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Searching For The Best Jewelry Brands
We all love a little bling in the dreary day-to-day of our average lives. Finding those perfect pieces of jewelry can turn an outfit into a statement, and what more could you really want? But how do you find those pieces and brands that are actually worth your time?
From engagement and wedding rings to simply stunning pieces you’ve gifted yourself, there are so many options when it comes to jewelry.
You’re looking at gemstones, metals, styles, cut, clarity, and, of course – cost! Each factor adds to the brand to break down and clarify what exactly makes the best jewelry brands the best.
When you buy, you want a quality product, especially when it comes to jewelry. No matter your gender, age, race, or sexuality, everyone can agree that if you’re giving or receiving jewelry, you want it to be a good piece that will last.
Jewelry goes beyond a simple accessory and many times people have memories of places, trips, and loved ones attached to what they wear.
To help you out when buying, whether it’s for your next gift for others or simply for yourself, we’ve created this list of 12 brands that offer amazing customer service, custom pieces, and, above all else, the quality you’ve been hoping for.
The 11 Best Jewelry Brands
Through careful consideration, we’ve narrowed the endless companies online down to a Top 12 Best Jewelry Brands list just for you! These 12 brands each have unique components that earned them a place on this list.
As you read through, keep in mind the specialties of each company to help you better find the service you’re looking for.
We’re giving you an overview of the company and products, followed by the oh-so-important details of cost, shipping, and returns.
If you see any brands you’re interested in but need a little more information about, check out other reviews online to get more detailed ratings of the company.
#1: Diamonique
Ready to make a statement? Diamonique delivers big time on bling. It’s the kind that makes your eyes light up or causes a gasp as soon as you pop open its pretty pink box. Using simulated diamonds that look and feel just like the real thing, the brand can offer luxury looks for low prices.
Whether it’s timeless classics like princess cut diamond stud earrings and delicate tennis necklaces or modern collabs with well-known jewelry designers like Nettali Nissam and Amy Stran, the collection isn’t one to miss. It makes our list for the best jewelry brands because of its wide selection of wow-worthy designs.
Diamonique uses sterling silver for the core of its glittering designs. Plated with 14K yellow gold or platinum, you can get designs that shine bright alongside opulent brands like Cartier, Tiffany’s, and David Yurman. Jewelry ranges from $30 for glitzy stackable rings to $1,700 for 9.00 carat diamond tennis necklaces.
Highlights
- Looks and feels like real diamonds
- Up to 9.00 carats
- Wide range of earrings, necklaces, rings, and more
- Affordable prices
- 14k gold or platinum plated sterling silver
#2: James Allen Jewelry Brand
If you’re looking for quality diamonds, then James Allen may just be the best jewelry brand in the business in that regard.
This company has been reviewed not only by us, but Business Insider, National Jeweler, and Forbes, all of whom claim that this brand is easily worth their offered prices.
James Allen was founded in 2006 by four close friends aiming to be a solely online retailer for engagement and wedding pieces for men and women.
With options to customize or design your ideal ring, the brand carved out their niche in the market through their free resizing, free delivery, and their revolutionary 360-degree diamond display, a tool that allows you to see the rings from all angles before purchasing.
Featuring high-quality gems, metals, and an incredibly wide selection of styles, this New York-based brand has stuck to their mission of providing customers the best selection for the best prices.
Their conflict-free diamonds are available for more than just wedding pieces as they offer a variety of fine jewelry designs that are perfect as a gift to others or just to yourself!
Lifetime warranties promise you consistent quality that will be cared for should anything happen. If you want additional security, then insurance is available for purchase at checkout.
Delivery & Cost:
For those interested in taking the plunge, we’ve got all the details on cost, shipping, and returns right in one spot.
When it comes to cost, this company’s pieces easily span from $100 to $5,000 depending on the clarity, cut, and style.
For those who may struggle with higher-priced items, James Allen offers financing options including a line of credit, monthly payments, and deferred interest if paid off in 6 months.
