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We humans have been adorning ourselves from the beginning of time, fashioning jewelry out of pretty much anything we could get our hands on: From beach shells and gemstones to precious metals, wood, bones, and whatever in our worlds inspired us.
Jewelry is an expression of individual style, but also a meaningful gesture—just think of promise rings and engagement rings. And unlike clothing, which usually has a shelf life, jewelry can last for decades or centuries, making it the perfect heirloom to pass on.
So whether you’re in the market for work, weekend, wedding, or permanent jewelry, we rounded up our favorite jewelry brands to fulfill all of your jewelry needs, wants, and whims.
Our top picks for the best jewelry brands
Best affordable jewelry brand: Jenny Bird
Counting Hailey Beiber, Eva Longoria, and Michelle Obama as fans, this LA-based Canadian designer is one of the best online jewelry stores known for her super trendy and pretty yet affordable pieces like the brands ‘90-inspired Mega U-Link Earrings ($160) and Nouveaux Puff Earrings ($160), the last of which were recently worn by Selena Gomez and have sold out four times.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free 5-day ground shipping for orders over $100
- Return policy: Refunds are accepted within 14 days in “unworn condition” and accompanied by “the original sale confirmation.”
- Price range: Products start at $40 for a pendant and up to $440 for a 14k gold bubble letter necklace
Jenny Bird
Counting Hailey Beiber, Eva Longoria, and Michelle Obama as fans, this LA-based Canadian designer is one of the best online jewelry stores known for her super trendy and pretty yet affordable pieces
Best trendy jewelry brand: Zoe Lev
The female-founded company launched in 2011 in Los Angeles and is known for its quality, everyday pieces, and sustainable practices. 98% of their pieces are made with recycled 14k gold, and many are made to order to limit waste. We especially like that all Zoe Lev jewelry is hypoallergenic. We love this Spinner Compass Medallion Necklace ($950). And this elegant, everyday bead bracelet stack ($230) was recently spotted on Reese Witherspoon on the streets of New York City.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free shipping is not included with purchase. Price varies by location and delivery time chosen.
- Return policy: Returns are accepted within 10 days of delivery and exclusions apply
- Price range: $65 to $6,200 for a tennis necklace
Zoe Lev
The female-founded company launched in 2011 in Los Angeles and is known for its quality, everyday pieces, and sustainable practices
Best jewelry brand for lab-grown diamonds: Jean Jousset
Founded by the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier, the eponymous line has forged its own path and is now known for its cutting-edge lab-grown diamonds. Using the tagline “One of a kind, never mined,” Dousset uses only the top 1% of lab-grown diamonds to create their custom jewelry and wedding rings. Because lab-grown diamonds are grown in a lab, not the earth, they are more affordable (because they are less rare) and also are “conflict-free” because they are not mined. While Jean Dousset is known for the best engagement rings, which have been worn by Paris Hilton, Maria Menounos, and Amy Adams, his collection is varied, and the Gwen Lab Diamond Drop Earrings ($7,200) and Dousset Monogram Band ($2,800) are both on our wish lists.
Good to know:
- Shipping: They offer free domestic shipping that is secured and insured
- Return policy: 14-day return policy refunded to original form of payment
- Price range: $1100 to $32,200
Jean Jousset
Founded by the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier, the eponymous line has forged its own path and is now known for its cutting-edge lab-grown diamonds
Best jewelry brand for engagement rings: Frank Darling
Frank Darling kinda had us at hello. They’re straight-talking attitude cuts through the confusion buying diamonds can bring. They personally vet millions of diamonds to bring you the best, both conflict-free and lab-grown diamonds. Then they work with you to create your own custom engagement ring, sending you replicas to your home to try on IRL for fit and feel. I’m tempted to get remarried to try them out! But we’ll leave the fun for you. They have a great variety of rings and prices, like Skinny Deco Eternity ($2450) and The Capellini Pasta Wedding Ring, which we like in rose gold, available for $600.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free domestic shipping. Next-day air shipping is included with all engagement ring purchases over $1,000. Purchases under $1,000 ship via 2-day air. Shipping is discreet and insured
- Return policy: Free 30-day returns for all collection styles for an exchange or a full refund
- Price range: $350 to thousands for custom orders
Frank Darling
Frank Darling kinda had us at hello. They’re straight-talking attitude cuts through the confusion buying diamonds can bring
Best men's jewelry brand: Minsa
Owner Michael Seiger founded this line back when he was an undergrad at the University of Miami when he yearned for cool but understated men's jewelry—so he started making it himself. His brand now employs over 30 artisans and has broadened its line to include children and women, the latter of which is now overseen by his wife. The handsome pieces are handmade in Miami and beloved by celebs like Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, and Regina King. We love this Cactus Onyx Chain Bracelet ($185) and Oxen Ring ($155).
