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The Real Verdict on Jewelry

Jewel Meter aggregates what real customers say across Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews so you don't have to. Data-driven scores, not opinions.

How We Score

Top-Rated Brands

Browse by typical price point

Mint & Lily jewelry
Mint & Lily logo #1 in Under $100
A

Mint & Lily

Mint & Lily earns an A rating with a JewelryScore of 91/100, driven by exceptional quality scores and strong value in the under-$100 personalized jewelry segment. The brand delivers consistently on its core promise of durable, beautifully crafted name necklaces and personalized pieces.

Quality 38/40 Value 33/35 Style 20/25
Argento Vivo jewelry
Argento Vivo logo #2 in Under $100
B+

Argento Vivo

Argento Vivo delivers solid sterling silver basics at accessible prices, excelling in classic hoops and chains. While the designs lean conservative and gold plating can wear over time, the brand offers reliable quality for everyday staples.

Quality 32/40 Value 28/35 Style 18/25
En Route jewelry
En Route logo #3 in Under $100
B+

En Route

En Route delivers charming vintage-inspired pieces that resonate with the It-girl aesthetic at accessible price points. While quality is decent for the price range, longevity concerns with gold plating may affect long-term value.

Quality 31/40 Value 28/35 Style 19/25
Linjer jewelry
Linjer logo #4 in Under $100
B+

Linjer

Linjer delivers on its promise of minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired jewelry with solid materials at reasonable prices. While the designs may feel too simple for some, the brand excels at timeless pieces that justify their mid-tier pricing.

Quality 32/40 Value 26/35 Style 20/25
Madewell jewelry
Madewell logo #5 in Under $100
B+

Madewell

Madewell delivers solid demi-fine jewelry that successfully bridges costume and fine jewelry with reliable quality and timeless designs. While prices have crept up and selection is limited, their pieces offer excellent durability for the price point.

Quality 32/40 Value 26/35 Style 20/25
Quince jewelry
Quince logo #6 in Under $100
B+

Quince

Quince delivers exceptional value with genuine 14K gold pieces under $100, backed by impressive supply chain transparency. While their minimalist aesthetic won't appeal to everyone, the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding for solid gold jewelry.

Quality 32/40 Value 30/35 Style 16/25

Category Rankings

Best Engraved Rings

Monica Vinader leads our engraved ring rankings with a category score of 92/100, offering free engraving on premium materials with the highest personalization quality ratings. Catbird and Mejuri follow with artisan and fine jewelry approaches.

Best Birthstone Jewelry

Monica Vinader leads our birthstone jewelry rankings with a category score of 90/100, excelling in genuine gemstone quality and engraving options. Mejuri and Kendra Scott follow with strong offerings at different price points.

Best Custom Bracelets

Monica Vinader leads our custom bracelet rankings with a category score of 91/100, driven by its iconic Linear Friendship Bracelet and free engraving. Mint & Lily and Gorjana round out the top three with strong value and style options.

Best Name Necklaces

Mint & Lily leads our name necklace rankings with the highest JewelryScore in the category (91/100), followed by Mejuri and Gorjana. Our rankings are based on aggregated customer sentiment with particular emphasis on engraving quality, chain durability, and personalization options.

Best Initial Jewelry

Gorjana leads our initial jewelry rankings with a category score of 83/100, excelling in design variety and layering potential. Mejuri and Missoma follow with premium materials and trend-forward approaches to the classic initial pendant.

Best Jewelry Brands 2026

Mint & Lily leads the under-$100 tier with the highest JewelryScore (91/100) among affordable brands. Monica Vinader tops the $100-$500 range, Brilliant Earth leads the $501-$1K tier, and Cartier dominates luxury. Our rankings are derived from 200,000+ aggregated customer reviews across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Google.

Gift Guides

Best Anniversary Jewelry Gifts

For anniversary jewelry, the Brilliant Earth Petite Elodie Lab Diamond Ring ($1,390) leads for milestone years. The Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet and Mint & Lily Monogram Name Necklace deliver engraved and personalized options at accessible price points.

Best Jewelry Gifts for Girlfriends

For jewelry gifts for girlfriends, the Mejuri Croissant Dome Ring ($250) delivers the perfect 'treat yourself' energy in 14K solid gold. The Gorjana Heart Padlock Necklace and Missoma Claw Set Huggies round out the top three with romantic and trend-forward options.

