The Best Places to Buy gold jewelry necklace Online and In-Store

27 Nov.,2023

 

Jewelry is an opportunity to express your aspirations, obsessions, quirks and charms. Finding that just-right ring, necklace or pair of earrings is inherently easier when you know where to look. The best online jewelry stores provide inspiration—in the form of high-quality designs, exquisite materials sourced responsibly and impeccable customer service. Jewelry is an investment, after all, so you want to shop with confidence.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or gifts for others, the best online jewelry stores deliver ... [+] high-quality pieces and excellent customer service.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

That’s where we come in. After thoroughly researching the array of options, we complied a list of the best online jewelry stores. Our top pick overall is Mejuri, for its excellent attention to detail, ethical practices and stunning designs. For chic and affordable styles, look to Quince, where you can find everyday pieces with fair prices. If diamonds tempt you, we recommend Brilliant Earth for natural stones sourced with integrity and Vrai for lab-grown diamonds. Ahead, the 15 best online jewelry stores to shop now (and for more inspiration, we rounded up the best engagement rings and jewelry gifts, too).

Best Online Jewelry Store Overall

Sophisticated Everyday Pieces

MOST POPULAR

Mejuri

Mejuri Pave Diamond U Hoops

Average price point: $35-$4400 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Two-year warranty for defects with materials or workmanship

Toronto-based Mejuri offers fine, personal jewelry at reasonable prices with minimalist sophistication. Beginning with their in-house design team, Merjuri concepts new shapes and styles, and then partners with independent designers to bring them to life in a range of materials: precious metals (which includes 80% recycled gold), enamel and ceramic. The brand’s Pavé Diamond Hoops are a bestseller, with a unique square shape and responsibly sourced diamonds set in solid 14k gold.

Best Affordable Online Jewelry Store

Excellent Prices, Quality, Sustainable Sourcing

Quince

Quince 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Necklace

Average price point: $30-$750| Return policy: Free within 365 days of the purchase date | Repairs: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Quince is a relatively new entrant into the jewelry space and has quickly become popular for its affordable prices and high-quality pieces. The San Francisco-based brand’s jewelry is made with sustainably sourced materials, such as 14k gold and sterling silver, and it is designed to be timeless and versatile. They also offer free shipping and returns as an added bonus.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Engagement Rings

Excellent Prices, Easy To Shop Designs

Blue Nile

Blue Nile Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Average price point: $240-$14,990 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns| Repairs: Free repairs or replacements for manufacturer defects

When it comes to engagement ring selection, Blue Nile is brimming with choices: The inventory includes about 650,000 diamonds at any time, which is roughly five times more than other digital competitors. To make the shopping experience less overwhelming, though, you can easily filter and shop by diamond cut, size and setting, and prices tend to run 25 to 50 percent lower than what you find at traditional retailers. Another perk: Blue Nile also offers a price-match guarantee if you find a similar quality and size stone for less.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Diamonds

Responsibly Sourced, Modern Classics

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Average price point: $800-$1,00,000 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Free repairs for manufacturer defects with $50 refundable deposit; other defects repaired at cost minus $50 deposit

This San Francisco-based design studio prides itself on transparency and sustainability. The range of engagement, wedding and everyday fine jewelry contains diamonds selected for their ethical and environmentally-responsible origin, so you can feel good about your purchase. In addition to offering lab-created and recycled diamonds, Brilliant Earth partners with suppliers who source natural diamonds from specific mine operations in countries committed to fair labor and trade standards.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Lab-Grown Diamonds

Affordable And Zero Emissions

Vrai

Vrai The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring

Average price point: $691-$41,170 | Return policy: 30-day returns subject to $200 recycling fee for engagement rings; 14-day returns for loose diamonds| Repairs: $50 refundable deposit and free repairs for manufacturer defects; other defects repaired at cost minus $50 deposit

Sustainably grown in America, Vrai’s diamonds are produced from greenhouse gas crystallized in their Pacific Northwest foundry, which runs with 100 percent hydropower. The result is lab-grown diamonds with zero carbon footprint. The designs are stunning, too: The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring strikes a balance between traditional and modern with either a simpl plain or pavé band made from recycled gold.

