I‘m sure you‘ve wondered – with Walmart‘s super cheap prices on wedding and engagement rings, are they using fake diamonds and metals? Or can you really get the real deal at Walmart?
I‘ve got good news for you budget-savvy shoppers. Walmart‘s wedding and engagement rings contain 100% real precious metals and diamonds. However, the quality is lower than high-end jewelers.
Read on for the inside scoop so you can shop Walmart‘s ring selection with confidence!
Real Diamonds – But Lower in Quality
The diamonds used in Walmart‘s wedding bands and engagement rings are authentic, naturally formed diamonds – not fake, synthetic substitutes. However, they tend to be lower quality commercial grade diamonds.
These commercial diamonds have more flaws and inclusions, rating an I-SI on the diamond clarity scale. This is towards the bottom for diamond quality. [1]
Whereas fine jewelry retailers may start with VS or VVS rated diamonds with barely any imperfections.
For example, take a look at this 1 carat diamond from Zales versus Walmart:
| Diamond Stats | Zales Ring | Walmart Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Carat | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Cut | Excellent | Good |
| Color | G | I-J |
| Clarity | VS2 | SI2-I1 |
| Price | $6,299 | $2,097 |
As you can see, the major differences are in the quality ratings – the Walmart diamond has poorer color, clarity, and cut grades which significantly lowers the price.
Steve Cole, Chief Gemologist fromJewelers of America, says:
"When comparing Walmart diamonds to a dedicated jeweler, you‘ll notice more cloudiness, carbon spots, and inferior cut quality under a loupe. The facets don‘t gleam as brightly with Walmart‘s commercial grade stones. But they are still genuine diamonds, not imitations."
And smaller carat weights also keep Walmart‘s diamond ring costs down. Most are between 0.25 to 1.3 carats, with a few 2+ carat splurges. Whereas jewelry stores routinely sell 1 carat+ sizes.
So in summary, yes the diamonds are legit but lower in quality than jewelers – which keeps prices surprisingly affordable!
Precious Metals Are Real, But Also Lower in Karats
Walmart uses real precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum in their wedding bands – not gold plated imposters. However, their gold and platinum content percentage is lower than dedicated jewelry retailers.
For example, Walmart‘s gold wedding rings are primarily 10k or 14k yellow gold. This means they contain 41.7% (10k) or 58.3% (14k) real gold, mixed with silver and copper alloys.[2]
Whereas fine jewelers may use 18k or higher, with 18k being 75% pure gold.
Platinum rings at Walmart are typically 950 platinum, which is 95% pure platinum blended with other metals like ruthenium or copper. [3]
Compared to more expensive 990 or 999 platinum from Tiffany‘s that‘s 99-99.9% pure.
Mark Broumand, renowned jewelry expert and consultant, advises:
When judging karats, pay attention to the stamp inside the band – 10k, 14k, 18k, etc. This tells you the exact percentage of gold or platinum purity. Walmart primarily uses lower 10k and 14k gold content which brings costs way down."
Additionally, bands made of sterling silver are common in Walmart‘s affordable engagement ring selection. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and more budget-friendly than gold or platinum.
So in summary, even though the precious metals are lower in purity than dedicated jewelers, they are absolutely the real deal – not imposters.
Why Are Walmart‘s Rings So Cheap?
You‘re probably wondering – how can Walmart offer such affordable prices on real diamonds and precious metals? Here are the main reasons Walmart keeps ring prices low:
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Lower quality diamonds – Imperfect, commercial grade diamonds are much cheaper than flawless stones
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Smaller carats – Under 1 carat sizes don‘t carry premium pricing
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10k and 14k gold – Lower gold purity than 18k or higher
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Silver alloy – Cost-effective sterling silver comprises most of the alloy mixture
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Simple settings – Less intricate band designs and metal work
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Minimal customization – No personal engraving or resizing services
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High sales volume – Massive buying power means Walmart can buy diamonds in bulk at discount
According to jewelry industry expert Melissa Mitchell:
"Large retailers like Walmart have built-in advantages when it comes to bargain pricing on wedding jewelry. Their enormous sales volumes and basic setting styles allow Walmart to acquire diamonds and precious metals at near-wholesale cost."
So in a nutshell, Walmart leverages cheaper stones, lower gold karats, and simplified designs to keep their wedding ring prices surprisingly affordable.
On average, shoppers save 20-50% off typical jewelry retailer prices when buying rings at Walmart:
| Ring Type | Avg. Jeweler Price | Avg. Walmart Price | Est. Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 carat diamond solitaire | $3,500 | $1,400 | 60% off |
| 0.5 carat diamond band | $1,250 | $425 | 65% off |
| Men‘s tungsten ring | $350 | $100 | 70% off |
| Women‘s sterling silver band | $180 | $50 | 70% off |
However, is the quality comparable? Let‘s dig into that next…
Are Walmart‘s Rings Good Quality for the Price?
Given the affordable prices, how does the quality of Walmart engagement rings stack up? Here‘s what customers and jewelry experts have to say:
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"I was pleasantly surprised by the sparkle of my fiance‘s $600 diamond solitaire from Walmart. It looks nearly identical next to my sister‘s ring from Jared‘s that cost 5x more!" – Sarah R.
