustpilot.
- Customer Support: Live chat with graduate gemologists is praised for being responsive and knowledgeable, assisting from browsing to post-purchase, as seen in testimonials on the Rare Carat Help Center.
- Shipping and Returns: Orders are shipped via FedEx or UPS with full insurance, requiring adult signature, and the company offers a 30-day return policy with no shipping or restocking fees, as detailed on their policies page (Policies | Rare Carat). Additionally, one free ring resizing is available within 90 days.
Specific customer experiences include early deliveries, compliments on ring quality, and appreciation for personalized support, such as one customer noting, “Jason even built my ring to a previous setting,” on Trustpilot.
Reputation and Customer Feedback
Rare Carat’s reputation is predominantly positive, with high ratings on multiple platforms. On the Better Business Bureau® Profile, they are accredited since September 11, 2018, with customers describing “top-notch perfect customer service.” However, a small percentage of reviews, about 3% on Trustpilot, mention issues such as persistent marketing emails and a rigid return policy, particularly for returns past the 30-day window, as discussed in a review on LabDiamondsReview.com.
Despite these, the overwhelming majority of feedback, including repeat customers and recommendations, underscores Rare Carat’s reliability and customer-centric approach, as seen in testimonials on the Rare Carat Help Center.
Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Rare Carat’s commitment to ethics and sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices. All natural diamonds are conflict-free and adhere to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, as stated on their blog (Rare Carat® | Rare Carat’s View on Diamonds and Ethics). They also engage with initiatives like Everledger, using IBM blockchain technology for transparent certification and transaction history.
Lab-grown diamonds, highlighted on their lab-grown jewelry page (Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry – Rare Carat), are promoted for their lower environmental impact, aligning with sustainability goals. This focus is particularly appealing to younger buyers concerned about the social and environmental impact of diamond mining, as noted in their guide on ethical engagement rings (Rare Carat® | The Guide To Ethical Engagement Rings | Rare Carat).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Rare Carat stands out as a reliable and customer-centric platform for purchasing diamonds and engagement rings online. Its competitive pricing, extensive product range, and commitment to ethical practices make it a strong choice for value-conscious and socially responsible buyers. However, potential customers should be aware of the marketplace model, ensuring they verify retailer quality, and consider opting out of marketing emails to avoid annoyance.
For those prioritizing price savings and ethical sourcing, Rare Carat is likely a top contender, especially for lab-grown diamonds. For those seeking more consistent quality control and additional services, comparing with retailers like James Allen might be beneficial, as suggested in a review on PriceScope.