Best Online Store For Fine Jewelry

Personalized And Unique Options

Monica Rich Kosann

Monica Rich Kosann "I Love You More" 18K Gold Poesy Ring Necklace

Average price point: $60-$27,500 | Return policy: 30-day returns minus $15 return fee | Repairs: Lifetime repairs

Taking inspiration from the vintage jewelry—especially lockets—over which she pored in antique and flea markets, Monica Rich Kosann creates jewelry with an element of storytelling. At Kosann’s online Locket Bar, you can customize lockets with a photo, and all pieces (including rings, bracelets and more) are made with 18k gold, sterling silver and ethically sourced diamonds, creating necklaces and other jewelry that tell their own beautifully detailed story.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Gold Pieces

Recycled Gold And Stunning Designs You Can Feel Good About

AUrate New York

Aurate Connection Necklace

Average price point: $40-$18,000 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns| Repairs: Lifetime repair services to Vermeil, 14k and 18k fine jewelry

Aurate New York is a fine jewelry brand known for its ethical practices. It uses recycled gold and sustainably sourced gemstones in its jewelry, and works with fair trade suppliers. Aurate also offers a transparent pricing model, so you know exactly the true cost of your selections. The jewelry itself is high-quality and stylish, with a wide range of gold pieces (as well as those made from other metals) from classic to modern, so there is something for everyone.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Earrings

Well-Priced Selection Of Modern Classics

STONE AND STRAND

Stone & Strand Shield Of Strength Stud Earrings

Average price point: $12-$995 | Return policy: 100-day returns, with $12.50 return fee | Repairs: Free 100-day repairs

Stone & Strand’s mantra is “expensive taste without the markup.” Produced in the same places as traditional Fifth Avenue jewelers, the brand’s modern, chic collection features 10k and 14k gold with ethically sourced stones and conflict-free diamonds– suited for those in search of single earrings, classic pairings and modern stacking options. Stone And Strand also offers an easy-to-follow illustrated ear styling guide so you can shop according to your desired earring placement.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Necklace

Versatile Options For Layering And Wearing Solo

Gorjana

Gorjana Parker Mini Layering Set

Average price point: $10-$130 | Return policy: Free 30-day returns, exceptions may apply to personalized items | Repairs: Free repair service

Gorjana channels its cool, laid-back California roots throughout every piece in its vast and easily layerable jewelry assortment. Many Gorjana styles—from statement necklaces to stacking rings to bold earrings to delicate bracelets—are available in fine 14k or 18k gold. For an affordable option, the brand also finishes pieces in gold-plated brass (with an anti-tarnish barrier, so everything stays pristine).

Best Online Jewelry Store For Rings

Beautiful Gems For Everyday

Angara

Angara Round Diamond Criss Cross Heart Promise Ring

Average price point: $129-$873,000| Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Lifetime repairs

Whether you’re looking for a sentimental or statement ring, Angara is a good starting point. Angara’s diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sourced, and the brand offers a variety of gemstones for its rings. A standout feature is the ability to customize your designs: You can choose the type of metal, gemstone, setting and engraving to create a unique-to-you ring that no one else has.

Best Online Jewelry Store For Gifts

Fun, Personalized Options At Reasonable Prices

Baublebar

Baublebar Custom Cord Bracelet

Average price point: $12-$178| Return policy: 30-day returns, except for personalized and final sale jewelry | Repairs: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Founded in 2011 as a “destination for accessories with a wink,” BaubleBar’s jewelry assortment is vast and stylish. Many items—necklaces, earrings, bracelets—can be personalized, which makes for great gifts and everyday jewelry. To keep the costs low, you won’t find a lot of solid gold here but the options are still stunning: The Custom Cord Bracelet, for example, features water-resistant, gold-plated letters set on a comfortable pull-tie cord.

Best Of The Rest

Options You Can Stack And Stand Out In

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott Michelle 14k Yellow Gold Band Ring

Average price point: $50-$2,500| Return policy: Free 30-day returns | Repairs: Repairs available on fine jewelry only

Kendra Scott believes that even the most special jewelry can be worn every day. Designed in her Austin, Texas studio, the brand caters to those looking for personalized stacking rings, delicate diamond bands and sophisticated pieces with a modern twist. You can filter by ring size, band style and metal, and Scott offers a 25% discount during your birthday month on fine jewelry.

