The best jewelry brands make personal, unique pieces worthy of the top spot in your jewelry box, now and for years to come. Even though there’s no shortage of jewelry brands to shop from, deciphering which ones offer truly well-made gems and a great shopping experience online isn’t an easy task. Whether you’re looking for classic diamond earrings or something fun and affordable to give as a gift, we did the research on the top jewelry brands out there. A good place to start: Mejuri, which is our pick for the best jewelry brand overall.

Other highlights include BaubleBar, which specializes in personalized pieces (especially initial charms), and Stone And Strand, where you’ll find stunning everyday necklaces, rings and bracelets that feature sustainable materials and modern-cool designs. For special occasions that call for fine jewelry—think anniversaries, graduations—your best bet is Brilliant Earth, and for engagement rings and all things wedding-related, we recommend Blue Nile. Ahead, all the best jewelry brands to make you shine.

• Best Jewelry Brand Overall: Mejuri
• Best Fine Jewelry Brand: Brilliant Earth
• Best Jewelry Brand For Engagement Rings: Blue Nile
• Best Affordable Jewelry Brand: Quince
• Best Jewelry Brand For Personalized Items: BaubleBar
• Best Jewelry Brand For Lab-Grown Diamonds: Vrai
• Best Jewelry Brand For Trendy Pieces: Jenny Bird
• Best Jewelry Brand For Cool Classics: Stone And Strand
• Best Jewelry Brand For Bold Pieces: Cult Gaia
• Best Birthstone Jewelry Brand: Brook And York
• Best Jewelry Brand For Gifting: Gorjana
• Best Jewelry Brand For Men: Miansai
• Best Jewelry Brand For Teenagers: Girls Crew

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written a wide catalog of jewelry stories that make it easy to select the right piece for any occasion; we’ve penned shopping guides on everything from wedding bands to bracelets for men. The publishing of this piece was overseen by senior fashion editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion. Molvar also lent her expertise to the co-authors of this story by sharing her go-to jewelry brands.

This article is regularly updated to ensure that our picks are still the best of the best. In December 2023, fashion writer Claire Epting added Quince as the best affordable jewelry brand and renamed BaubleBar as our top pick for personalized pieces.

How We Chose The Best Jewelry Brands

When making selections for this list, we first took into account recommendations from Molvar, who has bought pieces from both Mejuri and Girls Crew. Then, we extensively researched top jewelry brands, considering factors such as price range, shipping fees and return policies. To accommodate different budgets (and tastes), we included retailers that offer high-end, specialty pieces as well as ones that carry affordable, casual options. We also made sure to include an option for those hunting for the perfect engagement ring: Blue Nile.

What To Consider About The Best Jewelry Brands

Whether you’re picking out your next bespoke piece or searching for the perfect gift, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping at an online jewelry store.

Materials

A good jewelry brand offers pieces made from a wide selection of materials to suit your needs and budget. The highest quality jewelry is typically crafted from solid metals such as platinum, silver and gold, and while these pieces come at a premium price, they last a lifetime and won’t irritate sensitive skin. Meanwhile, less expensive pieces tend to be made of gold plated sterling silver or brass, so they’re more prone to tarnishing over time. Gemstones, too, fall on a spectrum of quality. Diamonds, while pricey, hold their value over time, while more affordable cubic zirconia is more prone to scratches with frequent use.

Regardless of your jewelry’s materials, regular maintenance is key to keeping your pieces looking their best. We recommend gently washing them with a jewelry cleaner, then polishing them with a microfiber cloth.

Versatility

If you’re the kind of person who wears jewelry frequently, invest in pieces that can be mixed and matched with the majority of your wardrobe and layered with other jewelry (think pendant chain necklaces, eternity rings and so on). On the other hand, if you’re looking for a statement piece for an event, such as a wedding, look for versatile pieces like bold earrings or a chunky choker that stands out. Mejuri and Quince are great brands for everyday pieces, while Jenny Bird and Cult Gaia offer trendy, modern designs.

Return Policy

While you or your recipient will hopefully love the pieces you picked, sometimes your jewelry purchase just doesn’t work out. The best jewelry brands accept returns in case you change your mind, and many retailers, including Blue Nile, waive return shipping fees. The return window varies from brand to brand, with Quince offering the most flexibility by far with free returns for 365 days after the purchase date.

More Jewelry Stories To Shop:

• Best Places To Buy Diamonds
• Best Lab-Created Diamonds
• Best Places To Buy Engagement Rings
• Best Earrings For Sensitive Ears
• Best Zodiac Jewelry
• Best Travel Jewelry Cases