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free shipping via USPS on orders of $75 or more. For orders under $75, there is a flat rate of $7.50
- Return policy: MIANSAI honors exchanges and returns for the majority of orders within 30 days of the purchase date
- Price range: $65 to $1350
Minsa
Owner Michael Seiger founded this line back when he was an undergrad at the University of Miami when he yearned for cool but understated men's jewelry—so he started making it himself
Best jewelry brand for teenagers: BaubleBar
Worn by celebs like Lizzo, Meghan Markle, and Drew Barrymore, this uber-affordable jewelry brand is great for kids and teens, too! Founded in 2011 with the “dream of bringing joy to everyday,” the brand has a playful aesthetic featuring Disney jewelry and adorable holiday-themed pieces like clip-on candy corn earrings ($15 for the set) for the littles, as well as more mature yet whimsical pieces like Metallic Custom Woven Friendship Bracelets for the too-cool-for-school teens and tweens.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free Standard shipping on all US orders at and above $75
- Return policy: Full refund within 30 days of purchase
- Price range: $10 to $350
BaubleBar
Founded in 2011 with the “dream of bringing joy to everyday,” the brand has a playful aesthetic featuring Disney jewelry and adorable holiday-themed pieces
Best vintage jewelry brands: Open for Vintage
Founded in London, this global vintage marketplace carries clothing, handbags, accessories, and exquisite vintage jewelry. Specializing in designer brands like Hermes, Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and more, we found a pair of Chanel Gold Lion Motif Earrings ($833) to put on our holiday list as well as a ravishing pair of Harry Winston Lily Cluster Wire Diamond Ladies K18 Yellow Gold Earrings ($7,791), which would be divine as bridal wear. Tip: When buying vintage, taking care of your pieces is even more crucial. Start with this guide to how to clean your jewelry.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free worldwide shipping, but customs duties and import taxes may apply
- Return policy: Full refunds within 14 days of receipt
- Price range: $167 to $119,392 for a 1970’s 4-plus carat diamond ring
Open for Vintage
Founded in London, this global vintage marketplace carries clothing, handbags, accessories, and exquisite vintage jewelry
Best indie jewelry brands: Wolf and Badger
Founded in 2010, with stores in London, NYC, and Los Angeles, Wolf and Badger is home to more than 2,000 indie brands from around the world featuring fashion, beauty, and accessories for women and men. Committed to showcasing small artisans with a purpose, Wolf and Badger is a certified B Corporation because of their commitment to sustainability and ethical production. We fell in love with this Choker Two Hummingbirds ($472) and Double Blue Falling Rocks Earrings ($131).
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free for orders over $200 to the U.S., with duties and taxes included
- Returns: Full returns available within 14 days of receipt
- Price: $15 to thousands of dollars
Wolf and Badger
Committed to showcasing small artisans with a purpose, Wolf and Badger is a certified B Corporation because of their commitment to sustainability and ethical production
Best jewelry brand for hoops: World of Sis
Founded in 2011 by Simone I. Smith (wife of LL Cool J), Simone started her collection after receiving a cancer diagnosis as a way to find strength and hope. She now partners with the American Cancer Society—donating a portion of proceeds to fight cancer—and has grown the brand to include men’s jewelry, a hat line, and a “Sister Love” collab with legendary singer Mary J. Blige that symbolizes style, sassiness, and support. Simone is known for her stunning collection of hoops, bangles, nameplate necklaces, and more, including these head-turning Sister Love Vibration Hoops ($429.99) and Sister Love Your Highness Hoops.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Offers standard (5-7 day), two-day, and overnight shipping
- Returns: Returns and exchanges available within 30 days of receipt
- Price: $59.99 to $399.99
World of Sis
Founded in 2011 by Simone I. Smith (wife of LL Cool J), Simone started her collection after receiving a cancer diagnosis as a way to find strength and hope
Best jewelry brand for women: Jennifer Zeuner
This Latina-owned line is a celeb fave with fans like Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Rita Ora, to name a few. Known for her delicate and flattering designs, all the jewelry in this Florida-based company is made here in the USA. We are fans of her layering and lariat necklaces and hoops galore, including her Beatrix Choker ($308) and Perla 1” Earrings.
Good to know:
- Shipping: Free ground shipping, $25 for two-day shipping, and $40 for overnight.
- Returns: You can return your collection piece within 14 days for a full refund minus a return shipping fee.
- Price: $45 for a layered star necklace to about $2,800 for fine jewelry
Jennifer Zeuner
Known for her delicate and flattering designs, all the jewelry in this Florida-based company is made here in the USA
What to consider when shopping for jewelry
What features will impact your budget the most?
Craftsmanship, details, and materials will make the biggest dent in your budget. Something that is mass produced will cost much less than an item handcrafted in a studio by an artisan. In addition, intricate details like etching, beading, engraving, and design will up the price because of the time and artistry. And, of course, materials will factor in: Real gemstones versus replicas and gold versus gold plating will all increase the cost of your piece.
Where will you wear this item, and how often?
Cost per use is always a factor. It’s worth investing in real diamond studs if you’ll wear them every day. But while fun statement pieces will turn looks, you may not get as much wear out of them. You can expect to spend on special events or once-in-a-lifetime pieces, like a quinceanera or wedding, where the jewelry will be a meaningful part of the occasion. But for everyday wear, you can supplement investment pieces (like a luxury watch) with of-the-moment items that are easier on the wallet—and can help extend the shelf-life of your pricier pieces.
Is this for you or someone else?
Good question! Jewelry is a beautiful but hard gift to give, so be sure to be familiar with the recipient's style—and always check the return policy.
How we chose the best jewelry brands
We polled friends and fellow editors, looked up reviews, and scoured through jewelry brands far and wide to bring you the best in variety, budget, artisanal scope, brand names, cutting-edge design, and ethical and sustainable practices, as well as founders with vision and creativity
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.