The brand offers free delivery to all locations. The only catch is international shipping duties or customs fees still have to be paid by the customer.
Aside from that, orders over $500 will be shipped priority and anything under $500 will be shipped with standard.
If your piece isn’t the design of your dreams, send it back within 30 days for a full refund. Shipping on returns is free for customers in Canada and the US, but unfortunately, other locations will have to pay their own return costs.
#3: Gabriel & Co Jewelry Brand
Focusing their efforts on weddings and accessories, the Gabriel & Co brand typically caters to women. This company was founded by the Gabriel brothers on the notion of bringing special designs to standard markets to make every moment special.
The founders understood that each piece of jewelry told a story of the moment it was received and decided they wanted to add to that history of each piece through their unique designs.
This New York-based company offers more than just a selection of wedding and engagement pieces. Their inventory has expanded to include custom bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
These one-of-a-kind pieces are categorized by metal, style, and collection so you can shop according to your style.
If you’re looking to make the ring your own rather than buying an existing piece, certain designs are indeed customizable. Gems, carats, and metals can be selected and swapped for each of these rings to help you bring your individual taste to your purchase.
Whether you’re designing your perfect piece or something for the love of your life, this company will help guide you through the paces for an affordable but striking piece that’ll last years.
Gabriel & Co is so emphatic about their mission of stunning and sentimental pieces that they offer a lifetime warranty on registered styles as well as two free cleanings at retail partners per year after purchase.
It’s easy to buy a piece and move on, but this brand wants to ensure your purchase is always taken care of.
Delivery & Cost:
When it comes to costs, Gabriel & Co is fairly reasonable. Many accessory pieces cost $200+ depending on the style, design, and gems used in the piece. Engagement rings run from $1,200 to $5,000, offering reasonable prices for an expensive industry.
When you make your purchase, you receive a certificate of authenticity per piece and one-year coverage for any damages that occur through daily wearing.
All items within the US get free delivery, with fees being attached for parcels shipped internationally. Duties and customs fees will be paid by the customer rather than the company.
In case you’re worried about returns, you can forget the stress. Returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days of purchase and must contain the RA# to be accepted.
#4: Blue Nile Jewelry Brand
When it comes to the wedding industry, Blue Nile has you covered. We’ve included this as one of the best jewelry brands for their reputation as well as unique customization options available online.
Mark Vadon, the co-founder of this Seattle-based company, set out to design a jewelry brand that offered simplicity to a typically frustrating and overwhelming time.
Choosing an engagement or wedding ring shouldn’t cause so much stress. You should be joyful at the thought of getting the perfect piece to give your loved one. Enter Blue Nile, with their Build Your Own Jewelry sections for every category.
Rather than being left to choose from existing pieces and trying to slot your loved one into the styles available, you can simply create your own piece designed with love and made specifically for whoever you choose.
In addition to their wide variety of engagement and wedding pieces, Blue Nile offers earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and a section based around birthstones with pieces for each month.
Want a diamond piece? The brand also price matches on diamonds of competing companies to save you every extra bit of money possible while planning your big day.
Delivery & Cost:
How much would you pay for ethically sourced diamond jewelry? With Blue Nile, pieces run from $150 for more standard accessories to $5,000 for some of the higher-end engagement rings.
Pricing is reasonable and if you’re struggling with the thought of spending so much, you can check out the Blue Nile Credit Card that offers financing options with reasonable payments.
Shipping is free – you’re spending enough on the ring as it is! Additional fees may come into play for customs and duties depending on the country you’re shipping to.
All packages come discreetly wrapped, but in case you get cold feet before the big day, you’re able to get a free return up to 30 days from the shipping date. Fingers crossed you don’t need it!
#5: Frost NYC Jewelry Brand
We’re well aware that weddings and engagements aren’t the only places where jewelry shines, so that brings Frost NYC to our list of best jewelry brands. This company was founded by Arthur Ilyev and Nick Kaykov in 2000 to bring top-quality jewels to people at an affordable price.
