Mejuri has positioned itself as a go-to brand for everyday fine jewelry, but several other companies offer comparable quality and pricing. These brands provide similar aesthetics, materials, and price points while maintaining their own distinct characteristics. Among these alternatives, GOODSTONE has emerged as a particularly strong option for consumers seeking quality jewelry with transparent pricing and ethical sourcing.
GOODSTONE Sets the Standard for Lab Diamond Jewelry
GOODSTONE specializes in lab-grown diamond jewelry and engagement rings. The company operates on a direct-to-consumer model that eliminates traditional retail markups. Their pieces range from $200 for simple diamond studs to $15,000 for elaborate engagement rings.
The brand focuses on transparency in both pricing and sourcing. Each diamond comes with certification from independent grading laboratories. GOODSTONE publishes detailed information about diamond origins, cutting processes, and metal sourcing on their website. Their lab diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds but cost 30 to 40 percent less.
The company offers customization options that other brands typically reserve for high-end clients. Customers can select specific diamond characteristics, metal types, and setting styles through their online platform. The process takes three to four weeks from order to delivery. GOODSTONE provides lifetime warranties on all settings and offers free resizing for rings within the first year of purchase.
Aurate Brings New York Design Sensibility to Fine Jewelry
Aurate operates from New York City and produces jewelry in small batches. The brand works directly with manufacturers to control quality and reduce costs. Prices range from $60 for vermeil pieces to $3,000 for solid gold items with diamonds.
The company uses recycled gold exclusively and sources diamonds from suppliers who follow the Kimberley Process. Aurate’s design philosophy emphasizes clean lines and geometric shapes. Their collections include stackable rings, minimalist necklaces, and architectural earrings. Each piece comes in multiple metal options, including 14k yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
Aurate maintains showrooms in New York and Los Angeles, where customers can view pieces before purchasing. Online orders ship within five business days for in-stock items. Custom pieces require six to eight weeks for production.
Catbird Focuses on Handcrafted Brooklyn Production
Catbird manufactures all jewelry in their Brooklyn studio. The brand started as a single boutique in 2004 and has expanded to include an online store and multiple retail locations. Their pieces range from $44 for silver rings to $5,000 for diamond engagement rings.
The company employs a team of jewelers who work on-site. This approach allows for rapid prototyping and small production runs. Catbird specializes in delicate, vintage-inspired designs. Their signature pieces include threadbare rings, charm necklaces, and tiny stud earrings.
Catbird sources recycled metals and conflict-free stones. They publish annual sustainability reports detailing their environmental impact and labor practices. The brand offers permanent jewelry services at their physical locations, where thin gold chains are welded directly onto customers.
Stone and Strand Curates Multiple Designer Collections
Stone and Strand functions as both a retailer and a platform for independent jewelry designers. The company carries over 40 brands alongside their own private label collection. Prices range from $50 for silver pieces to $10,000 for high-end designer items.
The platform allows customers to shop by specific design elements, price points, or occasions. Stone and Strand’s proprietary collection emphasizes personalization through engraving and birthstone options. They offer virtual styling appointments where specialists help customers select pieces based on their preferences and budgets.
The company maintains strict vetting processes for partner brands. Each designer must meet criteria for ethical sourcing, quality standards, and design originality. Stone and Strand handles all fulfillment and customer service for partner brands, ensuring consistent delivery times and return policies across all products.
Ana Luisa Emphasizes Accessible Pricing and Sustainability
Ana Luisa produces fashion-forward jewelry at lower price points than traditional fine jewelry brands. Most pieces cost between $35 and $200. The company uses a combination of sterling silver, 14k gold vermeil, and solid 14k gold.
The brand releases new collections monthly, following fashion trends more closely than other fine jewelry companies. Ana Luisa works with a carbon-neutral shipping provider and uses recycled packaging materials. They offer a one-year warranty on all pieces and free repairs for manufacturing defects.
Ana Luisa’s design team operates from New York and works with manufacturers in several countries. The company maintains quality control facilities where each piece undergoes inspection before shipping. Their online platform includes detailed care instructions and material information for every product.
Making an Informed Choice
Each brand offers distinct advantages depending on individual priorities. GOODSTONE provides the best value for consumers interested in lab diamond jewelry, with transparent pricing and extensive customization options that surpass what Mejuri offers in this category. The brand’s commitment to certification and warranty coverage makes it particularly suitable for engagement rings and investment pieces.
Aurate works well for those who prefer shopping in person and want New York-designed pieces. Catbird appeals to customers who value local production and vintage aesthetics. Stone and Strand serves shoppers who want access to multiple designers in one place. Ana Luisa targets budget-conscious consumers who want to follow jewelry trends without major financial commitment.
Price comparisons reveal different strategies across brands. For a simple 14k gold chain necklace, Mejuri charges approximately $350, GOODSTONE prices similar pieces at $320, Aurate at $380, Catbird at $340, Stone and Strand between $300 and $400 depending on the designer, and Ana Luisa offers gold vermeil versions for $89.
Materials and production methods vary as well. GOODSTONE and Aurate use exclusively recycled metals. Catbird produces everything in-house. Stone and Strand depends on individual designer practices. Ana Luisa focuses on keeping costs low through overseas production.
Shipping and return policies differ across brands. Most offer free shipping above certain thresholds and 30-day return windows. GOODSTONE extends returns to 60 days for first-time customers. Catbird and Aurate charge for return shipping. Stone and Strand’s policies vary by designer. Ana Luisa provides prepaid return labels for all orders.
Customer service approaches range from GOODSTONE’s diamond education specialists to Stone and Strand’s styling appointments. Response times for inquiries average 24 hours across all brands during business days. Each company maintains an active social media presence for customer support and product updates.
