Brilliant Earth vs. Mejuri: Brand comparison [2026]

Brilliant Earth specializes in ethically sourced, high-end fine jewelry, with a primary focus on engagement rings and wedding bands made from recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds. In contrast, Mejuri offers trendy, minimalist, and more affordable fine jewelry designed for everyday wear, catering to a younger audience looking to build a versatile collection.

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

Brilliant Earth: The Leader in Ethical & Sustainable Fine Jewelry

Brilliant Earth has built its reputation on a foundation of transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. The brand is the go-to choice for consumers purchasing milestone jewelry, like engagement rings or anniversary gifts, who want assurance that their pieces are made responsibly. Their aesthetic is classic and timeless, designed to be cherished for a lifetime rather than just a season.

• Product mix: Primarily known for engagement rings and wedding bands, offering extensive customization options. They also have a full range of fine jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings with ethically sourced gemstones.
• Price point: Mid to high-end luxury. Engagement ring settings start around $1,000 before the diamond, and complete rings can range from $2,500 to well over $20,000. Fine jewelry pieces typically start at $300.
• Quality & Materials: Exceptional craftsmanship using recycled gold and platinum and Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds, which go beyond the standard Kimberley Process. Every piece is made to be heirloom-quality.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is precise and follows standard US measurements. They offer detailed guides and free ring sizers to ensure a perfect fit for important purchases.
• Sustainability & Ethics: This is the core of their brand identity. They use recycled precious metals, carbon-neutral shipping, and maintain a transparent supply chain to ensure labor and environmental standards are met.
• Return policy: Offers a 30-day window for returns and exchanges on most items, provided they are in original condition.

Brilliant Earth is the ideal choice for significant purchases where ethical sourcing and lasting quality are the most important factors.

Shop Brilliant Earth: brilliantearth.com

Mejuri: The Everyday Fine Jewelry Brand

Mejuri disrupted the traditional jewelry market by offering high-quality, direct-to-consumer fine jewelry without the luxury markup. Their focus is on creating modern, minimalist pieces that can be worn every day, layered, and styled for any occasion. The brand appeals to self-purchasers, typically Millennial and Gen Z shoppers, who want to treat themselves to real gold and silver without waiting for a special event.

• Product mix: A wide array of rings, necklaces, earrings (especially hoops and studs), and bracelets. Offerings are trend-driven, with new 'drops' happening weekly to keep the selection fresh. A growing portion now uses recycled gold as well.
• Price point: Highly accessible. Most pieces are priced between $50 and $500. A simple 14k solid gold band is often available for under $200.
• Quality & Materials: Uses primarily 14k solid gold, gold vermeil, sterling silver, and ethically sourced gemstones. The quality is excellent for the price point and designed for durability in daily wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Follows standard US ring sizing and offers guides on their website. As pieces are more casual, the focus is on standard comfort sizing.
• Sustainability & Ethics: The brand is focused on traceability in their supply chain and using recycled materials where possible, but this is a secondary message compared to their focus on style and affordability.
• Return policy: Standard 30-day return policy for items in their original, unworn condition.

Mejuri makes fine jewelry feel accessible and fun, perfect for shoppers looking to build a modern collection without a huge investment.

Shop Mejuri: mejuri.com

Brilliant Earth vs. Mejuri Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Brilliant Earth operates in the luxury market, where pieces are considered long-term investments. Engagement rings are their bread and butter, starting in the thousands of dollars. Even a simple, classic wedding band will be considerably more expensive than a fashion-forward ring from Mejuri.

Mejuri’s model is built on accessibility. By selling directly to consumers, they cut out middlemen and offer 14k solid gold pieces at a fraction of traditional retail prices. A budget of $150–$300 can get you a high-quality, stylish piece you can wear daily, whereas that might only cover a very delicate sterling silver item at Brilliant Earth.

Quality & Materials

Both brands offer quality products, but they are built for different purposes. Brilliant Earth’s focus is on heirloom quality. They use higher-grade materials, recycled precious metals, and certified, meticulously sourced diamonds and gemstones. The craftsmanship is designed to last for generations.

