Table of Contents
About Aurate
Aurate makes modern luxury jewelry born, raised, and handmade in NYC. Ultimately, the brand is able to cut out the middlemen and not have to charge import taxes, resulting in more affordably priced, fine jewelry.
In the Aurate vs. Mejuri debate, the brand’s pricing is definitely something that makes them even more eye-catching. Their pieces are ethically sourced and sustainably made, featuring 14k gold, 18k gold, and 14k gold-plated vermeil.
Aurate New York is featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, and Marie Claire. They joined forces with actress Kerry Washington, who partnered with the brand and launched her own collection. The Aurate New York Kerry Washington collection can be found by searching ‘KERRY’ on AurateNewYork.com.
This Aurate jewelry review will inspect the fine details about the brand, provide an overview of their bestselling pieces, and more, to help you decide if Aurate jewelry is right for you.
Overview of Aurate
Aurate founders, Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Essahraoui, created the brand in 2015 after discovering the lack of contemporary, fine jewelry options on the market. Sophie’s background in fashion, and Bouchra’s experience in finance, aided the two friends in developing their now successful business.
Aurate believes in the importance of “paying it forward”, a concept that propels them to “donate thousands of books to support and empower the developing literacy and imagination of children in need across US schools.”
In terms of the brand’s clarity (and we don’t just mean their diamonds), they’re transparent on where their materials come from. Not only that, but they actually began the company by using only 100% recycled gold. Aurate then took that practice and applied it to their diamonds and precious gems.
Using materials like sustainably farmed and sensitively harvested pearls from family-run farms, Aurate considers themselves a jewelry company with strong ethics.
This Aurate jewelry review will highlight some of the pros and cons of the brand.
Pros
- Variety of modern & classic jewelry designs
- Ethically sourced & sustainably made
- More affordable than competitors
- Installment payment options available through Affirm
- Uses recycled gold & precious gems
- Donates books to US schools in need through the Mastery Charter
Cons
- Some customers report long shipping times and issues contacting customer service
Classic and minimal jewelry adds an added flair to everyday looks or elevates your workday outfit. Aurate designs classic and modern pieces from vermeil, 14k, or 18k gold in Yellow, Rose, and White Gold.
To help you find pieces that accentuate your personal style, we provide a close-up look at Aurate’s best selling items, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Aurate Rings Review
Classic sophistication meets modern flair with Aurate Rings. Whether you are in the market for everyday pieces, or the next big ring to match your special occasion ensemble, Aurate has carefully crafted their rings with 14k Gold Plated Vermeil, 14k Gold, and 18k Gold.
This Aurate jewelry review showcases two of their most coveted ring designs, which emphasize the brand’s attention to detail, simplistic style, and timeless beauty.
Aurate Infinity Ring Review
The Aurate Infinity Ring is a power piece that makes a statement on your finger. It has ridges cut vertically every 2mm along its circumference, which makes it catch the light, and become even more attractive to look at.
This Aurate jewelry review can’t help but throw in a Lord of the Rings reference here: don’t be surprised if your friends and family want to steal this eye-catching piece and start calling it my precious.
The Infinity Ring from Aurate is available in several versions and price points:
- 14k Gold-Plated Vermeil: $125 or 3 interest-free Affirm installments of $40
- 14k Gold: $950 or 3 installments of $317
- 18k Gold: $1400 or starting at $88 monthly payments
Aurate Stackable Ring Review
The Aurate Stackable Ring is elegant and simple. It’s thin, light, and barely-there, but adds a little bit of glamour to your finger.
This ring was made to be stacked, so layering it on top of a thicker ring, like the Infinity Ring, provides an edgy and modern look. You may like to wear the Stackable Ring above the knuckle, for an even more eccentric vibe.
This delicate ring is designed for layering, with options in 14k Gold and 18k Gold. The Stackable Ring is available for $75/3 installments of $25 (14K Gold), and $110/3 payments of $37 (18K Gold).
Aurate Necklaces Review
The right necklace can take your everyday look for work, for home, or for special occasions from ordinary to luxury. Aurate‘s aim to create understated pieces with just enough glamour could not be more showing in their unique necklace designs.
These stunning Aurate necklaces feature 14k or 18k Gold, focused on elegance, modesty, and beauty.
Aurate Diamond Pendant Necklace Review
Diamonds are truly timeless, and a simple diamond necklace will never go out of style. The Aurate Diamond Pendant Necklace is delicate, sparkly, and elegant, working as an understated solo piece or as part of a layering set.
Customers who bought this necklace say that they never take it off, which is something that speaks of quality and beauty. This necklace has a brilliant-cut diamond that hangs from a gold chain.
The necklace is secured by a spring-ring clasp with two jump rings so that you can adjust the length from 15 to 18 inches. The Diamond Pendant Necklace comes in 14k Gold and 18K Gold, with just the right amount of sparkle.
This Aurate necklace comes in 14k Gold for $450/3 payments of $150, and 18k Gold for $650/3 installments of $217.
Aurate Gold Bar Necklace Review
A gold bar necklace is something seen constantly on the most chic, effortlessly-cool woman. It radiates boldness, with a hint of bad-girl. The Aurate Gold Bar Necklace works wonders on its own to spice up an all black outfit, or can also be a part of a layering set.
