Travel has a funny way of reshaping how we shop. Somewhere between airport lounges, hotel Wi-Fi, and late-night scrolling in a different time zone, I found myself comparing engagement rings instead of restaurant reservations. On a recent trip, what started as casual browsing quickly turned into a deep dive into lab-grown diamond rings, all from the comfort of a hotel bed abroad.
With more people comfortable making high-value purchases online, the real question isn’t where you buy a diamond any more - it’s who you buy it from! While travelling, things like clear pricing, fast decision-making tools, responsive support, and dependable shipping suddenly matter far more than glossy showrooms.
During this trip, I kept coming back to three names that dominate the online lab-grown diamond conversation: Loose Grown Diamond, Rare Carat, and Brilliance. Each promises certified stones, competitive pricing, and an easy online experience - but they go about it in very different ways! Here’s how they stack up when you’re shopping on the move.
When you’re browsing from another country (possibly converting currencies in your head) pricing clarity becomes essential.
Loose Grown Diamond stood out immediately for its direct-from-manufacturer pricing. On comparable stones, their prices were significantly lower than the others, which is hard to ignore when travel expenses are already stacking up. They also offer a small discount for crypto or wire payments, which may appeal to more flexible or internationally minded buyers.
"Wonderful and easy experience. Found a rare cut that would cost 8-10k if it was natural. The lab stone was less than 10% of that price. Looks amazing." - Blayne Baker (Trustpilot)
Rare Carat approaches pricing differently. Rather than focusing solely on the lowest number, they lean heavily into AI-powered price comparisons. It feels a bit like having a very organised travel companion double-check that you’re not overpaying for anything - especially reassuring when you’re making decisions late at night!
Brilliance tends to sit between the two. Prices aren’t rock-bottom, but the brand positions itself around workshop craftsmanship and financing options. If spreading payments feels more comfortable while you’re already spending on flights and hotels, this can be appealing.
The best for travellers is: Loose Grown Diamond for maximum savings, Rare Carat for confident comparisons, Brilliance for steady, traditional value.
When you can’t view a diamond in person, certification does all the talking.
Loose Grown Diamond offers the widest choice of recognised certifications, giving buyers flexibility depending on which grading body they trust most. Their focus is entirely on lab-grown stones, including custom shapes - perfect if travel has inspired you to look for something a little different.
Rare Carat blends technology with human expertise. Their AI analysis is backed up by real gemologist reviews, which feels reassuring when you’re making a big decision far from home. It’s a good balance between speed and expertise.
Brilliance keeps things simple with shape-first browsing and refined filters. If you already know what style you want and don’t fancy endless scrolling on a small phone screen, their approach feels refreshingly efficient.
The best for travellers is: Loose Grown Diamond for certification choice, Rare Carat for tech-plus-expert reassurance, Brilliance for streamlined browsing.
Being away from home makes return policies suddenly very important!
Rare Carat offers the most generous return window, giving you time to reconsider once you’re back home. That breathing room is invaluable if you worry about making a rushed decision mid-trip.
Brilliance also offers a 30-day return period, although refunds can take longer to process. It’s a more traditional system, which some buyers see as a fair trade-off for brand stability.
Loose Grown Diamond has a shorter return window, but refunds are processed much faster. This suits travellers who prefer to tie everything up neatly before moving on to the next destination - just make sure paperwork is kept safe while travelling! The word on the street is:
During this trip, I kept coming back to three names that dominate the online lab-grown diamond conversation: Loose Grown Diamond, Rare Carat, and Brilliance. Each promises certified stones, competitive pricing, and an easy online experience - but they go about it in very different ways! Here’s how they stack up when you’re shopping on the move.
The quick verdict (for travellers in a hurry)
- Loose Grown Diamond: Best for value-hunters and custom design lovers who want direct pricing and round-the-clock support.
- Rare Carat: Ideal for comparison-driven buyers who appreciate AI tools and gemologist input before committing.
- Brilliance: A good fit for those who prefer an established, workshop-led brand with financing options and a more traditional feel.
A traveller-friendly comparison
1. Pricing and value transparency
When you’re browsing from another country (possibly converting currencies in your head) pricing clarity becomes essential.
Loose Grown Diamond stood out immediately for its direct-from-manufacturer pricing. On comparable stones, their prices were significantly lower than the others, which is hard to ignore when travel expenses are already stacking up. They also offer a small discount for crypto or wire payments, which may appeal to more flexible or internationally minded buyers.
"Wonderful and easy experience. Found a rare cut that would cost 8-10k if it was natural. The lab stone was less than 10% of that price. Looks amazing." - Blayne Baker (Trustpilot)
Rare Carat approaches pricing differently. Rather than focusing solely on the lowest number, they lean heavily into AI-powered price comparisons. It feels a bit like having a very organised travel companion double-check that you’re not overpaying for anything - especially reassuring when you’re making decisions late at night!
Brilliance tends to sit between the two. Prices aren’t rock-bottom, but the brand positions itself around workshop craftsmanship and financing options. If spreading payments feels more comfortable while you’re already spending on flights and hotels, this can be appealing.
The best for travellers is: Loose Grown Diamond for maximum savings, Rare Carat for confident comparisons, Brilliance for steady, traditional value.
2. Certification and quality assurance
When you can’t view a diamond in person, certification does all the talking.
Loose Grown Diamond offers the widest choice of recognised certifications, giving buyers flexibility depending on which grading body they trust most. Their focus is entirely on lab-grown stones, including custom shapes - perfect if travel has inspired you to look for something a little different.
