nline startups that make affordable and sustainable fine jewelry Connie Chen, provided by

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• Whether you're buying jewelry for yourself or a loved one, the process often feels too complicated, intimidating, and expensive. 
• You'll notice while shopping at these 11 fine jewelry brands, however, that the endeavor feels quite different. 
• If you're looking for a thoughtful Mother's Day gift to last a lifetime, check out all the beautiful gold and diamond options from startups that are changing the way fine jewelry is made and sold.
• Browse all our Mother's Day gift guides here to find budget-friendly, personalized, and unique gifts.

With its inaccessible prices, technical terminology, and nebulous production practices, the world of fine jewelry is intimidating to step into and, for a generation that cares simultaneously about value, style, sustainability, and ethics, a world to be altogether avoided. affordable fine jewelry! 

Not too long ago, we wouldn't even have considered buying nice jewelry online, but then again, that's what we thought about mattresses, luxury watches, and wine. With direct-to-consumer jewelry companies taking center stage, no middlemen or mark-ups mean that you can pay a palatable price that's closer to the true cost of making that beautiful gold necklace, while high standards for sourcing and production quell any fears that your purchase sets other livelihoods or the environment back.

Whether it takes the form of a single, thin gold ring, a heavy statement necklace, or dangling earrings that sparkle with every subtle head movement, jewelry is a very personal purchase. These online jewelry companies will help you make the decision without overcharging you in the process.

Shop jewelry at Mejuri

Toronto-based startup Mejuri, founded by a former art director and a former engineer and third-generation jeweler, drops new pieces every week of the year, and without fail, its largely female clientele return again and again to its 14-karat gold, gold vermeil, and sterling silver jewelry that's made for everyday wear. Mejuri's mission is to have women "embrace a daily dose of luxury." With plenty of under-$100 options, it makes fulfilling this mission very achievable.