The necklace has a slim, shiny gold bar that hangs from an adjustable gold chain (15-18 inches). The chain is secured by a spring-ring clasp with two jump rings for switching up the length.
The engravable Bar Necklace comes in 14k Gold for $350/3 payments of $117 and in 18k Gold for $550/3 installments of $184.
Aurate Herringbone Chain Necklace Review
The Gold Herringbone Chain Necklace is slinky and brings to mind ‘70s fashion. It would look great paired with an equally slinky slip dress, but this Aurate jewelry review thinks that it makes a great everyday staple necklace as well.
The 18-inch chain connects through angled, crossed links, which brings a little more attention to your beautiful neck by creating extra sparkle. The chain is secured by a lobster clasp and a jump for extra protection.
This Aurate jewelry review notes that you should try not to bend the chain, keeping it flat when you don’t wear it. This piece features vermeil and comes in either 4mm or 5mm widths. Get this stunner for $280/3 $94 payments.
Aurate Earrings Review
Jewelry highlights your self-expression will never go out of style. Though subtle, Aurate curated a collection of 14k Gold Vermeil, 14k Gold, and 18k Gold earrings with the wearer in mind.
In the funky zodiac and classic hoop earrings coming up, it’s clear that Aurate designed this collection with the same vision as many of their other pieces: with minimalism, beauty, and personality in mind.
Aurate Zodiac Stud Earrings Review
The Aurate Zodiac Stud Earrings make your jewelry even more personal. Let the world know who you are. These small earrings lay flat to your ear, which works great for those who have more than one hole and like to layer earrings.
These would look so good paired with an ear cuff for a youthful and rebellious look. Naturaly, the astrological necklace comes in 12 styles for each zodiac sign, available in vermeil or 14k Gold.
Certain single Zodiac Stud Earrings are on sale from their original price of $35:
- Cancer style in Rose: $18
- Virgo style in Rose: $25
- Scorpio style in Rose: $18
- Capricorn style in Rose: $18
- Gemini style in White: $21
- Aquarius in White: $21
A set of Zodiac Stud Earrings in 14k Gold-Plated Vermeil is $70/3 installments of $24 and the 14k Gold set is $180/3 payments of $60.
Aurate Hoop Earrings Review
Who doesn’t love a solid pair of gold hoops? These Aurate Hoop Earrings are small enough to be taken seriously, but big enough to make a statement. This Aurate jewelry review loves these hoops for layering with other hoops and studs.
If you only have one piercing hole, and want to add another, head to one of their shops in NY for Aurate piercings. Simple and shiny, the brand points out that these hoops are just thick enough to let passersby know they’re made from quality, pure gold.
Customers have several options for the Aurate Hoop Earrings, which also qualify for installment payments
- Single 14k Gold Hoop: $605
- Single 18k Gold Hoop: $850
- 14k Gold Hoops: $1200
- 18k Gold Hoops: $1700
Aurate Bracelets Review
Aurate bracelets add subtle charm to different outfits and are best worn when accompanied by a watch or a few rings. The popular bracelets featured in this Aurate jewelry review are some ultra-chic arm candy.
These 14k Gold Plated Vermeil, 14k Gold, and 18k Gold pieces could be your best fit for a beautiful new bracelet.
Aurate Diamond Bezel Bracelet Review
A perfectly dainty piece highlighted by a brilliant-cut diamond. The eye-catching Diamond Bezel Bracelet adds elegance and class to nearly every outfit. It emanates classic, sophisticated style, featuring a bezel-set diamond, sections of fine chain, and a lobster clasp.
sections of fine chain, secured with a lobster clasp, and has two jump rings for adjustable sizing.
This Aurate bracelet also has two jump rings for adjustable sizing from 6 to 6.5 inches. The 0.07 carat diamond has premium SI Clarity that dazzles.
The Diamond Bezel Bracelet comes in 14k Gold for $250/3 installments of $84 and 18k Gold for $360/3 payments of $120.
Aurate x Kerry: Lioness Pendant Bracelet Review
The Aurate Lioness Pendant Bracelet is part of a collaboration with Kerry Washington, and serves as a “daily 100% sustainable reminder to #RoarTogether”. The bracelet shouts out to women, to stand together, and to see the power of uniting.
The Aurate Lioness Pendant Bracelet features the head of Sekhmet (she who is powerful) and is cast in 100% recycled gold. The chain has two different sides to it; Aurate’s large chain and curb chain, creating a unique and powerful look.
The chains are joined together by a link-lock carabiner, and secured by a lobster clasp. The bracelet’s chain is 6.5 inches in length and on the heavier side (8.1g).
We’re thinking this piece is as fierce as Olivia Pope herself. The Lioness Pendant Bracelet is available in 14k Gold-plated vermeil for $430/4 installments of $144.
Aurate Jewelry Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Many reviews on the brand’s official website have glowing feedback comments on product quality and design. The brand has an impressive 4.8/5 stars out of 517 reviews posted on their website. With the exception of two customers, all buyers rated Aurate as 4 or 5 stars.
