Finding the perfect jewelry piece, be it a ring, necklace, or earrings, becomes effortlessly simpler when you are directed to the right places. The Best Online Jewelry Stores excel by offering inspiration through their high-caliber designs, exquisite and ethically sourced materials, and outstanding customer service. After extensive research across numerous options, we’ve determined that Mejuri stands out as our top choice, thanks to its exceptional attention to detail, ethical practices, and breathtaking designs. For those seeking chic and budget-friendly styles, Quince is an excellent destination, providing everyday pieces at reasonable prices.
We have compiled a list of the best online jewelry stores that cater to both everyday wear and special occasions.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Jewelry represents a significant investment, emphasizing the need to shop with assurance. To guarantee the superior quality of all our selections, we consulted fashion and lifestyle expert Molly Calhoun to evaluate retailers and specific designs. From engagement rings to jewelry gifts, these brands present a wide array of choices to accommodate every taste and price preference. Below, explore our curated list of the 11 best online jewelry stores available now, accompanied by a valuable buying guide to streamline your shopping experience.
Best Online Jewelry Store Overall
Sophisticated Pieces Designed for Daily Elegance
Mejuri
Mejuri Pave Diamond U Hoops
Mejuri Pave Diamond U Hoops featuring responsibly sourced diamonds
Price range: $35 to $4,400 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Two-year warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship
Based in Toronto, Mejuri offers exquisite personal jewelry at accessible prices with a minimalist aesthetic. This combination secures its position at the top of our list and within our compilation of the best jewelry brands. Mejuri’s creative process begins with its in-house design team, who conceptualize novel shapes and styles. They then collaborate with independent designers to realize these visions using a variety of materials, including precious metals (with 80% recycled gold), enamel, and ceramic. The brand’s Pavé Diamond Hoops stand as a bestseller, distinguished by their unique square shape and ethically sourced diamonds, meticulously set in solid 14k gold.
Expert Insight: “Mejuri’s creations are timeless yet contemporary, embracing trends with sophistication,” remarks Calhoun. “This stunning pair of hoops is exceptionally versatile—perfectly chic for everyday wear, complementing everything from a button-down shirt to a formal dress. They also layer beautifully with other studs for those with multiple piercings.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Engagement Rings
Exquisite Rings at Unbeatable Prices
Blue Nile
Blue Nile Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring with customizable diamond options
Price range: $240 to $14,990 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Complimentary repairs or replacements for manufacturer defects
When considering engagement ring selections, Blue Nile presents an unparalleled abundance of choices. Their inventory consistently includes approximately 650,000 diamonds, which is about five times greater than their closest online competitors. To simplify the shopping journey, customers can easily filter and browse by diamond cut, size, and setting. Prices are generally 25% to 50% lower than those at traditional retail stores. An additional advantage is Blue Nile’s price-match guarantee, ensuring you receive the best possible value if you find a comparable stone of similar quality and size for less elsewhere.
Expert Insight: “Blue Nile offers a nearly bespoke experience, making online shopping feel exceptionally personal,” Calhoun points out. “You have the option to select either a natural or lab-grown diamond and choose from designs ranging from traditional to modern, simple to ornate. This pavé style is eternally elegant, and a round-cut stone remains the most favored cut—renowned for its brilliance.”
Best Affordable Online Jewelry Store
Sustainably Sourced and Budget-Conscious
Quince
Quince 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Necklace
Quince 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Necklace made with sustainable materials
Price range: $30 to $750 | Return policy: Free returns within 365 days of purchase | Repairs: Evaluated individually
Quince, a relatively recent entrant to the jewelry market, has rapidly gained popularity for its combination of affordability and high-quality pieces. This San Francisco-based brand crafts jewelry using sustainably sourced materials, including 14k gold and sterling silver, designed for timeless appeal and versatility. Quince further enhances customer experience with free shipping and returns.