Recycled Materials And Sculptural Shapes

AGMES

Agmes Small Sculpted Heart Pendant

Average price point: $120-$1,450 | Return policy: Free 10-day returns; solid gold and engraved jewelry are final sale | Repairs: Not offered

New-York-based Agmes creates their lightweight sculptural designs in-house, in small batches, using metals which are nearly all recycled and worthy of heirloom pedigree. The brand maintains a minimal carbon footprint by even sourcing their packaging in New York. With an assortment of traditional jewelry offerings, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings, as well as brooches and organically-shaped metal and glass objects, Agmes is a standout for affordable, sustainable and fairly-made pieces.

Curated Selection Of Iconic Brands

Net-a-Porter

Fred Leighton Collection 18k White Gold, Sapphire And Diamond Earrings

Average price point: $75-$190,000 | Return policy: Free 28-day returns on unworn fine jewelry in original packaging | Repairs: Two year warranty

Curators of designer fashion as well as fine jewelry, London-based Net-A-Porter is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, which ensures the utmost authenticity for the pieces you see online. The retailer has a dedicated in-house team of fine-jewelry buyers who can assist with personal shopping as well, and the assortment is a veritable who’s-who of beloved brands: Cartier, Hermes, David Morris, as well as our pick, Fred Leighton. These dazzling 18k white gold, sapphire and diamond hexagonal studs in particular have a vintage glamour that invokes bygone era.

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Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more .

Whether you’re on the market for a diamond engagement ring, a birthday gift, or a new bauble to treat yourself, there are a bevy of reasons to find the best places to buy jewelry online. While handbags, beauty, or shoes might be some shoppers’ go-to “vice,” jewelry is mine. 

Jewelry is a fantastic way to express your sense of style, and it’s also wearable art. From fine jewelry to budget-friendly picks, gold to silver, and handmade artisan styles to mass market options, the sky's the limit when looking for your next signature piece. Jewelry shopping online can get a bit overwhelming, so it helps to know the key differences with the most popular places to buy jewelry online. 

What to consider when buying jewelry online

It’s natural to think of almost any jewelry purchase as an investment. Even if you’re not buying a piece made with precious gemstones or 18K gold, there can still be sentimental value in jewelry you’re choosing for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. For that reason, you’ll want to preempt concerns about scams or unfair pricing by ensuring that online retailers you’re buying jewelry from are secure, reputable, and legitimate. 

A few things to look out for:

  • Check out the site’s “About Us” page to get a sense of the business’ background and credentials. 
  • Ensure the company displays its address, as well as a 1-800 number you can call if questions arise. 
  • Make sure the website you’re purchasing from has a legitimate, secure URL that begins with "https." 
  • To get a sense of the quality of a retailer’s jewelry, read reviews and check out photographs from customers. You might even look on social media to see if customers have shared their experiences and videos of products. (I recently did this myself after seeing a jewelry sale advertised online that seemed too good to be true, and TikTok reviews made it clear that what the company was advertising as demi-fine jewelry is actually much more costume quality.)

Our top picks

We’ve scoured the internet to choose the best online jewelry stores based on what you’re looking for.

Best affordable online jewelry store: AMYO

[Thin Huggie Hoops 14K Gold, $60]

There are a range of moments when you’ll want to treat yourself to 14K gold earrings or personalized pendants—or buy one as a gift. But if you’re on the market for go-to pieces that are as affordable as they are classic, head over to AMYO, which stands for Accessories Make Your Outfit. Founded and run by women in New York City, the company prides themselves on offering high quality, handmade, minimalist staples you can mix and match at an affordable price point. Plus, supplies and materials are sourced from NYC and other U.S. businesses. 

Shipping policy: Free standard shipping with purchases $40+, otherwise $3

Return policy: 30 days from the shipping confirmation date of your order

Price range: Products start at $24 and go up to $1,280 for a diamond tennis bracelet 

Thin Huggie Hoops 14K Gold

buy on AMYO

Best online fine jewelry store: Ross-Simons 

[Sapphire diamond studs, $795]

Ross-Simons has been around for over 70 years for a reason. Founded in 1952 in Providence, Rhode Island, the company has always been dedicated to selling high quality fine jewelry and luxury items at affordable prices. What’s more, no matter what you’re in the market for—gold, silver, pearls, precious and semi-precious gemstones, lab-grown diamonds, watches—you’ll likely find it at Ross-Simons. Also of note: The company has an estate section of the store where you can shop for vintage picks, like deco-era filigree pins from the 1930s or mid-century modern cocktail rings from the 1950s.  

