AUrate
Rated: Fair
Price: $$$
Location: USA
Quick verdict
AUrate is best for design-conscious consumers who want handcrafted NYC fine jewelry at more accessible price points than traditional luxury jewellers. The brand stands out for 100% recycled gold claims, NYC artisan manufacturing, lab-grown diamond options, and Kerry Washington's investment and collaboration. However, accountability is weak. A BBB F rating, no independently verified sustainability certifications beyond standard Kimberley Process compliance, and a pattern of customer complaints about restrictive returns and refund delays undercut the ethical narrative.
Key info
- Headquarters
- New York City, NY
- Founded
- 2015
- Product categories
- Accessories
- Price range
- $$$
- Key certifications
- Kimberley Process compliance (conflict-free diamonds); claimed RJC certification could not be independently verified. No B Corp, no Fair Trade, no other verified certifications.
AUrate sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
Claims 100% recycled gold in 14K/18K pieces. Offers both conflict-free mined diamonds (Kimberley Process) and lab-grown diamond options. However, claimed RJC certification could not be independently verified on RJC's directory or AUrate's own website.
All jewelry handcrafted in New York City by local artisan partners, benefiting from strong US labor protections. However, no published supplier Code of Conduct, no living wage claims, and no detail on artisan partner working conditions.
Recycled gold eliminates mining demand if claims are accurate. Lab-grown diamonds have lower environmental impact than mined. However, no carbon footprint data, no environmental targets, no sustainability report, and no packaging minimisation initiatives documented.
Not B Corp certified. No verified sustainability certifications beyond Kimberley Process. No sustainability report. The BBB F rating (35 complaints, 77% response rate) raises serious consumer trust concerns.
Sweet spot of $300–$500 for solid gold pieces, with vermeil from $50 and engagement rings to $3,500+. NYC handcrafting and recycled gold claims justify premium positioning. Lifetime warranty with free repairs adds long-term value. However, 15-day return window is restrictive.
What they do well
- NYC artisan manufacturing: All jewelry handcrafted by local artisan partners in New York City, supporting domestic craftsmanship and benefiting from US labor protections.
- Lab-grown and conflict-free diamond options: Offers both lab-grown diamonds (lower environmental impact) and Kimberley Process-compliant mined diamonds, giving consumers a meaningful choice.
- Accessible fine jewelry price point: Solid 14K/18K gold from ~$135, vermeil from $50, with a sweet spot of $300–$500 that undercuts traditional fine jewellers while offering real precious metals.
- Lifetime warranty and social impact: Free repairs for manufacturing defects. Donates a book to a child for every piece sold through partnership with Mastery Charter Schools.
- Kerry Washington investment and collaboration: The actress invested in November 2020 and actively collaborates on collections, bringing visibility and credibility to the brand.
Room for improvement
- Unverifiable sustainability claims: Claimed RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) certification could not be independently confirmed. No B Corp certification. No sustainability report, no Code of Conduct, no carbon data. The 100% recycled gold claim lacks third-party verification.
- No environmental data or targets: For a brand marketing itself on sustainability, the absence of carbon footprint reporting, environmental targets, or a formal sustainability report is a significant gap.
About AUrate
AUrate New York launched products in 2015, co-founded by Sophie Kahn (CEO, from the Netherlands) and Bouchra Ezzahraoui (from Morocco), who met while pursuing master's degrees at Princeton. The brand has raised approximately $25 million in total funding, including a $13M Series A led by BlueCrest Capital. Actress Kerry Washington invested in November 2020 and collaborates on collections.
All jewelry is handcrafted in New York City by local artisan partners, using claimed 100% recycled gold in 14K and 18K, with vermeil options. The brand offers both conflict-free mined diamonds (Kimberley Process compliant) and lab-grown diamonds. Product categories span rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and engagement rings, priced from $50 (vermeil stackable rings) to $3,500+ (engagement rings).
AUrate closed its owned stores but expanded into Macy's (167 stores) and Helzberg Diamonds (30 stores) via wholesale partnerships in August 2023. A lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects with free repairs. Social impact includes donating a book to a child for every piece sold through a partnership with Mastery Charter Schools. However, the BBB F rating, unverifiable RJC claim, and pattern of customer complaints represent significant concerns.
Product highlights
Icon Ring with White Diamonds
19 white diamonds set in 14K/18K gold, inspired by the AUrate logo; reversible wearing orientation
~$450–$750
Signature piece embodying the brand's design ethos. Described as "effortlessly beautiful, bold, and completely original"
Infinity Heart Huggie Earrings
Heart-shaped huggie earrings in 14K gold
~$200
Popular everyday earring at an accessible solid-gold price point
Lab Grown Ruby Huggie Earrings
Huggie earrings with lab-grown red ruby in 14K gold
~$88
Most affordable coloured gemstone piece; demonstrates lab-grown stone commitment
Custom Birthstone Ring
Personalised ring with birthstone of choice in 14K/18K gold
~$1,200–$3,000
NYC-handcrafted personalisation offering. Each piece made to order by local artisan partners