Expert Insight: “Quince’s designs lean towards delicate and understated elegance rather than overt statement pieces—think 14k gold studs and huggies, eternity bands, and paperclip chain necklaces—radiating a chic, effortlessly stylish vibe,” Calhoun elaborates. “Layer this necklace with a larger assortment of chains in varying thicknesses and textures, or wear it alone, paired with a crisp white button-down or tee.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Diamonds
Modern Classics with Ethically Sourced Stones
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Brilliant Earth Diamond Tennis Bracelet featuring ethically sourced diamonds
Price range: $800 to $100,000 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Free repairs for manufacturer defects with a $50 refundable deposit; other repairs at cost minus $50 deposit
This San Francisco-based design studio prioritizes transparency and sustainability in its collection of fresh, modern jewelry. Their extensive range of engagement, wedding, and everyday fine jewelry features diamonds selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins, allowing you to feel confident about your purchase. In addition to offering lab-created and recycled diamonds, Brilliant Earth collaborates with suppliers who source natural diamonds from mines in countries committed to fair labor and trade practices.
Expert Insight: “Wearing Brilliant Earth designs offers peace of mind, not only because of their ethical sourcing but also due to their fresh, modern, and unique aesthetic,” Calhoun observes. “Beyond engagement and wedding pieces, I particularly admire their bold cocktail rings, classic tennis bracelets with innovative twists, and their extensive huggie earring collection. This tennis bracelet style is equally suitable for special occasions or everyday elegance.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Lab-Grown Diamonds
Zero-Emission Diamonds in Tasteful Settings
Vrai
Vrai The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
Vrai The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring featuring zero-emission lab-grown diamonds
Price range: $691 to $41,170 | Return policy: 30-day returns, engagement rings subject to a $200 recycling fee; 14-day returns for loose diamonds | Repairs: $50 refundable deposit and free repairs for manufacturer defects; other repairs at cost minus $50 deposit
Vrai’s diamonds are sustainably cultivated in America, created from greenhouse gas crystallized in their Pacific Northwest foundry, which operates entirely on hydropower. This innovative process yields beautiful lab-grown diamonds with a zero carbon footprint. The designs are equally impressive. The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring perfectly balances traditional and modern aesthetics, available with either a simple plain band or a pavé band made from recycled gold.
Expert Insight: “Vrai’s lab-grown diamonds are remarkably sparkly, impressive, and competitively priced,” Calhoun affirms. “Their lab-grown diamond engagement rings are stunning—embodying old-world craftsmanship, quality, and precision with a contemporary sensibility. Don’t overlook the brand’s other jewelry offerings. The Inner Light Medallion and the Dome Band are both high on my personal wish list.”
Best Online Store For Fine Jewelry
Unique Lockets Designed for Personalization
Monica Rich Kosann
Monica Rich Kosann Slim Viv Gold Locket Necklace
Monica Rich Kosann Slim Viv Gold Locket Necklace, a personalized fine jewelry piece
Price range: $60 to $27,500 | Return policy: 30-day returns, minus a $15 return fee | Repairs: Lifetime repairs
Drawing inspiration from vintage jewelry, particularly lockets discovered in antique shops and flea markets, Monica Rich Kosann crafts jewelry with a storytelling essence. At Kosann’s online Locket Bar, customers can personalize lockets with cherished photos. All pieces, including rings and bracelets, are crafted from 18k gold, sterling silver, and ethically sourced diamonds, resulting in necklaces and jewelry that narrate their own exquisitely detailed stories.
Expert Insight: “Jewelry imbued with meaning is invaluable, and Monica Rich Kosann excels at blending style with sentimentality,” says Calhoun. “This slender 18k yellow gold locket can be customized with images directly from your smartphone and printed at home. Wear it alongside other pendants or as a standalone piece.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Gold Pieces
Ethical Designs You Can Wear with Pride
Aurate
Aurate Connection Necklace
Aurate Connection Necklace, an ethically sourced gold jewelry design
Price range: $40 to $18,000 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Lifetime repair services for Vermeil, 14k, and 18k fine jewelry
Aurate New York, a distinguished fine jewelry brand, is celebrated for its ethical practices. They utilize recycled gold and sustainably sourced gemstones in their jewelry and collaborate with fair trade suppliers. Aurate also champions a transparent pricing model, ensuring you are fully informed of the true cost of your selections. The jewelry itself is of superior quality and style, presenting a broad spectrum of gold pieces (along with options in other metals) ranging from classic to contemporary designs, ensuring something to suit every individual preference.
