Aurate Jewelry Review: An Honest Take On This Celeb-Loved Brand

Hey gorgeous, if you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for jewelry that is not only stunning, but also made with quality materials and ethical practices. That‘s why I was thrilled to discover Aurate, a direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand shaking up the industry. I‘ve spent the past few months testing out their pieces and diving deep into the company to bring you my honest Aurate jewelry review.

In this post, I‘ll share everything you need to know about Aurate – from the founders‘ story to the jewelry details to real customer feedback. I‘ll also give you my personal take on whether Aurate is worth the hype and your hard-earned cash. So grab a coffee and let‘s dive in!

What Is Aurate?

Before we get into the sparkly stuff, let‘s start with the basics. Aurate is a New York-based fine jewelry company that was founded in 2015 by Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui. The duo met while attending Princeton University and bonded over their shared frustrations with the traditional jewelry shopping experience.

As busy working women, Sophie and Bouchra wanted high-quality, stylish jewelry that fit their lifestyle and budget. But they found that most fine jewelry was either overpriced or poorly made. They set out to create a brand that would disrupt the industry by offering luxury-grade pieces at fair prices, all while maintaining ethical and sustainable practices.

The name "Aurate" is a combination of "Au", the chemical symbol for gold, and "rate", representing the rate of return on a woman‘s investment in herself. It perfectly encapsulates the brand‘s mission to create jewelry that makes women feel confident and empowered.

Since launching, Aurate has seen impressive growth and accolades. They‘ve been featured in major publications like Forbes, Vogue, and The New York Times and have even collaborated with celebrities like Kerry Washington. In 2020, Aurate‘s revenue surpassed $10 million, a 400% increase from the previous year.

The Jewelry: Aurate Review

Now for the good stuff – the actual jewelry! Aurate offers a wide range of pieces, from dainty everyday necklaces to statement rings. They work primarily with 14k and 18k solid gold, as well as gold vermeil (a thick layer of gold on top of sterling silver). Everything is handmade in New York using the finest materials, including ethically-sourced diamonds, pearls, and gemstones.

One of the standout collections is the Aurate x Kerry Washington collaboration, which launched in 2021. The collection features bold and meaningful pieces like the Lioness Pendant, a necklace that symbolizes strength and unity. 100% of the proceeds from this collection go towards the Ayodeji Ogunniyi Scholarship Fund, which provides educational resources for BIPOC students. As a woman of color myself, I love seeing a major celebrity using her platform for positive change.

But Aurate‘s main line is equally impressive. Some of my personal favorites include:

• The Icon Ring: A chunky, 14k gold cigar band that makes a serious statement. I love styling it with a simple tee and jeans for an effortlessly cool look.

• The Merrin Necklace: A bestseller featuring a single freshwater pearl on a delicate gold chain. It‘s the epitome of understated elegance and looks amazing layered with other necklaces.

• The Diamond Bezel Earrings: Classic diamond studs updated with a modern bezel setting. They add the perfect touch of sparkle to any outfit and are surprisingly affordable (prices start at $180).

Aurate also has a gorgeous selection of engagement rings and wedding bands for the bride-to-be. Their pieces strike the perfect balance of being unique yet timeless. I especially love The Siren Ring, a stunning oval diamond set in a minimal gold band.

When it comes to quality, Aurate truly delivers. I‘ve been wearing my Aurate pieces almost daily for months now and they still look as good as new. I get so many compliments on my Infinity Ring and Diamond Bar Earrings – people are always shocked when I tell them the price! It just goes to show that you don‘t have to spend a fortune to get beautiful, well-made jewelry.

Customer Reviews & Feedback

But don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at what other customers have to say about Aurate. On their website, Aurate has over 2,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Here are some highlights:

"I am extremely picky when it comes to jewelry and I was beyond impressed with the quality of craftsmanship. They are substantial and sparkly and I know these are pieces I will wear every single day." – Elizabeth K.

"I have been searching high and low for a wedding band that is simple, sophisticated, and something that I won‘t get tired of. The Stackable Twist Ring is PERFECT! It‘s exactly what I‘ve been looking for and I know I‘ll love it for years to come." – Jenna M.

"I gifted my mom a necklace for Mother‘s Day and she loves it! The packaging was beautiful and it arrived quickly. Will definitely be purchasing again." – Sarah T.

