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

Catbird is known for its delicate, handcrafted jewelry with a whimsical and romantic aesthetic, often at a mid-range luxury price. In contrast, Mejuri offers sleek, modern, minimalist fine jewelry for everyday wear, built on a direct-to-consumer model that keeps prices more accessible. Both prioritize ethically sourced materials, but Catbird leans into an artisanal, heirloom feel while Mejuri focuses on affordable, versatile staples.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which jewelry brand is the right choice for you.

Catbird: The Home of Artisanal & Whimsical Jewelry

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Catbird has earned a devoted following for its delicate, stackable, and often personalized pieces that feel both timeless and unique. Their jewelry is designed for those who appreciate understated luxury with a touch of whimsy. The brand is deeply committed to ethical production, using recycled gold and conflict-free stones in its handcrafted designs, many of which are made right in their Brooklyn studio.

• Product mix: Specializes in dainty rings, whisper-thin stacking bands, personalized charms, and unique engagement rings. Their style is distinctly romantic and intricate.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range luxury category, with most popular pieces falling between $100 and $500. A simple gold stacking ring can start around $150, positioning itself as an investment in unique craftsmanship.
• Quality & Materials: Known for high-quality, handcrafted details. They use solid recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds and offer a lifetime warranty on their own pieces, highlighting their commitment to durability.
• Style & Aesthetic: Feminine, romantic, creative, and slightly whimsical. The pieces are made for layering to create a personalized, collected-over-time look.
• Sizing/Fit: Ring sizing is generally true to standard U.S. measurements. A detailed online guide is provided to help find the correct size.
• Sustainability & Ethics: A core pillar of the brand. They are a certified B-Corp, emphasizing recycled precious metals, ethically sourced stones, and transparent production processes.

Catbird is the ideal choice for someone seeking special, heirloom-quality jewelry that tells a story through its artisanal details and romantic design.

Shop Catbird: catbirdnyc.com

Mejuri: Modern Fine Jewelry for Every Day

Toronto-based Mejuri changed the industry by making fine jewelry accessible through a direct-to-consumer model, stripping away traditional markups. Their target audience is the modern consumer who wants to wear high-quality gold and gemstone pieces daily, not just on special occasions. Mejuri focuses on versatile, stackable staples that are minimalist, contemporary, and effortlessly stylish.

• Product mix: Offers a wide range of essentials, including everyday hoops, simple chain necklaces, signet rings, and stackable bands. Collections are frequently updated to stay current.
• Price point: Positioned as affordable luxury, with most items priced between $50 and $300. You can find a classic 14k gold band for under $100.
• Quality & Materials: Uses ethically sourced 14k gold, conflict-free diamonds, and other high-quality materials. Pieces are produced in certified factories focused on consistency and durability for daily wear.
• Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist, modern, and sleek. Designs feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and a polished finish that works for any occasion.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is very consistent, and they offer comprehensive online guides and half-sizes for most rings to ensure a perfect fit.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Emphasizes supply chain transparency, working with responsible suppliers and using recycled materials where possible. They are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Mejuri excels at providing stylish, high-quality, and ethical jewelry staples that you can wear every day without thinking twice about the price.

Shop Mejuri: mejuri.com

Catbird vs. Mejuri Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Mejuri is consistently the more affordable option, thanks to its direct-to-consumer business model that eliminates retail markups. Most of their collection sits comfortably under $300, making it easier to build a substantial jewelry collection without a huge investment.

Catbird, with its emphasis on handcrafted production and artisanal design in their Brooklyn studio, commands a higher price. Their pieces are positioned more as investment buys or special-occasion gifts. For example, a delicate gold band from Mejuri might cost around $100, while a comparable style from Catbird would likely be closer to $150 or more, reflecting its fine, handcrafted nature.

Quality & Materials

Both brands are committed to using high-quality materials, primarily working with 14k gold and ethically sourced, conflict-free gemstones and diamonds. You can trust the durability and material integrity of either choice. The main difference lies in the production process and finish.

Catbird’s jewelry gets its value from its handcrafted quality. Pieces often have subtle, unique variations that signal an artisan's touch, which is highly desirable for those seeking one-of-a-kind items. Mejuri focuses more on precision and consistency, with manufacturing processes that produce a sleek, uniform, and polished finish perfect for minimalist essentials.