These hip-hop pieces are styled for both men and women, though more items lean towards men’s fashion.
Basing a brand solely around hip-hop styles certainly marks this company as different from the average jeweler. With everything from chains and pendants to rings and watches, Frost NYC goes big in their bold gold and diamond designs.
These styles and designs have been endorsed by a huge list of celebrities, including Cee Lo Green, Travis Scott, John Wall, and Charlamagne.
All items sold by Frost NYC come with a lifetime warranty and maintenance program to ensure your pieces will pop no matter how old they are.
Whether you’re looking for something to make a statement or you want a bit of bling to brighten your day, Frost NYC has all the bases covered and then some.
Delivery & Cost:
With cost being a key part of their mission, Frost NYC has followed through on their goal of top-quality pieces at affordable prices. Many pieces start around $300 but the bigger you go with the bling, the higher that price tag will be.
Shipping is no stressor with Frost NYC as all shipping is free. Deliveries typically arrive between 5-7 business days, but international shipping times may run a little longer.
Returns are straightforward with instructions being provided after you contact customer service through phone or email.
You’ll be walked through the steps, but keep in mind that you only have 15 days from the delivery date to get your item returned. Returned custom pieces will only receive store credit.
#6: Aurate Jewelry Brand
Leave behind the old and step into the new with the modern designs of Aurate. Founders Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui created the company based on their frustration with green fingers, high prices, dainty pieces, and old-fashioned designs.
This New York company creates durable, quality pieces that are ethically sourced and sustainably made at prices that wouldn’t make you lose your mind.
Spending your money with this company goes towards supporting environmentally friendly practices and numerous charitable causes.
Purchasing any one of their rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings aids causes geared towards education, diversity, and female empowerment.
The variety of this collection is what makes Aurate one of the best jewelry brands in our opinion. Their mix of classic and modern styles made from recycled gold and ethically sourced gemstones offer stunning pieces at a reasonable rate.
As for media coverage, this company previously partnered with actress Kerry Washington in creating the New York Kerry Washington Collection that was fawned over in Vogue, The New York Times, and Marie Claire.
Due to cutting out the middleman and dealing with clients directly, import costs are cut, making this brand worth checking out!
Delivery & Cost:
Aurate isn’t cheap by any means, but they do offer reasonable mid-range price options. The website actually offers sections dedicated to pieces up to $150, up to $250, and up to $500 in case you’re shopping on a budget.
Some pieces do go for higher prices, but Afterpay and payment plan options are available to make it a little easier on the ol’ wallet.
All US and Canadian shipments get free two-day delivery. If that’s not looking fast enough, you can pay a fee for Overnight shipping. Any other international orders are looking at shipping fees that depend on the location you order to.
Engraved pieces are yours forever as Aurate counts them as final sale. For any other pieces, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return your item.
#7: Ross-Simons Jewelry Brand
Here’s to a classic brand we can trust to provide the quality we need. Ross-Simons was founded in the 1950s and has continued to put forth the effort needed to remain strong in the jewelry game.
Established with the goal of affordable top-quality pieces, the company has remained one of the best jewelry brands on the market in terms of their inventory, designs, prices, and service.
Sidney Thomas Ross opened the Ross-Simons doors in Rhode Island, 1952, and since then the brand has continued to expand beyond his wildest dreams.
Selling a variety of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories, this primarily women’s brand now offers items for men and children as well.
After almost 70 years in business, this company offers thousands of items for purchase, an inventory far beyond the majority of other jewelry retailers.
On top of their stock, Ross-Simons offers a trade-in option to bring in old pieces for cash or credit. Why not trade in a dated piece you no longer wear for something a little more desirable?
Over 20 gemstones in addition to their diamond and pearl options are available in the breathtaking pieces offered by this brand. Looking for an older style? Check out the Byzantine collection that consisted of over 220 items.
Delivery & Cost:
Considering the quality and materials these pieces are made of, you can walk away with an absolute steal! Some of these pieces go for as low as $50 depending on the style, gems, and metals.