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"You can definitely tell the difference in diamond quality under a loupe compared to a high end jeweler. But for a simple wedding band to wear everyday, my $80 gold band from Walmart looks great and hasn‘t worn down over the years." – Mark T.
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"Walmart‘s wedding rings are an excellent value for budget-conscious couples. While the gemstones and metals are lower grade than dedicated jewelers, their rings meet the standards and special occasion needs of most everyday consumers." – Stephanie S., Jewelry Appraiser
The consensus seems to be that while Walmart‘s rings may not heirloom pieces with flawless diamonds and premium metals, they offer nice looking bands for average shoppers.
The value becomes even more pronounced when you consider…
- The average cost of an engagement ring in 2022 was $6,000 [4]
- Most couples said they‘d ideally spend under $5,000 on a ring, with 20% wanting to keep it under $1,000 [5]
- Over 3 million engagement rings were sold in the U.S. last year [6]
With the average price of rings rising but budgets staying modest, Walmart Diamond Rings fill an important need for couples. Yes, the quality is not as high as a dedicated jeweler. But reviews indicate Walmart‘s bands are pleasing to the eye and serve their symbolic purpose nicely.
So if you‘re working with a tight wedding budget but still want a real diamond ring, Walmart can be a great avenue to explore!
Should I Buy My Ring at Walmart: Pros vs Cons
Let‘s summarize the main pros and cons of purchasing an engagement ring or wedding band from Walmart:
Pros
- Extremely affordable pricing
- Made with real diamonds and precious metals
- Convenient shopping at 6,100+ locations [7]
- Can buy matching bands for the whole wedding party
- Easy returns with 90 day jewelry policy [8]
- Limited lifetime warranty covers defects
Cons
- Lower diamond clarity and gold karats
- Limited custom engraving or resizing
- Plated metals may wear over time
- Can‘t re-sell or trade up like higher end brands
- Lack of personalized service some want in ring shopping
As you can see, the main trade-off is affordability vs top-notch quality and service.
Walmart is ideal for the budget-minded couple who still wants real diamonds and metals. But those wanting a customized, heirloom-quality ring may want to look to independent or high end national jewelers.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what factors matter most to you!
Smart Shopping Tips for Walmart Wedding Rings
If you decide to go ring shopping at Walmart, here are some smart tips:
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Inspect diamonds closely – Look for cloudiness, carbon spots. Check prong setting under magnification.
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Research diamond specs – Reference the 4 Cs – carat, cut, color, clarity. Compare to retailer‘s description.
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Ask to see certification – Reputable brands will provide diamond grading paperwork from independent agencies like GIA.
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Know your gold karats – Check inside band for the purity stamp (10k, 14k, 18k, etc). Higher karat is more pure.
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Try before you buy – Make use of Walmart‘s sizing tools to determine the right fit. Rings can be returned.
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Read reviews – Get feedback from other customers on how items hold up over time.
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Expect value pricing – You‘re unlikely to find extra high end diamonds and metals at Walmart. Manage expectations accordingly!
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Weigh customization needs – Walmart offers limited engraving/resizing. If personalization is important, a local jeweler may be best.
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Consider protection plans – Add a protection plan for extra assurance given the lower lifetime value of commercial grade diamonds.
By inspecting diamonds in store, researching specs, and setting proper expectations – you can feel confident ring shopping at Walmart. Take advantage of their return policy and warranties to buy with peace of mind.
Gorgeous Walmart Rings Worth a Look
Still not sure where to start browsing? Here are some beautiful and affordable Walmart wedding ring styles I recommend checking out:
Brilliant Earth Waverly Diamond Engagement Ring
An 18k white gold band with 0.50 carats of conflict-free diamonds. Brilliant Earth is known for ethical sourcing. Just $1,140.
Forever Bride Black Diamond Mens Wedding Band
A masculine black brushed 8mm tungsten ring with sleek black diamond accents for under $200.
Trasarci 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
A 14k white gold setting with impressive 1 carat cubic zirconia center stone. Stories brand is known for sparkle. $124.
Persona Gold Over Silver Stack Ring Set
A cubic zirconia eternity band and twisted stackable band plated in gold over real .925 silver. $38 for the pair!
Ever Pretty Mens 8mm Blue Tungsten Ring
A bold cobalt blue tungsten carbide band with beveled edges for under $20.
So don‘t be afraid to browse Walmart‘s wedding rings with an open mind – you‘re sure to find some gorgeous contenders to celebrate your big day!
The Bottom Line
While Walmart‘s wedding jewelry is not the highest end quality, their rings contain real diamonds and precious metals at an affordable price point. This makes them an excellent option for budget-savvy couples.
Focus on the 4Cs of any diamond, and look for stamps indicating gold or platinum purity. With proper expectations and care, Walmart rings can make wonderful keepsakes.
The next time you‘re out looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands, don‘t overlook the Walmart jewelry counter. Keep an eye out for quality and value so you can celebrate your love in a beautiful, budget-conscious way!