Shipping policy: Free standard shipping

Return policy: Within 30 days of receipt, you can return for a refund, credit or exchange (minus shipping and handling).

Price range: Products start at $19 and range up into the thousands 

Sapphire Diamond Studs

buy on ross-simons

Best online jewelry store for engagement rings: Ring Concierge

[WhisperThin, setting starts at $2,600]

Ring Concierge was founded in 2013 by GIA certified diamond specialist and fashion industry vet Nicole Wegman who found herself frustrated with the engagement ring shopping experience. She set out to create a company that emphasized designs for women by women and would offer the kind of tailored experience that millennial, social media-savvy customers had been looking for. 

Although Ring Concierge has a showroom in NYC, it's also a thriving online business that caters to customers who want a bespoke experience. Customers have an initial consultation with a diamond specialist, explore personally curated stones (which can be done remotely via HD video), and then create a one-of-a-kind ring. The site also offers both GIA certified natural and lab-grown diamonds, along with ready to ship styles.

Shipping policy: Complimentary 2-day fully insured FedEx shipping

Return policy: VOW engagement rings are eligible for returns within 10 calendar days after delivery; Bespoke rings are non-refundable

Price range: VOW engagement rings start at $3,000; Complete bespoke rings start at $10,000

WhisperThin

buy on Ring concierge

Best online jewelry store for rings: PDPAOLA

[Prince ring, $72]

Headquartered in Barcelona, internationally recognized jeweler retailer and digital native brand PDPAOLA was founded in 2014 by siblings Paola and Humbert. Given that the two originally worked in architecture and finance, it’s no surprise that they take a great deal of pride in their design and craftsmanship. From engagement rings to custom engraved rings, simple diamond bands to basic stacking rings, PDPAOLA’s designs are eye-catching, on-trend, and unique.

Shipping policy: Express shipping for $6

Return policy: You can return up to 30 days from the delivery date of the order.

Price range: Rings start at around $50

Prince Ring

buy on PDPAOLA

Best online jewelry store for earrings: Astrid Miyu

[heart pave studs, $65]

Whether you love delicate studs, hoop earrings, cuff earrings, or shimmering ear climbers in yellow gold, rose gold, or silver, you’ll find what you're looking for in U.K.-based online jewelry store Astrid & Miyu. The online retailer, founded in 2012 by Seoul, Korea native Connie Nam, the line is meant to be innovative, sentimental, and a little bit quirky. You can also choose a range of styles that are available in more affordable 18K gold plated sterling silver or more investment-worthy solid gold.

Shipping policy: Free with purchase of $100 or more

Return policy: Within 28 days of the date of purchase

Price range: Earrings start at $40

Heart Pave Studs

buy on astrid and miyu

Best online jewelry store for necklaces: Made by Mary

[Classic Oval Locket, $128]

Personalized, customized jewelry is hotter than ever, but it’s something that Made by Mary founder Mary Moody has been passionate about since founding her company as a new mom in 2013. To date, the company takes pride in hand making every one of their pieces which can be made uniquely your own. For example, they offer charming birth flower pendants and a romantic sweetheart necklace that can be personalized with your own and a loved one’s initials. 

Shipping policy: Free with purchase of $75 or more

Return policy: Unworn, non-custom pieces may be returned for free with a prepaid label within 14 days of delivery. 

Price range: Necklaces start at around $46

Classic Oval Locket

buy on Made By Mary

Best online jewelry store for diamonds: Brilliant Earth

[28 carat pink diamond, $3,750]

Anyone shopping for diamond jewelry—especially engagement rings—knows all too well that Brilliant Earth is a go-to resource, thanks to its extensive stock of ethical diamonds. Based in San Francisco, the sustainability-focused company offers engagement, wedding, and everyday fine jewelry, and they also sell loose diamonds that originate from mines with fair labor and trade standards. Their jewelry styles also run the gamut from classic to whimsical (something I noted when visiting the Los Angeles showroom), which means whether you’re buying for yourself or a gift recipient, there’s a design for every taste.

