Au Rate vs. Mejuri: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Au Rate is known for its modern, minimalist aesthetic and slightly more competitive pricing, focusing on ethically sourced 14k and 18k gold pieces designed for layering. Mejuri leans into a timeless, classic style, offering a diverse collection of everyday fine jewelry that includes engagement pieces and physical showrooms for an in-person experience.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right jewelry brand for your collection.

Au Rate: Ethically Sourced & Modern Minimalism

Au Rate is a direct-to-consumer brand built on a foundation of sustainability, transparency, and accessible luxury. It's a go-to for shoppers who want high-quality, ethically-made jewelry with a contemporary edge. Their designs are consciously crafted to be both statement-making and wearable for everyday use, appealing to a customer who values both style and substance.

• Product mix: A focused selection of rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made from 14k and 18k solid gold, often featuring conflict-free diamonds and gemstones. They excel at delicate, stackable pieces.
• Price point: Mid-range, with most items falling between $100 and $500. A simple 14k gold stacking ring might cost around $150, making it an accessible entry into fine jewelry.
• Style: Unapologetically modern and minimalist. Au Rate’s aesthetic is perfect for creating layered looks or adding a subtle, chic detail to any outfit.
• Sizing/Fit: Rings are generally true to size. The brand provides detailed sizing guides on its website to help you find the perfect fit for rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
• Sustainability & Ethics: A core pillar of the brand. Au Rate emphasizes using recycled gold, ethically sourcing all gemstones, and providing transparent production details.
• Return policy: Offers easy 30-day returns and exchanges, giving customers confidence to shop online.

Au Rate is an ideal choice for the conscious consumer who wants modern, minimalist solid gold jewelry at a competitive price without compromising on ethical standards.

Shop Au Rate: aurate.com

Mejuri: The Everyday Fine Jewelry

Mejuri helped define the "everyday fine jewelry" movement by creating luxury-quality pieces designed to be worn daily, not just for special occasions. The brand has built a loyal following by blending classic design with accessible pricing. They appeal to a broad demographic looking for versatile, elegant pieces that can be passed down without feeling dated.

• Product mix: An extensive range of rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in 14k solid gold and sterling silver. Mejuri also offers a well-regarded collection of engagement and wedding jewelry.
• Price point: Accessible-to-mid-range, typically starting around $50 and going up to $600 for more elaborate pieces. Their selection comfortably suits various budgets.
• Style: Timeless and refined with a modern twist. While minimalist, many Mejuri designs have classic or vintage-inspired details that provide a sophisticated feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for offering a great range of sizes, including many half-sizes for rings, ensuring a more precise fit for customers.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Strongly committed to sustainability through the Responsible Jewellery Council, using traceable materials, an increasingly high percentage of recycled gold, and offering carbon-neutral shipping.
• Shopping Experience: In addition to a polished online store, Mejuri has physical showrooms in several major cities where customers can see and try on jewelry in person.

Mejuri excels at offering a wide variety of timeless and versatile fine jewelry, making it a perfect fit for shoppers who need classic pieces for any occasion and appreciate the option of an in-store experience.

Shop Mejuri: mejuri.com

Au Rate vs. Mejuri Comparison

Price Comparison

While both brands aim for accessible pricing, Au Rate generally has a slight edge for shoppers on a stricter budget. For a comparable 14k gold stacking ring, you might pay around $150-$200 at Au Rate. A similar style from Mejuri would likely be in the $200-$300 range.

This difference comes down to their specific designs and direct-to-consumer models. Both frequently run promotions and sales events, but Au Rate’s baseline pricing is often more competitive for solid gold basics. Mejuri's broader material selection, including sterling silver, means they do offer pieces at a lower entry price point overall, but like-for-like gold comparisons typically favor Au Rate.

Quality & Materials

There is no discernible difference in quality between the two brands. Both are committed to high standards of craftsmanship and use durable, high-quality materials intended for everyday life. Their primary material is 14k solid gold, which offers an ideal balance of durability and purity for jewelry worn consistently.

Au Rate also heavily promotes its use of 18k gold and sustainably sourced gemstones. Both brands offer solid guarantees. You can be confident that you're investing in a piece that is made to last from either retailer.