There are more expensive options as well, but payment plans are available to help you finance any pieces that are a bit above your pay grade.
Free shipping is available on any domestic standard shipping, but if you want to expedite the process at all it comes with an additional fee. International shipping comes at a cost that is dependent on your location.
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, just send your piece back within 30 days of receipt and you’ll get your full refund. Shipping costs may be taken from your refund, but those fees only amount to $5.
#8: Alex & Ani Jewelry Brand
Another brand coming in with the casual designs is Alex & Ani, whose Rhode Island company uses recycled materials to forge their pieces. Their simplistic designs make this brand a favorite for everyday wear.
The founder, Carolyn Rafaelian, used her family background in jewelry to establish a new brand, starting only with a small selection of rings before growing into the superior selection offered today.
One of the reasons we’re adding this company to our best jewelry brands list is the fun collections available online through their ever-expanding partnerships.
These collections include pop-culture favorites from Harry Potter, Disney, Spongebob, Friends, Star Wars, and most recently Wonder Woman. Unleash your inner fan proudly and display inside jokes and references from your chosen fandom.
Their variety of charms, anklets, bracelets, necklaces, and more give all the more reason to check out their site. Personalized charms are available upon request with a whole section of the website dedicated to “The Charm Experience” in addition to standard engraving practices.
Crafted entirely from eco-friendly fabrics and recycled materials, this company promises nickel-free products to assure you of their practices and manufacturing.
A fun feature of their designs includes an adjustable element to achieve that perfect fit while you wear it! Still not convinced by this company? A percentage of revenue gets donated annually to quite a few universities and charities.
Delivery & Cost:
Due to their use of wire and recycled materials, this brand comes out at a better cost than others on this list. Most items come up for under $100 with Afterpay available as an option for easy payments.
Shipping is offered internationally, but free shipments only go to the US and Canada (aside from Quebec). International fees can be further explored on the Alex & Ani website.
Customers have up to 30 days after delivery to send their items back for a full refund. Items must be returned unworn and undamaged for the full refund.
#9: Miansai Jewelry Brand
Explore a new handcrafted style with Miansai, a brand dedicated to discovery and beauty. Elevate your style with this brand’s boutique accessories, leather goods, jewelry, and watches.
Men and women alike have been charmed with the style and grace that these luxury pieces bring to any look.
Michael Saiger, the founder of this Miami-based business, began the whole venture in his apartment and worked his way up to the now several international locations.
Intertwining his creativity with the desire to explore new fashions, these artisan pieces speak different volumes, bringing new meanings to everyone who wears them. Pieces can be further individualized by customizing pieces for those minute personal touches that bring it all together.
Always evolving, this hands-on design process emphasizes the passion of these artisans through the detailed work on every piece. Working with metals, gems, leather goods, and more, the quality materials of these products are made to last.
To add to the atmosphere, every Miansai store offers tea and kombucha on tap for customers to make your shopping into an experience.
Quality is key when it comes to this company, and that’s what puts them on the map for our list. Whether you’re searching for men’s or women’s wear, these accessories will add a luxurious element to your appearance.
Delivery & Cost:
Due to being handmade, these pieces do run a little more expensive than others on the list. There are some simple pieces available for under $100, but many pieces do run higher.
Payment plans are available for some of the more expensive Miansai pieces to help you afford the stunner that caught your eye.
Miansai offers free shipping for orders domestic and international. If you want to expedite your shipping speed, additional fees are required for faster services. Discounts are offered for various shipping speeds depending on how much your order costs.
The brand allows you to take your time when it comes to returns. You have a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase not including monogrammed and final sale items.
#10: BaubleBar Jewelry Brand
Designed in New York, BaubleBar aims to bring fun to fashion by making the latest trends and fashions into easy accessories. Founded by two best friends, Daniella Yacobovsky and Amy Jain, this brand aims to mix and match styles to create your own design.
With a variety of products, this brand offers a wide selection of jewelry, fine jewelry, custom, and lifestyle items. Whether you’re shopping for bracelets, rings, and necklaces or you want to find a blanket that speaks to your style, this company has you covered.