Shipping policy: Free FedEx shipping on every US, Canadian, UK, and Australian order

Return policy: Free 30-day returns

Price range: Loose diamonds (which can be added to separately sold settings) start at around $770

28 Carat Pink Diamond

buy on brilliant earth

Best online jewelry store for lab-grown diamonds: VRAI

[Orion bracelet, $350]

Lab-grown diamonds have been touted as a more affordable, eco-friendly alternative to natural diamonds, and VRAI creates theirs in the Pacific Northwest using hydropower. They also make it very easy to search their stock of loose stones with an easy to navigate inventory search, and all VRAI created diamonds are graded by GIA-certified gemologists. Not sure where to start? You can take a quiz on the site that will lead to an auto-curated selection of diamonds that match the shape, size, cut, clarity, and price point you’re aiming for.

Shipping policy: FedEx 2-day service is available for a flat fee of $10 

Return policy: 30-day returns for jewelry (you’ll pay a $300 recycling fee for custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring, wedding band, or any other made-to-order fine jewelry design); 14-day returns for loose diamonds

Price range: Diamonds start at $700

VRAI Orion Bracelets Round Brilliant, Baguette and Marquise Bracelets | 14k Yellow Gold

Vrai

$350.00

Best online jewelry store for gold pieces: Mejuri

[Virgo Zodiac Pendant, $128]

If you’re looking for fine jewelry that will hold up over time, because it’s made from high quality materials—namely, gold vermeil and solid gold—you’ll want to check out millennial and Gen Z-loved jewelry brand Mejuri. Offering budget-conscious, yet timeless gold pieces, Mejuri states on their site that they believe “luxury should be accessible, fun, and part of your everyday.” From classic chain necklaces to comfortable hoops, you can find necklaces, earrings, rings, and more in both yellow and white gold. Some pieces also feature gemstones, like the company’s zodiac pendant necklace, dotted with white sapphires.

Shipping policy: Free with purchase of $75 or more

Return policy: Free 30-day returns for all customers in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany

Price range: $35 to $2,000 for an engagement ring

Virgo Zodiac Pendant

buy on MEJURI

Best online jewelry store for silver pieces: Monica Vinader

[Nura crossover ring, $115]

If you’re looking for sterling silver pieces that are affordable and eco-friendly, you’ll want to check out artist and designer Monica Vinader’s line. It features handcrafted pieces made from recycled sterling silver, as well as gold plus conflict-free gemstones and diamonds. Vinader’s jewelry designs mostly offer interesting organic shapes and are meant to be layered and stacked, so you can create your own collection. Customers rave about the site’s customer service and high quality, truly wearable products. Plus, the company’s 100-day return policy is quite generous compared to competitors. 

Shipping policy: Free standard shipping

Return policy: Full refund within 100 days of purchase

Price range: Silver jewelry pieces start at around $50

Nura crossover ring

buy on Monica Vinader

How we chose the best online jewelry stores

To choose the best places to buy jewelry online, we reviewed multiple national retailers as if we were buying jewelry for our own personal collection, including a review of: 

  • The selection of precious metals, diamonds and gemstones, and overall designs
  • Advertised prices and available discounts 
  • Ease of ordering 
  • Return policy 
  • Shipping policies and pricing 
  • Customer service reviews

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I know if an online jewelry store is legitimate?

By reading the “About Us” section of an online jewelry store’s site, you can determine whether the company is legitimate. You’ll also do well to look up reviews (ideally ones featuring photos shared by customers) and ensure the site offers contact information for their customer service department. 

Is it better to buy jewelry online?

From knowing which precious metal works best with your personal style to opting for necklaces over earrings or bracelets over rings, buying jewelry is a personal experience. Although you might enjoy trying jewelry on in a brick-and-mortar store, there’s a case to be made for buying jewelry online, thanks to the convenience, easy shipping and return policies, plus the  wide range of jewelry offered by online retailers. 

How do I determine my ring size when buying jewelry online?

Many online retailers, such as Brilliant Earth, offer ring sizing charts or will even send you a ring sizer. Others, such as Ring Concierge, will allow you to try on rings at home before you make your purchase.

What are the advantages of buying jewelry online compared to in-store?

You can’t beat online jewelry shopping if you want to avoid the stress of driving to and navigating crowded malls or jewelry districts in the nearest city. It’s also possible that you live in an area where your local jewelry store options are limited. By shopping online, you can peruse a seemingly endless range of jewelry options from the convenience of your home. And given that different retailers often charge different prices for similar pieces, online shopping offers the benefit of faster cost comparison.

The Best Places to Buy gold jewelry necklace Online and In-Store

Best Online Jewelry Stores: Our Top Recommendations