On Aurate‘s website, many customers say they absolutely love their jewelry, like these reviewers:
“This is my favorite ring… The pictures online of the Mini Infinity Ring don’t do it justice. It’s just the right width and beautiful gold shine even though it’s vermeil.” one Aurate jewelry review reads.
This Aurate customer echoes similar feedback: “Amazing quality and looks incredible on. My new favorite necklace and jewelry brand.“
“I was so pleased with the quality of everything — the jewelry itself, the care taken with the packaging, the beautiful jewelry bag, the supportive customer service,” says another Aurate review.
The Aurate New York Facebook page is also booming with over 500 reviews and 5/5 stars. Both here and on the brand website, buyers report speedy shipping and great customer service.
But with the good comes the bad. Aurate has an F rating on the Better Business Bureau, and 1.5/5 stars from customers. The 9 complaints on the BBB write of a difficult and lengthy return process, poor customer service, or mediocre quality.
One unhappy customer wrote, “I called the number on the invoice and all I got was a voicemail… I never got a response. [I sent] a message through their website. I did this several times with no response back”
There are only a handful of reviews on Trustpilot, and many of them are poor and share similar sentiments: “I have written to the company…but nothing happens,” reads one. “Aurate is a second rate company with poor quality and customer service.”
Is Aurate Jewelry Worth It?
There are many customers who love their Aurate jewelry. We could only find 12 complaints about the quality and customer service between Trustpilot and the BBB, compared to 1000+ positive ratings between their website and Facebook page.
This Aurate jewelry review is inclined to think like the masses. We also love the strong ethics and sustainable vision that motivates Aurate. If you’re still a bit unsure about the brand, they have a reasonable return policy and their lifetime warranty for all jewelry.
It seems that the significant attention Aurate has garnered from celebrities and the media is well earned. For high-quality, responsible jewelry at affordable prices, Aurate jewelry review believes they are worth the buy.
Aurate Jewelry Promotions & Discounts
Get 10% off your first order by signing up for the newsletter on Aurate’s website. From there, the brand will let you know if there’s an Aurate jewelry discount code available, or they may send you an Aurate New York coupon.
If you’re patient, wait for November of 2021 for Aurate New York Black Friday deals.
Where to Buy Aurate Jewelry
You can shop the collection on AurateNewYork.com, or visit one of their retail stores located in Soho, the Upper East Side, and Williamsburg, New York.
FAQ
What is Aurate’s Shipping Policy?
Aurate shipping is available throughout the US and internationally. Note that Aurate does not ship to P.O boxes. From the time of your purchase, orders take 1-2 business days to process. Refer to these key points for domestic orders:
- Aurate offers free 2-Day Express Shipping
- Overnight shipping is available as well, but at a cost calculated at checkout
- US orders take approximately 3-5 business days
If you’re looking to place an international order, keep in mind that delivery times vary depending on destination and will be approximated at checkout. The company also offers free shipping to Canada.
This Aurate jewelry review notes that in-stock orders take 5-7 business days in total to arrive, but out-of-stock items and made-to-order pieces ship within 20 business days.
When domestic and international orders ship, Aurate sends a confirmation email with tracking details.
What is Aurate’s Return Policy?
Made-to-order pieces are all eligible for Aurate New York returns with a full refund, though engraved pieces are final sale. You can return your pieces within 30 days of purchase by following these steps:
- Head to their Return Portal
- Enter your Order number & Shipping Zip code
- Press ‘Start a Return’
- Pick the pieces from your order than you would like to return
- Aurate will send you a free shipping return label and instructions on what to do next
This Aurate jewelry review found that returns may take up to 30-45 business days to be processed once received.
International orders qualify for returns, but not an Aurate exchange. International returns do not qualify for free return shipping labels, and the cost will be deducted from your refund amount, which is between $15-$35.
All of the brand’s jewelry comes with the Aurate lifetime warranty, which is valid if your item becomes damaged, tarnished, or needs repair. Simply email [email protected] for any other questions regarding returns.
How to Contact Aurate
If you have more questions after this Aurate jewelry review: reach out to Aurate New York customer service between 10 am and 6 pm on a weekday through:
- Email: [email protected].
- Aurate New York phone number is 888-616-2872
- Aurate New York careers inquiries: [email protected]
Explore your options for everyday jewelry and statement pieces with these top jewelry designers:
I know we are just barely emerging from Covid, and I understand small businesses like Aurate have their pressures. However, their stated return policy is 15-20 business days for a refund. 27 business days later, I still didn’t have mine, even after reaching out via email. I cannot wait another 1-27 days for a $2300 refund on my credit card bill. If the company is making a profit, they can afford staff who can process refunds prior to 27 business days. Additionally, I posted a negative one-star review on their site, but they did not post it. The reviews on their site are rigged–5 stars and a few select 4 starts only. Stay away, unless you’re prepared to accept what you order.
They messed up on my engraving too and blamed me for it!! I had to argue with them for months before they offered a credit return. They had the gals to charge me a fee for the return, and it took another 2 months to give me my credit!! And that was only after I emailed them again multiple times. Terrible customer service!!