They even offer collaboration collections with both Disney and the NBA. Wear your favorite characters or swap them out to support your favorite team. Either way, you’ll be bringing a new style to being a fan.
This company has partnered with multiple retailers since launching and makes it their mission to update and introduce new arrivals to their store every week.
In addition to the constantly growing inventory, BaubleBar works hard to make you see fashion as a playground. There’s no wrong move when it comes to experimenting with accessories and showing off who you are.
Play around with your fashion through affordable jewelry selections. Don’t let your style define you, but rather through BaubleBar, you define your style.
Delivery & Cost:
The reason we added BaubleBar to our list of the best jewelry brands really comes down to the amount of stock available at relatively low prices. These pieces are designed for fun and casual fashions, with most pieces listed at under $100.
On top of the low prices, constant deals and promotions are posted to help you save even more on your purchase.
Unfortunately, BaubleBar doesn’t offer free standard shipping. Free shipping is available in the US for orders over $50, but anything below that limit comes at a price. Prices for domestic and international shipping vary based on location.
When it comes to sending products back, you have 45 days from the date of purchase to receive the full refund. Just make sure your return package includes the original invoice and packaging.
#11: Vrai and Oro Jewelry Brand
We’re wrapping up our list of the best jewelry brands with a well-loved company that’s thrived in the world of celebrities.
Vrai and Oro launched in Los Angeles after founders and friends Vanessa Stofenmacher and Chelsea Nicholson found a gap in the market regarding fine jewelry at reasonable costs.
Favored for their simple sleek styles and their eco-centric approach to production, this brand has been one to watch since they set up shop in 2014.
The mission at launch was more than just affordable pieces with modern looks. This duo wanted to provide ethical and sustainable manufacturing for all of their pieces.
Their practices avoid all mining of gems and avoid creating a carbon footprint, gaining support from eco-friendly companies, brands, and even Leonardo DiCaprio. That’s pretty much the seal of approval right there!
When it comes to inventory, Vrai and Oro cover not only styles, but events categorizing by wedding, birthdays, graduation, bridesmaids, anniversary, and new parents.
Each collection offers pieces to suit the occasion with a range of prices to match the gems, metals, and styles available.
All items are handcrafted and this brand sticks with keeping honesty at their core, the name Vrai even translating to true in French.
Delivery & Cost:
Luxury jewelry will always come at a cost, but Vrai and Oro manage to make it slightly more reasonable than some.
Due to their gems being lab-grown rather than mined, these elegant pieces come at a much more affordable price with pieces typically in the $1k to $3k range rather than the more standard $5k to $9k.
Klarna partnered with Vrai and Oro to make payments more manageable and break it down into a plan you can easily get on board with.
Shipping does come at a cost depending on where you live. All orders over $500 require a signature upon delivery, so make sure you plan for that when ordering. Also, keep patience in mind as deliveries can take a few weeks due to pieces being handcrafted just for you.
Customers are given 30 days from purchase to return the products for a full refund. Engraved items are eligible for a refund within this time frame but the personalization fee won’t be returned.
How To Clean Your Jewelry At Home
Once you’ve made the investment, it’s best to keep your pieces clean and maintained to make them last. It’s easy enough to take your pieces into a local jeweler and have them cleaned, but those costs can add up. So, what are the best at-home methods?
Prevention is always the first step to consider. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to prevent any tarnishing:
- Separate pieces by metal
- Ensure your pieces aren’t touching
- Make sure you’re storing pieces in a dark and dry environment
- Dry pieces thoroughly if water or liquid has touched them
When it comes to cleaning, there are a few simple steps to take that will work for most fine gold or silver jewelry:
- Get a basin of lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the piece(s)
- Rub away remaining marks with a soft cloth
- Thoroughly dry the piece after washing
- Use a polishing cloth to remove any additional tarnish
Avoid using hot water as steaming jewels and gems can be risky. Pearls especially need to avoid hot baths and should instead be cared for with a simple lint-free microfiber cloth.
