Aurate New York

So here's the thing about Aurate-it's basically what happens when two friends get fed up with the jewelry industry over brunch. And honestly? That origin story checks out when you look at what they've built.

Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui founded the company in 2015 after complaining about green fingers and the lack of contemporary fine jewelry at reasonable prices. But they didn't just complain-they actually did something about it. The brand creates pieces with recycled 14k, 18k and vermeil gold, which is kind of a big deal when you think about the environmental impact of traditional jewelry production.

What makes Aurate different is their whole approach to pricing. They keep operations local to avoid import taxes, recycle excess materials, and produce pieces on a made-to-order basis so customers don't pay for extra inventory costs. It's the direct-to-consumer model applied to fine jewelry, and it actually works-you're getting quality pieces without the traditional retail markup that can triple or quadruple prices.

The sustainability angle isn't just marketing fluff either. Their gold is sustainable, casted, polished and perfected by generational craftsmen, and their conflict-free diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process. They even source pearls and gems from family-run establishments. So if you're the type who cares about where your stuff comes from (and let's be real, more of us should be), Aurate's got that covered.

Now, the product range is pretty solid. You've got everything from delicate everyday pieces to statement jewelry-rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets. They guarantee everything for life, which is a nice touch. The aesthetic is minimalist and modern, the kind of jewelry you can wear to a meeting or out to dinner without thinking twice about it.

But here's where it gets interesting: In 2022, they opened stores in New York and San Francisco, but both have since closed, and the brand pivoted to striking wholesale deals with legacy retailers. They're now in 200 Macy's and Helzberg locations with exclusive collections. It's a smart move-let the retailers handle the brick-and-mortar headaches while Aurate focuses on what they do best: designing and making jewelry.

The brand has gotten some serious press love too. Vogue called their quality jewelry at a reasonable price point "almost unheard of," and they've been featured in The New York Times, Marie Claire, and Harper's Bazaar. Actress Kerry Washington even partnered with them and designed her own collection.

Customer service seems to be a mixed bag based on reviews-some people rave about the responsiveness, others have had issues with shipping delays or return policies. The support team operates Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM ET, and they offer both email and live chat support.

One thing to note: Every design goes through a rigorous 5-step testing process, so they're clearly taking quality control seriously. And with pieces made in New York City, you're supporting local craftsmanship, which is increasingly rare in the jewelry world.

Is Aurate perfect? No. But for sustainable, ethically-made fine jewelry that doesn't require you to take out a second mortgage, it's definitely worth a look. Just maybe read the return policy carefully before you buy.