Clean Origin Review: Are They Trustworthy?

If you’re in the market for a new engagement ring, you’ve probably come across Clean Origin rings. They’re one of the leading online retailers for conflict-free diamonds, and they have a wide selection of beautiful rings to choose from. But are they trustworthy? Are they just selling knock-off diamonds with a made up certification? Are their prices really worth it for the quality and value you get?

Short Answer
Clean Origin is a great option for those who are looking for conflict-free and eco-friendly diamonds. Although they don’t have a huge selection, they carry many affordable and beautiful conflict-free and lab grown diamonds for you to choose from.

Features	Clean Origin
Year Founded	2017
Website	Very clean and simple. Lots of great educational content
Support	Virtual appointments, call, live chat, text, email, or regular mail. Chat hours are Mon-Sat 8:30am-12am EST, and Sun 9am-12am EST
Price	30-40% more affordable than competitors
Inventory	25,000+ loose diamonds
Return Policy	Industry-best 100 day return policy
Warranty Policy	Free inspections, repairs, replacements, and substitutions for manufacturing defects. A $50 temporary deposit is applied to cover for shipping and evaluation for defects. This fee is refunded for all warrantied repairs. Repairs done by a third-party jeweller will void the warranty.
Insurance Policy	Offered through Zillion. Coverage against loss, theft, accidental damage, and disappearance. Insurance can be purchased at checkout. Insurance cannot be purchased for loose diamonds.

Read also: Are Costco Engagement Rings Any Good?

In this Clean Origin review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Clean Origin diamonds to see if they’re a brand you can trust with such an important purchase like an engagement ring for your upcoming proposal.

Jump Ahead to Section

What Is Clean Origin? What Sets Them Apart? Are Their Diamonds Really Conflict Free? Shopping Experience How They Compare Against Other Retailers – Clean Origin vs Blue Nile – Clean Origin vs James Allen – Clean Origin vs Brilliant Earth – Clean Origin vs Tiffany & Co. – Clean Origin vs Zales What Are The Downsides? Pricing Comparison Frequently Asked Questions Final Verdict

What Is Clean Origin?

A lot of Clean Origin reviews don’t talk about the history of the brand. We think it’s important to mention their history to help understand their reputation and credibility.

Let’s take a quick look into the history of Clean Origin. According to their website, they were founded in 2017 by industry veterans with over 100 years of combined experience.

Despite being a relatively new company, Clean Origin has definitely impressed us time and time again with their industry-best 100 day return policy, free shipping, and free resizing even after you propose.

Well that doesn’t sound like a lot given the current landscape of online diamond jewelry retailers. So what really sets them apart from other vendors? Let’s dive into that in the next section.

What Sets Them Apart?

The main value proposition of Clean Origin that we found was that they are a US-based company that specializes in providing conflict-free diamonds — hence the name “Clean Origin”.

Want to learn more about engagement rings? Check out our Educational section dedicated to teaching you everything you need to know!

“Conflict-free” means that the diamonds they sell are sourced from mines that adhere to strict labor and environmental standards. In other words, you can be sure that the diamonds you purchase from Clean Origin haven’t been mined in war zones or areas where forced labor is used.

To 100% confidently know your diamonds are conflict-free, you can also check out GIA certified lab created diamonds. These lab grown diamonds will always be conflict-free and the GIA has been certifying lab diamonds since 2007.

Related: GIA vs IGI: What’s the difference?

GIA certification spans across all diamonds for sale in the world and is not specific to one retailer.

The only way a lab grown diamond cannot be conflict-free is because someone working in those labs are severely underpaid!

In nearly every single scenario, lab created diamonds are identical to mined diamonds. You can learn more about lab created diamonds in our post here.

Another thing that Clean Origin claims to set them apart from the rest of the competing online diamond retailers is their commitment to providing excellent customer service. They have a team of experts on standby to answer any questions you may have about their diamonds, and they offer free shipping on all orders within the United States.

Are Their Diamonds Really Conflict-Free?

There’s quite a few diamond retailers that may bend the truth by creating their own certifications to get around certain policies. Kinda like how many car manufacturers create their own awards and award themselves every year as the “Best Car of The Year”.

But when it comes to Clean Origin and all of their diamonds, they are certified by the Kimberley Process, which is an international system that tracks rough diamonds from mine to market in order to prevent so-called “conflict diamonds” from entering the global diamond supply.

So when you buy a diamond from Clean Origin, you can be confident that it’s globally recognized as conflict-free.

Shopping Experience

Clean Origin reviews aren’t complete without a full step-by-step shopping experience guide!

One thing we really appreciate about Clean Origin is how simple they make the ‘Create your own Clean Origin engagement ring’ process. For many readers, it’s their first time purchasing a diamond engagement ring and a lot of the information can quickly become overwhelming.