Rare Carat blends technology with human expertise. Their AI analysis is backed up by real gemologist reviews, which feels reassuring when you’re making a big decision far from home. It’s a good balance between speed and expertise.
Brilliance keeps things simple with shape-first browsing and refined filters. If you already know what style you want and don’t fancy endless scrolling on a small phone screen, their approach feels refreshingly efficient.
The best for travellers is: Loose Grown Diamond for certification choice, Rare Carat for tech-plus-expert reassurance, Brilliance for streamlined browsing.
3. Returns and buyer protection
Being away from home makes return policies suddenly very important!
Rare Carat offers the most generous return window, giving you time to reconsider once you’re back home. That breathing room is invaluable if you worry about making a rushed decision mid-trip.
Brilliance also offers a 30-day return period, although refunds can take longer to process. It’s a more traditional system, which some buyers see as a fair trade-off for brand stability.
Loose Grown Diamond has a shorter return window, but refunds are processed much faster. This suits travellers who prefer to tie everything up neatly before moving on to the next destination - just make sure paperwork is kept safe while travelling! The word on the street is:
"Over delivered! I made a purchase to update my engagement ring during Black Friday sales. The pear diamond I selected ended up being sold out (which I get because so many retailers have the same access to the pool of diamonds), Susan quickly connected with me on a recommended replacement that was a tad bigger without having to pay the additional cost. She also assured me it would arrive in the time frame I needed and it got there a day early! Love this place!" - Donica S. (Trustpilot)
The best for travellers is: Rare Carat for flexibility, Brilliance for familiarity, Loose Grown Diamond for speed.
Time zones also matter when you’re travelling.
Loose Grown Diamond offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, which is a genuine advantage when you’re awake at odd hours. Virtual appointments also make the experience feel more personal, even from thousands of miles away.
Rare Carat combines AI tools with access to gemologists, which is helpful when you want reassurance without pressure (it’s very much a “guided but not pushy” experience).
Brilliance also provides round-the-clock expert support, leaning into a more traditional jeweller relationship backed by workshop knowledge.
The best for travellers is: Loose Grown Diamond for constant availability, Rare Carat for data-led guidance, Brilliance for expert reassurance.
When you’re unsure where you’ll be next week, shipping logistics matter more than usual.
Brilliance offers value-based shipping tiers, which lets you balance speed and cost depending on your travel plans. It’s flexible and well-structured.
Loose Grown Diamond keeps things straightforward with clear timelines and worldwide shipping. Their approach feels practical and easy to plan around if you’re travelling internationally.
Rare Carat focuses on insured, signature-required delivery, which is reassuring if you’re coordinating delivery around travel dates or returning home soon.
The best for travellers is: Brilliance for flexibility, Loose Grown Diamond for global simplicity, Rare Carat for insured peace of mind.
When shopping from abroad, strong third-party reviews make all the difference! All three retailers score exceptionally well with customer feedback. Loose Grown Diamond and Rare Carat both hold near-perfect ratings, while Brilliance follows closely behind with a very high review count. Across the board, trust levels are reassuringly strong.
If you’re buying a lab-grown diamond ring while travelling:
The best for travellers is: Rare Carat for flexibility, Brilliance for familiarity, Loose Grown Diamond for speed.
4. Buying experience and customer support
Time zones also matter when you’re travelling.
Loose Grown Diamond offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, which is a genuine advantage when you’re awake at odd hours. Virtual appointments also make the experience feel more personal, even from thousands of miles away.
Rare Carat combines AI tools with access to gemologists, which is helpful when you want reassurance without pressure (it’s very much a “guided but not pushy” experience).
Brilliance also provides round-the-clock expert support, leaning into a more traditional jeweller relationship backed by workshop knowledge.
The best for travellers is: Loose Grown Diamond for constant availability, Rare Carat for data-led guidance, Brilliance for expert reassurance.
5. Shipping and delivery
When you’re unsure where you’ll be next week, shipping logistics matter more than usual.
Brilliance offers value-based shipping tiers, which lets you balance speed and cost depending on your travel plans. It’s flexible and well-structured.
Loose Grown Diamond keeps things straightforward with clear timelines and worldwide shipping. Their approach feels practical and easy to plan around if you’re travelling internationally.
Rare Carat focuses on insured, signature-required delivery, which is reassuring if you’re coordinating delivery around travel dates or returning home soon.
The best for travellers is: Brilliance for flexibility, Loose Grown Diamond for global simplicity, Rare Carat for insured peace of mind.
6. Reviews and reputation
When shopping from abroad, strong third-party reviews make all the difference! All three retailers score exceptionally well with customer feedback. Loose Grown Diamond and Rare Carat both hold near-perfect ratings, while Brilliance follows closely behind with a very high review count. Across the board, trust levels are reassuringly strong.
So, which should you choose?
If you’re buying a lab-grown diamond ring while travelling:
- Choose Loose Grown Diamond if value, customisation, and round-the-clock support matter most.
- Choose Rare Carat if you like comparing options with the help of smart tools and expert guidance.
- Choose Brilliance if you prefer an established brand with workshop craftsmanship and financing options.
Wherever you happen to be in the world, buying a meaningful piece of jewellery no longer has to wait until you’re back home - and with the right retailer, it can feel just as confident from a hotel room as it does on the high street! (Top image source: Freepik)
