Which Instagram jewelry brands are really worth a shot?

Over the years, Instagram has turned into a mall. Its latest overhaul put a “shop” button where the app’s main functionality was, the user activity page, after all. The metamorphosis from Instagram to Adstagram can certainly be frustrating. Sometimes I just want to see pictures of my friends or pictures of cute dogs (mostly cute dogs) without being bombarded with an ad every three or four posts (I counted.)

I’m not claiming, however, I didn’t find many great and unique brands on the app, most of which tend to be classy jewelry brands. As we know, once you click on an ad you receive a mountain of adjacent ads for eternity, so if you’ve ever clicked curiously on an Instagram ad for a gem because you thought someone in your life might like this, your feed may be littered with random, minimalist jewelry brands you’ve never heard of.

Of course, some of the brands you will find on Instagram are fraudulent. I know people who have ordered products based on an ad they saw and ended up receiving a shoddy product or something completely different than what was advertised to them. This is something you probably don’t want to happen when ordering a theoretically fine piece of jewelry.

The good news is that a lot of jewelry brands you’ve seen on Instagram are legit. The best news is that many of them are also ‘semi-fine’ jewelry brands, which means they offer high quality pieces at an affordable price, as well as more expensive fine jewelry.

So, below, we’ve rounded up a few Instagram jewelry brands that are truly worth your money and offer some amazing and versatile pieces that are sure to please whoever you buy them.

Mejuri

The truth: The delicate, high-quality pieces that are surprisingly affordable are Mejuri Bread and Butter. The woman-founded brand debuted in 2015 and has since become the place to go for fine, long-lasting jewelry you can wear every day. Mejuri works with expert jewelers who use ethically sourced materials, like responsibly mined and recycled gold, to create stunning everyday 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: Crescent Dome Hoops, Satellite Necklace and Diamond Paved Bar Bracelet

Aurate

The truth: The New York-based brand offers ethically sourced rings, necklaces, earrings and more with minimalist designs, all perfect for everyday wear. The coins are crafted from 14k gold, 18k gold, and vermeil, which means you can purchase a more affordable yet well-designed engagement ring or piece all in one place.

What to buy: Diamond Connection necklace, trio of light gold hoops and X ring with white diamonds

Missoma

The truth : Launched in 2008 as one of the first brands of semi-fine jewelry, Missoma offers a wide range of contemporary jewelry for all genres, designed in-house at the brand’s headquarters in Notting Hill. You can buy unique, delicate and personalized pieces.

What to buy: Lucy Williams square malachite necklace, Lucy Williams flat curb chain bracelet and twisted dangling earrings with baroque pearls

Dorsey

The truth: Dorsey’s Instagram ads are compelling. Who doesn’t want a sparkling, square-cut Swarovski crystal piece hanging from their neck? Vintage jewelry brand revival offers an effortlessly cool line of jewelry, from bracelets to earrings, but its Riviere collection is a bestseller. So, if you’re looking to gift a sparkling, jaw-dropping piece without breaking the bank, Dorsey is 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 Tilting: The Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand is known for its laid-back, laid-back California flair. Launched in 2004, Gorjana’s versatile pieces incorporate subtle highlights, vivid gemstones and a signature gold finish – and they’re designed to be mixed, matched and layered.

What to buy: Eternity ring with diamond bar, mini Chloe choker and classic bracelets set.

Shining earth

The truth: The San Francisco-based brand set out to create a more transparent, sustainable and compassionate jewelry industry in 2005 and has since grown into a global leader in ethically-sourced jewelry. You’ll find innovative and dazzling pieces, from engagement rings to other exquisite jewelry, all conflict-free. You even have the option to design your own gemstone or diamond ring.

What to buy: Tennis Diamond bracelet, an engagement ring or a personalized jewel with its birthstone.