Here are three simple steps from the Clean Origin website to make your own diamond engagement ring…

Step One: Choose Your Diamond Shape

The first step in shopping for an engagement ring is choosing the right diamond shape. The most popular diamond shapes are round, princess, oval, cushion, emerald, and pear. But which one is right for your fiancée?

Consider her personal style when making your decision. If she tends to wear more classic pieces, a round or princess cut diamond might be the way to go. If she likes something a little more unique, an oval or cushion cut might be more her style. And if she loves vintage jewelry, an emerald or pear cut would be a beautiful choice.

Step Two: Select Your Metal Type

Next, you’ll need to decide on a metal type for the setting and band of the ring. The most popular metals are gold (white, yellow, or rose), platinum, and palladium. Again, consider your fiancée’s personal style when making your selection.

Related: 14K vs 18K gold: Which one is better?

If she likes dainty jewelry, a white metal like platinum or palladium would be a good choice. If she prefers something with a little more color, then yellow or rose gold would be beautiful options.

Not sure if you need both an engagement and a wedding ring? Check out our guide here to help you make that decision.

Step Three: Pick Your Setting

Now it’s time to choose a setting for your diamond. The three most popular settings are solitaire, halo, and classic. Our personal favorite is the solitaire setting. This setting allows for maximum light exposure and makes the diamond appear larger than it actually is.

Once you’ve decided on a setting, all that’s left to do is choose a size! Be sure to get your fiancée’s finger sized before making your purchase so that you can be sure the ring will fit properly.

Not sure how to measure ring sizes? Check out our guide here on How To Measure Your Ring Size at Home.

How They Compare Against Other Retailers

Ah yes the moment we’ve all been waiting for. How exactly does Clean Origin compare against these other popular diamond retailers?

Thankfully, we have recent and relevant experiences purchasing from all these retailers below. So we’ll be giving our two cents based on personal experiences.

Clean Origin vs Blue Nile

Most Clean Origin reviews categorize Clean Origin and Blue Nile as the same. But the truth is, Blue Nile and Clean Origin offer two very different approaches to buying diamonds. Blue Nile focuses on giving customers access to the largest selection of diamonds while Clean Origin is all about providing certified conflict-free diamonds.

So, which company is right for you? If you’re looking for the best value, Blue Nile is hard to beat. With over 200,000 diamonds in stock, they have one of the largest selections of any online retailer. And, because they work directly with diamond manufacturers, they’re able to offer rock-bottom prices.

If you’re concerned about the ethics of your diamond purchase, Clean Origin is worth considering. All of their diamonds are certified conflict-free and they offer a wide range of sustainable options. They also have a very user-friendly website that makes it easy to find the perfect diamond.

Both Clean Origin and Blue Nile offer great engagement rings and diamonds online. But it is entirely up to you whether you want to prioritize the best value or the most ethical option. Regardless, we found both Blue Nile and Clean Origin to be great choices for a diamond ring.

Clean Origin vs James Allen

When it comes to the giant of online diamond retailers, James Allen is the standout shop in the industry. Both companies offer a wide range of diamonds at competitive prices, but there are some key differences between them that can make one a better choice than the other depending on your needs.

Related: James Allen vs Clean Origin: A Head-to-Head Comparison.

As mentioned before, Clean Origin is all about providing ethical, conflict-free diamonds. Their stones are sourced from certified mines that meet strict environmental and labor standards, and they only work with suppliers who follow their code of conduct.

In addition, they offer an impressive selection of lab-grown diamonds that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. If you’re looking for a socially responsible option, Clean Origin is the way to go.

James Allen, on the other hand, is known for their breathtaking diamond photography. Their website allows you to see every detail of a stone before making a purchase, which is ideal if you’re picky about details like clarity and color.

Read also: The Dark Side of James Allen: Unveiling Complaints

You can view diamond jewelry in 360 degree with 40x magnification, and even try on their diamond jewelry with augmented reality from your smartphone.

Related: How to use James Allen’s Virtual Ring Try On Feature

Not to mention they also have a great customer service team that’s always available to answer any questions you may have. So if you’re looking for the best possible shopping experience, James Allen is the retailer for you. If the shopping experience isn’t a priority and you prefer to have a wide selection of lab diamonds and/or know with certainty your diamonds are conflict-free, we recommend Clean Origin.

Check out our full in-depth review of James Allen here.

Clean Origin vs Brilliant Earth

Both companies offer a wide range of diamonds, from simple solitaires to elaborate engagement rings. As it pertains to inventory and having a wide selection of lab grown diamonds, both are nearly identical.

However, one factor to keep in mind is the price. Clean Origin diamonds are typically more affordable than those from Brilliant Earth. But it’s important to remember that the price is just one part of the equation. You also need to consider quality and selection.