Expert Insight: “Aurate’s designs are characterized by simple, clean lines, making them perfectly suited for everyday wear,” Calhoun notes. “This particular style embodies individuality and harmony—sophisticated yet unpretentious. Consider it the kind of piece you can effortlessly put on each morning to complement any outfit, or even choose to wear continuously.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Earrings
Well-Priced Pieces Designed for Constant Wear
STONE AND STRAND
Stone And Strand Lab-Created Diamond Studs (0.75 TCW)
Stone And Strand Lab-Created Diamond Studs offering expensive taste without the markup
Price range: $12 to $995 | Return policy: 100-day returns, with a $12.50 return fee | Repairs: Free 100-day repairs
Stone and Strand operates under the mantra of “expensive taste without the markup.” Produced in the same workshops as traditional Fifth Avenue jewelers, the brand’s modern, chic collection features 10k and 14k gold with ethically sourced stones and conflict-free diamonds. It’s ideally suited for those seeking single earrings, classic pairs, and contemporary stacking options. Stone And Strand also provides an easy-to-use illustrated ear styling guide, enabling you to shop according to your desired earring placements.
Expert Insight: “If you enjoy layering or wearing multiple pieces, Stone And Strand is your go-to,” Calhoun suggests, adding, “Their delicate designs are crafted to be worn together—stack slim rings, mini stud earrings, and bracelets and necklaces with fine chains and embellishments. They even offer excellent chains and initial jewelry if you’re looking to add personalized touches to your collection.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Necklaces
Versatile, Affordable Layering Sets
Gorjana
Gorjana Parker Mini Layering Set
Gorjana Parker Mini Layering Set for creating versatile necklace styles
Price range: $10 to $130 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns, exceptions may apply to personalized items | Repairs: Free repair service
Gorjana embodies a cool, relaxed California vibe, evident in every piece of their extensive and effortlessly layerable jewelry assortment. Many Gorjana styles, from statement necklaces and stackable rings to bold earrings and delicate bracelets, are available in fine 14k or 18k gold. For a more accessible option, the brand also offers pieces finished in gold-plated brass, treated with an anti-tarnish barrier to maintain their pristine condition.
Expert Insight: “Gorjana jewelry is incredibly wearable, and their pieces make thoughtful and unique gifts for friends, teenagers, and family members,” Calhoun observes. “Their high-impact necklace layering sets and stackable ring sets offer great value. For everyday elegance, the diamond butterfly studs are among my personal favorites.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Rings
Beautiful Gemstones in a Variety of Settings
Angara
Angara Round Diamond Criss Cross Heart Promise Ring
Angara Round Diamond Criss Cross Heart Promise Ring with customizable gemstone options
Price range: $129 to $873,000 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Lifetime repairs
Whether you are searching for a sentimental or statement ring, Angara is an excellent starting point. Angara’s diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sourced, and they provide a diverse selection of gemstones for their rings. A notable feature is the ability to personalize your designs: you can select the metal type, gemstone, setting, and engraving to create a truly unique ring.
Expert Insight: “Angara not only offers natural and lab-grown diamonds, but also boasts an extensive collection of natural gemstone and pearl jewelry,” Calhoun highlights. “Choose from a variety of colored man-made and natural stones across numerous settings. And for those late-night jewelry shopping needs, the brand provides 24-hour customer support.”