Style & Aesthetic

Your choice will likely come down to personal preference in this category. Au Rate’s aesthetic is definitively modern, minimalist, and on-trend. Their designs are clean, sometimes geometric, and perfect for the person who loves an understated, layered look. Their focus is narrow and intentional around this contemporary vision.

Mejuri, on the other hand, balances minimalism with timeless elegance. Their collections are broader, featuring classic hoops, timeless chains, and vintage-inspired designs alongside simpler pieces. If your style leans more classic and you want jewelry that feels like it could have been worn a decade ago just as easily as today, Mejuri is a stronger fit.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands provide accurate sizing information online. Both run true to size, so you can order with confidence. The most significant difference is that Mejuri often offers half-sizes for their rings.

This can be a major advantage for finding that perfect, comfortable fit, especially for rings you plan to wear daily or stack together. If you often find yourself between standard ring sizes, Mejuri’s selection will provide a better experience.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both Au Rate and Mejuri are industry leaders in sustainability and ethics, making either a great choice for a conscious shopper. Au Rate puts a strong emphasis on transparency around its sourcing, especially for diamonds and gemstones, and uses recycled gold.

Mejuri tackles sustainability from a broad perspective, with a commitment to traceability, increasing its use of recycled materials, and offering carbon-neutral shipping. Both brands openly share their practices, enabling shoppers to make an informed decision that aligns with their values.

Shopping Experience

The online shopping experiences for both brands are excellent - sleek, user-friendly, and informative. Customer service is responsive, and shipping is efficient for both. The main distinction is Mejuri's physical retail footprint.

Having showrooms in select cities allows customers to try on pieces, compare styles in person, and receive one-on-one assistance. For a significant purchase like an engagement ring or a first big jewelry investment, this in-person option can be incredibly valuable. If you prefer shopping purely online, Au Rate provides a seamless, content-rich experience.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you're looking for in a piece of jewelry. Both have excellent reputations, but they serve slightly different needs and preferences.

Choose Au Rate if:

• You prefer a modern, minimalist, and trend-conscious aesthetic.
• You want to build a collection of delicate, stackable solid gold rings and necklaces.
• Getting the most competitive price for 14k or 18k gold is a top priority.
• You are focused on transparent and ethical sourcing practices for every component.

Choose Mejuri if:

• Your personal style leans more towards classic, timeless, and sophisticated pieces.
• You need half-sizes for rings to find a truly perfect fit.
• You want the option to shop in a physical showroom to see jewelry before you buy.
• You're looking for engagement jewelry or a broader selection of materials like sterling silver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Au Rate or Mejuri more expensive?

For comparable solid gold pieces, Mejuri is often slightly more expensive. On average, Au Rate offers more competitive prices on items like simple 14k gold rings and chains. However, Mejuri's use of sterling silver means it has products available at a lower entry price point.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer exceptional quality. They primarily use durable 14k solid gold designed for everyday wear and follow high craftsmanship standards. The choice between them should be based on aesthetic preference, price, and fit rather than a perceived difference in quality.

Are both Au Rate and Mejuri sustainable?

Yes, both companies are deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Au Rate focuses heavily on material transparency and recycled gold, while Mejuri promotes traceability, responsible sourcing, and carbon-neutral initiatives. Conscious consumers can feel good purchasing from either brand.

Which is better for engagement rings?

Mejuri has a more established and diverse collection dedicated to engagement and wedding rings, making it a stronger choice for this specific category. They offer both classic and modern designs that many couples are looking for.

Can I try on their jewelry in person?

Mejuri has physical showrooms located in major cities across the globe where you can try on their pieces. Au Rate operates almost exclusively online, though they have hosted occasional pop-up shops in the past.

What are the return policies like?

Both brands have customer-friendly return policies. Au Rate typically offers a 30-day window for returns and exchanges on non-customized pieces. Mejuri also provides a 30-day return policy, making online ordering from either brand risk-free.

Do Au Rate and Mejuri have sales?

Yes, both brands hold sales, most notably around Black Friday and other major holidays. However, because their pricing is already fair for the materials used, these sales are an added bonus rather than something you need to wait for to buy.

Is Au Rate jewelry real gold?

Yes. Au Rate's jewelry is crafted from 14-karat or 18-karat solid gold, not plated or gold-filled. This ensures durability, longevity, and value.