These towels are safe and easy to use when caring for any tarnished jewelry and if you’re not sure if you want to risk exposing your accessories to water, simply polishing with these cloths can make a huge difference.
What Type Of Jewelry Lasts The Longest?
If you’re aiming for jewelry that lasts, some types of metals are made to outstand others. The strongest and more durable types of metal used in jewelry are:
- Tungsten
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
These metals are naturally scratch-resistant and won’t tarnish or rust like other susceptible metals.
If you’re looking for more traditional options, stick to solid gold. Anything with plating, vermeil, filling, or base contains a mixture of other metals that will lead to tarnishing and rust forming on the rings. It’s safe to go with simple, and what’s more simple than solid metal?
Tarnishing occurs when metals mixed with gold oxidize. This can happen when the pieces are exposed to sweat, humidity, air, makeup, and other chemicals you come into contact with.
When gold is left on its own, the metal doesn’t tarnish, making it an easy choice for standard wedding rings.
Why is this so important to know? With solid metals like gold and silver, the higher the karat, the more malleable the material. With rings 18k and up, you’re likely to get some warping on the piece over time if not properly cared for.
With that being said, anything above 10k is less likely to rust or tarnish. All it takes is some simple care to avoid warping and you’ll be set for years.
The strongest metal for any buyer is Tungsten, but if you don’t want to go off-book in your jewelry, solid gold pieces are always a smart buy.
What Kind Of Jewelry Is Most Popular?
We turned to the internet to figure out just what was most popular when it came to jewelry. Through a study of more than 3,700 women via Diamond Nexus, we were able to bring you some fascinating stats regarding your favorite styles.
According to this 2017 study, earrings ring in as the most popular type of jewelry for women to wear. Over 87% of women claimed they wear earrings regularly with studs listed as the most popular style.
Hoop and drop earrings came in close second and third with 38% answering the former and 37% for the latter.
It should be noted that wedding rings were not included in this study and fashion statement rings were offered as the only ring option. These came in with 53% of women regularly wearing them, putting them between necklaces at 64% and bracelets at 47%.
Aside from the Diamond Nexus study, not many other studies have examined the popularity of jewelry types. Many surveys focus on brands and styles with lists constantly updating depending on the demographic surveyed.
How To Choose From The Best Jewelry Brands
We’ve come a long way. We’ve thrown a lot of information your way in a short amount of time. What does it all mean? How do you begin to choose?
The first step is always deciding what you’re looking for. Are you shopping for yourself or someone else? Is there an event like an anniversary, engagement, or wedding that you’re looking to buy for?
These are key questions to keep in mind when looking for your brand. Some brands are built more around wedding and engagement pieces while others focus on casual and everyday wear.
As a result, materials, metals, and gems can greatly differ between brands as wedding-based companies tend to focus more on diamonds, golds, and silvers.
From there you need to figure out how important ethical sourcing is to you before purchase. Some companies are very open about their sourcing and carbon footprint while others prefer to remain vague regarding their practices.
Budget is a key consideration and while some places are more expensive, keep in mind that some bigger brands offer payment plans.
Make sure you check out the offered warranty for their products as well as if any offers of maintenance or resizing are included. Sometimes it’s worth spending more if you’re getting a longer guarantee.
Finally, make sure you check out brand reviews before buying. Reviews are available for every company with comments on quality, customer service, delivery, and pricing all available.
Looking into verified purchases will give you an idea as to what brand will offer you the best quality and service for your money.
Take your time with it and don’t rush the decision. You’ll be far more satisfied if you put in the effort to find a brand that will work with and for you when investing in your newest purchase.
How We Chose the Best Jewelry Brands
Before choosing any brand, we scour the web and all the biggest e-tailers to ensure we know all the available options on the market.
We look at customer reviews, star ratings, brand ethos, processes, materials, accessibility, and so much more. We weigh the pros and cons, so you don’t have to, helping you make informed shopping decisions.
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