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Over the years, Instagram has transformed into a shopping mall. Its latest redesign put a “shop” button where the app’s main feature, the user activity page, used to be, after all. Instagram’s metamorphosis into Adstagram can certainly be frustrating. Sometimes I just want to see my friends’ photos or pictures of cute dogs (mainly cute dogs) without being bombarded by an ad every three to four posts (I’ve counted.)
I won’t pretend, however, I haven’t found a lot of awesome and unique brands on the app, most of which tend to be chic Instagram jewelry brands. As we know, once you click on one ad you’re served a mountain of adjacent ones for all of eternity, so if you’ve ever curiously clicked on an Instagram ad for a piece of jewelry because you thought someone in your life might like it, your feed might be littered with random, minimalist jewelry brands you’ve never heard of.
Of course, some of the brands you’ll find on Instagram are fraudulent. I know people who have ordered products based on an ad they saw and ended up receiving a low-quality product or something completely different than what was advertised to them. It’s something you probably don’t want happening when you order a piece of theoretically fine jewelry.
The good news is that a lot of the jewelry brands you’ve seen on Instagram are legit. The better news is that many of them are also “demi-fine” jewelry brands, which means they offer high-quality pieces at an attainable price point, as well as more expensive, fine jewelry.
So below, we’ve rounded up a few Instagram jewelry brands that are actually deserving of your money and that offer stunning, versatile pieces sure to please whomever you’re buying them for.
Mejuri
The Lowdown: Dainty, high-quality pieces that are surprisingly affordable are Mejuri’s bread and butter. The female-founded brand had its first drop in 2015 and has since become the place to go for enduring, fine jewelry you can wear every single day. Mejuri works with expert jewelers who use ethically sourced materials, like recycled and responsibly mined gold, to create stunning daily staples without the 10x markup (though, if you’re looking to splurge the brand also offers high-priced luxury pieces that are sure to impress.)
What to Buy: Croissant Dôme Hoops, Satellite Necklace and Pavé Diamond Bar Bracelet
Aurate
The Lowdown: The New York-based brand offers ethically sourced, minimally designed rings, necklaces, earrings and more, all perfect for everyday wear. The pieces are made from 14K Gold, 18K Gold and Vermeil, meaning you can buy an engagement ring or a more affordable but well-crafted piece all in one place.
What to Buy: Diamond Connection Necklace, Lightweight Gold Hoop Earrings Trio and X Ring with White Diamonds
Missoma
The Lowdown: Started in 2008 as one of the first demi-fine jewelry brands, Missoma offers a wide array of contemporary jewelry for all genders, designed in-house at the brand’s Notting Hill headquarters. You can shop unique statement, delicate and personalized pieces.
What to Buy: Lucy Williams Square Malachite Necklace, Lucy Williams Flat Curb Chain Bracelet and Baroque Pearl Twisted Drop Earrings
Dorsey
The Lowdown: Dorsey’s Instagram ads are persuasive. Who doesn’t want a glimmering piece made of square-cut Swarovski crystals hanging around their neck? The vintage revival jewelry brand offers a range of effortlessly cool jewelry from bracelets to earrings, but its Riviere collection is a best-seller. So if you’re looking to gift a sparkly, mouth-dropping piece without breaking the bank, Dorsey’s your girl. Even Taylor Swift is a fan.
What to Buy: Dorsey Princess Cut, Sofi Leverback 2 Carat Canary Sapphire and Kate Round Cut Emerald & White Gold Bracelet
Gorjana
The Lowdown: The Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand is known for its effortless, laidback California style. Launched in 2004, Gorjana’s versatile pieces incorporate subtle glint, vivid gemstones and a signature gold finish — and they’re designed to be mixed, matched and layered.
What to Buy: Diamond Bar Eternity Ring, Chloe Mini Choker and Classic Bracelet Set.
Brilliant Earth
The Lowdown: The San Francisco-based brand set out to create a more transparent, sustainable and compassionate jewelry industry in 2005 and has become a global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry ever since. You’ll find innovative, dazzling pieces, from engagement rings to other fine jewelry, all of which is conflict-free. You even have the ability to design your own gemstone or diamond ring.
What to Buy: Diamond Tennis Bracelet, an engagement ring or a personalized piece of jewelry featuring her birthstone.
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