Appleby Diamonds Review

Appleby was established by Margaret Appleby in the 1950s in Dublin, Ireland. The brand began in her family home, growing through word of mouth until they opened their first store in the 1960s. Today, Appleby remains a family-run business with strong Irish roots, offering distinctive jewelry designed and crafted in-house. But does Appleby deliver on quality, value, and customer experience in today’s market? Let’s take a closer look.

Company and Craftsmanship

Appleby’s in-house craftsmanship is what sets them apart from many jewelers. Their pieces are all designed and created in their Dublin workshop, and the company’s designers and craftspeople are trained in-house, many beginning as apprentices. This emphasis on in-house creation gives Appleby jewelry a unique style that reflects Irish craftsmanship and attention to detail.

In addition to their ready-made pieces, Appleby also offers bespoke services, allowing customers to have a completely custom piece created or to have an existing ring remodeled. This is an appealing option for those who appreciate their design aesthetic but want something personalized.

Diamond Quality and Exclusivity

Appleby’s jewelry settings often feature unique designs that showcase their craftsmanship, but the same cannot always be said for their diamonds. While they only use GIA-certified diamonds, which is a plus for customers in the United States, accessing detailed diamond information can be challenging. Some GIA reports and report numbers are missing from the listings, raising concerns about transparency.

For buyers who prioritize detailed insight into diamond quality—such as performance images, ideal scopes, or ASET maps—Appleby falls short. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the true value of the diamonds they sell. Online buyers would be better served by more prominent retailers like Whiteflash, Blue Nile, or James Allen, who offer detailed imaging and certification information.

Pricing and Availability

Appleby does not sell loose diamonds; they are only available mounted in a setting, which can make it harder for customers to appraise their value independently. Additionally, all prices are listed in Euros, which may be a hurdle for international customers unfamiliar with exchange rates. Compared to other jewelers like Whiteflash or James Allen, Appleby’s range is more limited, particularly for buyers outside of Dublin who are restricted to their online offerings.

The Dublin showroom, however, offers a luxurious in-person experience that is highly recommended for those who can visit. Customers can book a private appointment, and the in-person shopping experience reportedly does far more justice to the quality of Appleby’s pieces than their website, which suffers from usability issues and lacks comprehensive product information.

Website and Shopping Experience

Appleby’s website aims to convey an old-world feel, but this aesthetic comes at the cost of user-friendliness. Navigation is cumbersome, and the educational content is limited and often interwoven with sales pitches, leaving much to be desired. Additionally, product imagery on the website is insufficient, failing to offer the detailed visuals that online buyers need to make informed decisions. Many would prefer the kind of detailed imaging offered by other top online jewelers.

The returns policy is also restrictive, especially for international customers. Items must be returned unworn, with all tags attached, and within a tight timeframe, which may add stress for those buying from outside of Ireland.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique Irish craftsmanship with in-house designers and apprentices.
• Bespoke design options available, including remodeling existing pieces.
• Luxurious in-person shopping experience in Dublin.

Cons:

• Lack of transparency regarding diamond quality and missing GIA report details.
• Limited options for loose diamonds and restrictive pricing due to mounted-only sales.
• Poor website navigation and insufficient product imagery for online buyers.
• Restrictive returns policy, especially for international customers.

Final Verdict

Appleby Jewelry is a compelling option for those who value Irish craftsmanship and the uniqueness of in-house design. The ability to create bespoke pieces and remodel existing jewelry adds to its appeal, particularly for those who can visit the Dublin showroom. However, the lack of transparency regarding diamond quality, the difficulties associated with their website, and the limitations in online purchasing options make Appleby less suitable for buyers seeking detailed information and flexibility. For those interested in purchasing diamonds online with full transparency, Whiteflash, Blue Nile, or James Allen may offer a better experience.