Of course, no brand is perfect and there are a few negative reviews out there. The most common complaints seem to be around slower-than-expected shipping times and difficulties reaching customer service. However, Aurate has responded to each of these reviews with an apology and an offer to make it right.

The Buying Experience

One thing that sets Aurate apart is their commitment to transparency and customer education. Their website has detailed information on the materials they use, their crafting process, and even a glossary of jewelry terms.

When you‘re ready to make a purchase, the experience is seamless. Aurate offers free shipping and 30-day returns on all US orders. They also have a lifetime warranty, so if anything happens to your piece (even years down the line), they‘ll repair or replace it for free. It‘s just another way they stand behind the quality of their jewelry.

If you‘re unsure about what to buy, Aurate‘s stylists are available via chat, email, or video call to help you find the perfect piece. I had a great experience with one of their stylists who helped me choose my Infinity Ring size and gave me ideas for styling it.

Aurate also offers a home try-on program for engagement rings. They‘ll send you replica rings in the styles and sizes of your choice, so you can see how they look and feel in person before committing. It‘s a genius idea that takes the stress out of such a big purchase.

Sustainability & Ethics

As someone who tries to shop consciously, I love that Aurate is committed to ethical and sustainable practices. They use 100% recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds in all of their pieces. They also have a "Aurate for Life" program where you can send back any Aurate piece and they‘ll recycle the gold and gemstones to create new jewelry.

Aurate‘s factories are all located in New York and they ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for all of their employees. They‘re also a certified carbon neutral company and donate a portion of their proceeds to various charities. It‘s reassuring to know that my jewelry purchases are supporting a company that prioritizes people and the planet.

Pricing & Value

Fine jewelry is definitely an investment, but I believe Aurate provides incredible value for the price. Their pieces are significantly less expensive than traditional luxury brands, without sacrificing quality or style.

For example, a classic diamond tennis bracelet from Tiffany & Co. costs $11,000. Aurate‘s version, which uses the same high-quality materials, is only $1,800. That‘s a savings of over $9,000!

Of course, Aurate is still a splurge for many people. But I view their pieces as timeless investments that I‘ll wear for years to come. The cost per wear ends up being very reasonable, especially compared to cheaper jewelry that tarnishes or breaks after a few uses.

If you‘re on a tighter budget, I recommend starting with Aurate‘s gold vermeil pieces. They have the same look as solid gold but at a more attainable price point. The Merrin Necklace and the Mini Infinity Ring are great options under $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we wrap up, I wanted to address some of the most common questions I see about Aurate jewelry:

Is Aurate real gold?
Yes, all of Aurate‘s pieces are made with either solid 14k or 18k gold, or gold vermeil (a thick layer of gold on top of sterling silver). They never use hollow gold or gold plating.

Does Aurate jewelry tarnish?
Solid gold will not tarnish, but gold vermeil may tarnish over time if not properly cared for. To keep your pieces looking their best, avoid contact with water, perfume, and other chemicals. Store them separately in a soft cloth bag when not being worn.

How long does Aurate shipping take?
Aurate offers free ground shipping on all US orders, which takes 3-5 business days. They also have expedited shipping options available for an additional fee.

Can you shower with Aurate jewelry?
It‘s best to remove your Aurate jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising to avoid damage and premature tarnishing.

Does Aurate have physical stores?
Aurate has three brick-and-mortar locations in New York City, but they primarily operate as an online retailer. You can book an appointment at one of their stores to view pieces in person and get styling advice.

Final Thoughts

After wearing Aurate for the past few months and doing extensive research into the brand, I can confidently say that they live up to the hype. Their pieces are truly stunning and well-crafted, using only the finest materials. I love that I can feel good about supporting a company that prioritizes ethics and sustainability.

While Aurate is certainly an investment, I believe their jewelry is worth the splurge. These are pieces that you‘ll reach for day after day, year after year. And with their lifetime warranty, you can have peace of mind that your jewelry will last.

Whether you‘re looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, I highly recommend checking out Aurate. And if you‘re still on the fence, remember that they offer 30-day free returns, so you can always try a piece out risk-free.

I hope this Aurate review was helpful and informative! If you have any other questions, feel free to DM me. I‘m always happy to chat all things jewelry.

Happy shopping!

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