Style & Aesthetic

Your personal style will be the biggest factor in your decision. Catbird's aesthetic is romantic, whimsical, and intricate. Their jewelry features tiny diamonds, delicate engravings, and nature-inspired motifs. It's for someone who loves a deeply personal and layered look that feels collected over time.

Mejuri, on the other hand, is the queen of modern minimalism. Their designs are clean, geometric, and bold yet understated. Their pieces act as the perfect foundation for a contemporary wardrobe - think classic gold hoops, sleek chains, and simple signet rings. They are less about telling a whimsical story and more about projecting effortless confidence.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands provide accurate and helpful sizing guides on their websites. Their rings generally run true to standard U.S. sizing. One key advantage for Mejuri is that they offer half-sizes in most of their ring designs, which is extremely helpful for getting a precise and comfortable fit, especially for rings you plan to wear daily. Catbird's delicate bands can sometimes feel different depending on the width and style, so it's always best to consult their sizing chart carefully.

Shopping Experience

As strong e-commerce brands, both Mejuri and Catbird offer excellent online shopping experiences. Their websites are easy to navigate with high-quality photos and detailed product information. Mejuri's site is particularly sleek and optimized for a quick, seamless purchase process, complete with live chat support.

Catbird offers a slightly more boutique experience online, with options for virtual styling appointments to help you curate your perfect stack or choose an engagement ring. If you are ever in their respective home cities, Catbird has a much-loved flagship store in Brooklyn, while Mejuri operates a growing number of physical showrooms across North America and beyond.

Sustainability & Ethics

Shoppers concerned with ethical production can feel good about buying from either brand. Both are leaders in bringing transparency and responsible practices to the jewelry industry. Catbird utilizes recycled gold and is a certified B-Corp, reflecting a high standard of social and environmental performance. Mejuri is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, ensuring its partners adhere to strict standards, and they are also committed to traceability in their supply chain.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two excellent brands comes down to your personal style, priorities, and budget.

Choose Catbird if:

• You're drawn to delicate, romantic, and whimsical jewelry with intricate, handcrafted details.
• You are looking for a special piece to mark an occasion, like an engagement ring or anniversary gift.
• Connecting with brands that have a strong artisanal and community-based story is important to you.
• You view jewelry as an investment in unique art and are willing to pay a premium for handmade quality.

Choose Mejuri if:

• Your style is modern, minimalist, and you need versatile pieces that work with everything.
• You want to build a collection of high-quality, everyday fine jewelry without a huge financial commitment.
• You value affordability and a streamlined direct-to-consumer shopping experience.
• You need precise sizing and prefer having half-size options for the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Catbird or Mejuri cheaper?

Mejuri is generally cheaper. Their direct-to-consumer model allows them to offer fine jewelry at a lower price point, with most items falling between $50 and $300. Catbird's prices reflect their handcrafted production and typically range from $100 to $500 for similar pieces.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality. The difference is in the style of making. Catbird focuses on artisanal, handcrafted quality, which gives each piece a unique feel. Mejuri focuses on precision manufacturing, ensuring consistency and a sleek finish perfect for everyday wear. Neither is "better," it just depends on whether you prefer an artisanal or a modern aesthetic.

Which is better for engagement rings?

Catbird is a more popular destination for engagement rings. They have a wide, curated collection of unique and romantic rings from their in-house designers and other independent artists. While Mejuri offers some simple, modern options, Catbird's specialization makes them the stronger choice for this specific purchase.

Are both Catbird and Mejuri sustainable brands?

Yes, both are recognized leaders in ethical and sustainable jewelry. Catbird uses recycled gold and is a certified B-Corp. Mejuri is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council and is committed to supply chain transparency.

Do rings from Catbird and Mejuri run true to size?

Yes, both brands' rings generally run true to standard U.S. sizing. A significant advantage for Mejuri is that many of their rings are available in half-sizes, which makes it easier to find a comfortable, perfect fit.

Where are Catbird and Mejuri based?

Catbird is based in Brooklyn, New York, where they also have their primary design studio and flagship store. Mejuri was founded and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Can I see the jewelry in person before buying?

Yes. Catbird has a well-known physical store in Brooklyn. Mejuri has opened an increasing number of showrooms in major cities across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., where you can see their collections in person.