Best Online Jewelry Store For Gifts
Fun, Customized Options for Everyone You Cherish
Baublebar
Baublebar Custom Cord Bracelet
Baublebar Custom Cord Bracelet, a fun and personalized jewelry gift option
Price range: $12 to $178 | Return policy: 30-day returns, excluding personalized and final sale jewelry | Repairs: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis
BaubleBar’s jewelry collection is both stylish and affordable. Many items—necklaces, earrings, bracelets—offer personalization options, making them ideal for gifts and everyday jewelry. To maintain affordability, solid gold is less common, but the available options remain stunning. The Custom Cord Bracelet, for example, features water-resistant, gold-plated letters set on a comfortable pull-tie cord.
Expert Insight: “BaubleBar’s designs are playful, vibrant, and trendy without being expensive, and they often spark conversations,” Calhoun remarks. “I appreciate their fashion earrings, anklets, and custom friendship bracelets as an inexpensive way to elevate your jewelry choices.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted for Jewelry Recommendations
To identify the best online jewelry stores, the Forbes Vetted team dedicated countless hours to researching leading jewelry retailers. We assessed factors such as overall quality, style variety, customer service, shipping and return policies, and premium services that ensure an exceptional shopping experience.
- Forbes Vetted has published numerous articles on jewelry, including guides to the best places to buy engagement rings and the best lab-grown diamonds.
- This article was authored by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who brings over two decades of experience covering women’s fashion and accessories. She holds certifications in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and fundamentals of lab-grown diamonds from the International Gem Society.
- We regularly update this article to ensure all information and pricing are current. It was last updated in December 2024.
How To Choose The Best Online Jewelry Stores
With a vast landscape of online jewelry retailers, numbering in the hundreds, if not thousands, narrowing down your choices is essential. Here’s our expert advice to guide you:
Define Your Jewelry Style
When selecting the best online jewelry store, your personal jewelry style is a crucial initial consideration. Are you drawn to classic, timeless pieces, or do you lean towards trendy, contemporary designs? Understanding your style preferences will refine your options and lead you to retailers that align with your taste. Some online stores, like Brilliant Earth, specialize in classic diamond jewelry, while others, such as Baublebar, focus on modern personalized pieces. Explore different stores to discover which best reflects your style.
Establish Your Budget
Jewelry often represents a luxury purchase, making it wise to shop within your price range or have a clear budget to avoid overspending. Determine your intended investment in a jewelry piece, whether it’s a frequently worn everyday accessory or a cherished special occasion gift. Online retailers cater to a broad spectrum of price points, ensuring options for various budgets. Once you’ve set your budget, you can effectively refine your search by filtering jewelry sites by price.
Evaluate the Materials
Materials significantly influence jewelry quality, durability, appearance, and price. Common metals include gold, silver, platinum, and alternatives like titanium and stainless steel. Each material has unique characteristics and care needs. Here’s a concise overview of popular choices:
- Gold: Highly malleable, gold is ideal for intricate designs. Available in karats like 14k and 18k, it balances durability and purity. High-karat gold (e.g., 24k) is softer and more prone to scratches, though gold itself resists tarnish and corrosion.
- Silver: More affordable than gold, silver is bright and versatile for both casual and formal jewelry. However, it tarnishes and requires regular cleaning. Softer than other metals, it’s susceptible to dents and scratches.
- Platinum: Exceptionally durable and wear-resistant, platinum is among the most expensive metals. Naturally white and non-tarnishing, it’s hypoallergenic. Platinum may develop a patina, favored by some for a vintage look, but not by those preferring high gloss.
- Titanium: Lightweight and affordable for daily wear, titanium is highly durable, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant. Its lower malleability limits design complexity.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and affordable, stainless steel has a modern, sleek look and resists tarnishing. It presents a more industrial aesthetic compared to precious metals.
Review the Fine Print
Jewelry is deeply personal, necessitating return flexibility. Carefully review store policies on shipping and returns, including any resizing fees. Also, check for warranty and guarantee information covering materials and craftsmanship. Reputable online jewelry retailers should offer transparent, clear policies for a worry-free shopping experience.