Mejuri uses solid gold and high-quality materials, and their pieces are certainly durable for everyday wear. However, their primary goal is not creating a future heirloom. The quality is excellent for its price point and intended use - as fashionable, long-lasting personal jewelry - but you're paying for design and accessibility more than lifelong craftsmanship.

Style & Aesthetic

Brilliant Earth’s designs are overwhelmingly classic, timeless, and elegant. Think solitaire engagement rings, perfect diamond studs, and simple platinum bands. Their aesthetic leans into tradition and sophistication, appealing to a customer who values enduring style over fleeting trends.

Mejuri is the opposite, focusing on what’s current and modern. Their pieces are designed to be stacked and layered, featuring minimalist chains, trendy croissant rings, and small hoops that align with today's fashion trends. Their collections are constantly being updated to reflect what is popular in the moment.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is where Brilliant Earth clearly leads. Their entire brand mission is centered on revolutionizing the jewelry industry's ethical standards. From using recycled metals to their Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds, every aspect of their business is built around sustainability and transparent, responsible sourcing.

Mejuri is not unethical - they are committed to transparency and using recycled gold where possible - but it is not their main selling point. Their sustainability report focuses on traceability and empowering their partners. For a shopper who prioritizes ethics above all else, Brilliant Earth provides more comprehensive information and stricter standards.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your reason for buying and your personal values. Both brands excel in their respective niches.

Choose Brilliant Earth if:

• You are buying an engagement ring, wedding band, or another major milestone piece.
• Ethical sourcing and sustainability are your absolute top priorities.
• You are looking for an heirloom-quality piece that will be passed down for generations.
• Your personal style leans classic, traditional, and timeless.

Choose Mejuri if:

• You are shopping for yourself and want to build a collection of everyday jewelry.
• You are looking for a trendy, stylish gift for under $500.
• You want fine jewelry that is modern, minimalist, and easy to layer.
• You value affordability and frequent new styles over lifelong investment pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brilliant Earth or Mejuri more expensive?

Brilliant Earth is significantly more expensive. Their jewelry is positioned as a luxury investment, with fine jewelry pieces often starting at several hundred dollars and engagement rings costing thousands. Mejuri's focus is on accessible fine jewelry, with most of their catalog priced between $50 and $500.

Which brand is better for engagement rings?

Brilliant Earth is unquestionably the better choice for engagement rings. It is their core business, and they offer vast customization options, expert guidance, and certified, high-quality diamonds and settings. Their entire experience is tailored for this specific, important purchase.

Is Mejuri real gold?

Yes, Mejuri primarily uses 14k solid gold, as well as some 18k gold, gold vermeil (a thick layer of gold over sterling silver), and sterling silver. They clearly label the materials in each product description.

Is Brilliant Earth really an ethical brand?

Yes, ethical and sustainable practices are the cornerstone of the Brilliant Earth brand. They use recycled precious metals and Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds, and they are certified carbon neutral. They provide a transparent look into their supply chain for customers who value this information.

What are the return policies for Brilliant Earth and Mejuri?

Both brands offer a 30-day return window for items that are in their original and unworn condition. It is always best to check their websites directly for any updates or specific exclusions related to custom or engraved pieces.

Do Brilliant Earth and Mejuri have physical stores?

Brilliant Earth operates primarily online but has showrooms in major cities across the US and internationally where you can book an appointment for a personalized consultation. Mejuri is mainly a direct-to-consumer online brand but has opened a number of physical stores in recent years in key markets like New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles.

Which brand has better quality?

This depends on how you define "better." Brilliant Earth offers superior, heirloom-level quality designed to last a lifetime and beyond, often using more valuable materials. Mejuri offers excellent quality for its affordable price point and is designed to withstand daily wear. For a lifelong investment, Brilliant Earth is better. For everyday accessorizing, Mejuri's quality is more than sufficient.

Which brand is better for gifts?

If you have a large budget and are marking a major life event like an anniversary or graduation, Brilliant Earth is a fantastic choice. For more casual gifting like birthdays or holidays for a friend, partner, or yourself, Mejuri's stylish designs and accessible price points are hard to beat.