Best Graduation Jewelry Gifts

For graduation jewelry, the Mint & Lily Minimalist Monogram Name Necklace ($99) leads with a personalized keepsake that marks the milestone by name. The Mejuri Croissant Dome Ring and Automic Gold Band Ring offer premium step-ups for graduates starting their collections.

Best Jewelry Gifts for Wife

For jewelry gifts for your wife, the Brilliant Earth Petite Elodie Lab Diamond Ring ($1,390) leads for milestone moments. The Monica Vinader Alta Capture Charm Necklace and Mint & Lily Monogram Name Necklace round out the top three at premium and accessible price points.

Best Jewelry Gifts Under $200

For jewelry gifts under $200, the Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet ($175) leads with free engraving and a 5-year warranty. The Mint & Lily Monogram Name Necklace and Mejuri Charlotte Birthstone Ring round out the top three with personalized value and fine jewelry quality.

Best Jewelry Gifts for Sister

For jewelry gifts for your sister, the Mint & Lily Beaded Inspire Bracelet ($29) leads with matching-set potential and the lowest entry price. The Gorjana Heart Padlock Necklace and Missoma Initial Charm round out the top three with romantic and personalized options.

Best Luxury Jewelry Gifts Over $1,000

For luxury jewelry gifts over $1,000, the Brilliant Earth Petite Elodie Lab Diamond Ring ($1,390) leads with ethically sourced diamonds and sculptural design. The James Allen Classic Six-Prong Solitaire and Brilliant Earth Winding Vine Ring round out the top three.

Best Mother's Day Jewelry Gifts 2026

For Mother's Day 2026, the Mint & Lily Dainty Baguette Birthstone Bracelet ($95) leads — each stone represents a child's birth month. The Monica Vinader Siren Ring and Gorjana Power Gemstone Bracelet offer premium and spiritual alternatives.

Best Jewelry Gifts for Daughter

For jewelry gifts for your daughter, the Mint & Lily Pave Initial Pendant Necklace ($39) leads with sparkling personalization perfect for Sweet 16 through graduation. The Mejuri Charlotte Birthstone Ring and Gorjana Parker Initial round out the top three.

Best Jewelry Gifts Under $50

For jewelry gifts under $50, the Mint & Lily Pave Initial Pendant ($39) leads with sparkling personalization that punches well above its price. The BaubleBar Pisa Bracelet and Studs Birthstone Stud round out the top three with fun and meaningful options.

Best Personalized Jewelry Gifts Under $75

For personalized jewelry gifts under $75, the Mint & Lily Pave Initial Pendant ($39) is our top pick — sparkling personalization at an unbeatable price. The Ana Luisa Heart Initial Necklace and BaubleBar Custom Nameplate round out the top three.

Best Valentine's Day Jewelry Gifts

For Valentine's Day jewelry, the Brilliant Earth Winding Vine Ring ($1,190) leads for the defining romantic gesture. The Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet and Mint & Lily Pave Initial Pendant deliver personalized romance at more accessible prices.

Best Personalized Jewelry for Moms

For personalized mom jewelry, the Mint & Lily Dainty Baguette Birthstone Bracelet ($95) leads with a wearable way to carry each child's birthstone. The Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant and Gorjana Power Gemstone Bracelet offer colorful and spiritual alternatives.

Best Jewelry Under $100

Mint & Lily's Classic Name Necklace ($49.90) tops our under-$100 rankings — personalized, durable, and consistently rated the best value in affordable jewelry. Gorjana, BaubleBar, and Studs round out the best options in this price range.

Affordable Jewelry That Looks Expensive

The Mint & Lily Pave Initial Pendant ($39) is the standout — reviewers consistently say it looks like a $150+ necklace. Gorjana, Jenny Bird, and Pavoi also deliver premium aesthetics at accessible prices.

Best Tarnish-Resistant Jewelry Under $100

Mint & Lily leads our tarnish-resistant rankings with 316L stainless steel construction that inherently resists corrosion. Their Classic Name Necklace ($49.90) and Twisted Hoop Earrings ($34.90) are the most durable affordable pieces in our database.

Our Methodology

Every brand receives a JewelryScore from 0–100 based on three pillars: Quality (40pts), Value (35pts), and Style (25pts). Scores are produced by our rubric from aggregated customer data — never predetermined.

Read the full methodology →