When it comes to quality, both brands offer excellent options. However, most people we’ve seen prefer the slightly higher standards of Brilliant Earth. All of their diamonds are graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

This means that you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality stone. In other words, Brilliant Earth carries a larger selection of GIA certified diamonds compared to Clean Origin.

In terms of selection of diamonds in general, both brands have a wide range of options to choose from. However, Brilliant Earth may have a slight edge here.

They offer a wider variety of diamonds colors, shapes, and sizes. This means that you’re more likely to find the perfect diamond for your needs.

Ultimately, the decision between Clean Origin and Brilliant Earth comes down to personal preference. Both brands offer excellent options in terms of quality and selection.

It’s simply a matter of finding the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Clean Origin vs Tiffany & Co.

Clean Origin diamonds are ethically sourced and free of conflict, while Tiffany & Co. diamonds come with a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship. So which is the better option?

For many people, the deciding factor is price. Clean origin diamonds are typically 20-30% cheaper than Tiffany & Co. diamonds, making them a more budget-friendly choice.

However, Tiffany & Co. diamonds come with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are of the highest quality.

All of their diamonds are hand-selected and cut to maximize sparkle, so you can be rest assured you’re getting a beautiful piece of diamond jewerly.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a high-quality diamond at a lower price, CleanOrigin is a great option. But if you want the assurance of buying from a well-established brand, Tiffany & Co. is the way to go.

Check out some other affordable Tiffany & Co. alternatives here.

Clean Origin vs Zales

Zales is a very popular diamond retailer with many physical in-store locations. Some might prefer this over compared to purchasing a diamond ring online.

Both of these companies also offer a wide selection of quality diamonds at competitive prices. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

To start, Clean Origin is all about providing its customers with ethically sourced and lab created diamonds. All of their diamonds are conflict-free and are 100% natural. In addition, Clean Origin offers a wide variety of unique cuts and shapes to choose from.

They also have a generous 100 day return policy which they say is the industry-best, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

Now, let’s take a look at Zales. This company has been in the diamond business for over 75 years. They offer a wide variety of classic and modern designs, so there’s sure to be something to suit your taste.

In addition, Zales offers a lifetime warranty on all of their diamonds. So, if you ever have any issues with your purchase, you know you’re covered.

So, which retailer is right for you? If you’re looking for ethically sourced diamonds and a great selection of lab created diamonds, then Clean Origin is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a classic diamond from a trusted in-store retailer, then Zales is worth considering.

What Are The Downsides?

What’s a Clean Origin review without listing some downsides and drawbacks?

Despite the many benefits of Clean Origin diamonds, there are some potential downsides to consider as well.

First off, because these diamonds come from conflict-free zones, they may be more expensive than other comparable diamonds that aren’t necessarily from conflict-free zones. From experience, this isn’t a huge deal breaker when you consider how much cheaper Clean Origin diamonds are compared to some high-end retailers like Tiffany & Co.

In addition, the process of sourcing and certifying these diamonds can be lengthy and complicated, which may not be ideal for those who are looking for a quick and easy purchase. This is typically why Clean Origin may have fewer selections compared to other diamond shops.

In other words, Clean Origin diamonds may be less widely available than other types of diamonds, making it difficult to find the perfect stone.

Despite these potential drawbacks, Clean Origin diamonds remain an excellent choice for those who are looking for a beautiful and ethical option.

Pricing Comparison

In this section, we’ll compare one lab created diamond across multiple retailers with the following criteria (from lowest to highest price)

Shape	Round Cut
Cut	Excellent/Ideal
Color	E
Clarity	VVS2
Carat	1.00
Certification	GIA

Note: No two diamonds are alike. This is to only give you a general idea of the prices.

Looking to more about the 4C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, & Carat)? We go through what they are and why they’re so important in this guide.

Clean Origin – $1,524

Brilliant Earth – $1,530

Note: This diamond is IGI Certified instead of GIA

James Allen – $1,540

Blue Nile – $1,724

Clean Origin	$1,524
Brilliant Earth	$1,530
James Allen	$1,540
Blue Nile	$1,724

Looking to purchase your engagement ring but you’re on a budget? Here’s how much you should spend on an engagement ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

To sum it up, Clean Origin is a great option for those who are looking for conflict-free and eco-friendly diamonds. They carry some amazing mined conflict-free and lab grown diamonds to choose from and their website makes it easy to find the perfect ring for you with their three-step approach.

However, they don’t have the largest selection of diamond rings when you compare them to other retailers, their certifying process can take a long time which makes it difficult to have a quick purchase (but a diamond engagement ring should never be a quick purchase), and they don’t ever have sales (because their prices are already low as it is).

If you’re looking for an affordable option with great customer service, then Clean Origin is the way to go.