You already know about Brilliant Earth. You’re here because you want to see what else is out there. I’ve been through the same search, comparing, checking quality, and reading everything I could find. These five brands stood out for good reason. I’ve looked into each one carefully, and I’m sharing them with you to make your search easier.
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Why GoodStone Is My Top Pick
When I started looking for an alternative to Brilliant Earth, GoodStone kept coming up in conversations and Google searches. After some digging and a few messages with their team, I found out a lot about them. GoodStone started back in 2016, led by Blake who didn’t grow up in a family of jewelers. To me, this is a good thing because it brings new ideas to an industry that can sometimes feel stuck in one style.
One thing I noticed right away: GoodStone is not about pushing the most expensive ring. Their staff talk about value, not price, when you ask for advice. You can choose either lab-grown or natural diamonds, and they’ll walk you through each option. When I asked about custom work, they described a simple process. You first pick a setting, then the type of diamond you want. They guide you on the 4 Cs, carat, color, clarity, and cut. You won’t have to worry about making an uninformed choice because every step is clear, and there’s no pressure.
What I liked most was the ability to tweak every design. GoodStone’s styles run from classic solitaire bands to more trendy settings like marquise cuts and bezel styles. If you have an idea, they’ll listen and figure out how to make it. I also saw a lot of cigar band styles on their site, which fit well with current trends but don’t feel out of place in a classic ring box.
The materials feel solid. Gold and platinum are standard, which adds weight and a sense of durability. I tried on a sample cigar band at one of their pop-ups, and it didn’t feel flimsy at all. They clearly use higher-quality alloys.
Customer care here feels more personal than at bigger names. GoodStone’s team comes across as people who actually want you to enjoy what you buy rather than upsell you. I read through customer reviews and kept seeing notes about patience, communication, and honesty. There’s a lifetime guarantee, which covers repairs as well as thorough cleaning. Shipping is free in the US, and returns don’t come with extra fees or a guilt trip.
If you care about where your stones come from, lab-grown diamond options give you a more environmentally sound alternative. GoodStone isn’t shy about explaining where each diamond comes from or how they source their materials, especially for customers who are looking for those details.
I also want to mention the way they handle bespoke work. If you have a family diamond or loose stone, GoodStone will design around it. Their process for creating a custom piece feels straightforward, they don’t bury you in jewelry jargon, and the designers are open to suggestions instead of sticking to a house style.
All in all, GoodStone feels like a blend of solid design, transparency, and good service. You can get a ring that reflects your own taste without having to sift through hundreds of near-identical options.
Brent Neale, For Those Who Like Color and Bold Shape
Brent Neale was another brand I looked at when hunting for something less traditional. The first word that comes to mind is “color.” Almost all of their work involves rich stones in designs that show off the gems, rather than hide them in overly ornate settings.
The process is pretty personal if you want to go custom. You can choose from a range of gemstones that you don’t often see at more traditional stores. Their lapidary work is precise. When you sit down with them, the conversation starts with stones and finishes with metal choices and design tweaks. They don’t try to talk you into trends, they want you to pick a piece that you’ll like to wear every day.
Style-wise, Brent Neale doesn’t do safe. Many pieces use oversized stones, bright palettes, and layering. You also see a lot of mixed metals, which can be good if you want a ring or pendant that feels playful and a little out-of-the-box. There’s sophistication, but not in the same way as brands that push only platinum and diamond solitaires. Brent Neale pieces have a sort of throwback element, but without feeling costume-y.
In terms of service, I found Brent Neale’s staff patient and easy to talk to. They know a lot about gemstone sourcing and seem genuinely interested in finding something that fits your taste. Repairs and maintenance are handled without extra layers of process. They also do private consultations, which gives you time to ask about stone origins, metal processing, and design choices.
Ethics matter here as well. Brent Neale talks about using responsible sources for both stones and metals, making sure their supply chain is vetted. They don’t give as many details as GoodStone about lab-grown options, but if you’re concerned about source, it’s worth asking in a first meeting.
If your taste leans towards larger stones or you like jewelry that’s playful and unique, Brent Neale has a lot to offer. You don’t have to stick to white and gold. You can have green, blue, pink, or even multiple tones in one ring. Each piece feels thought out, with an emphasis on craft and wearability.
Jessica McCormack, Classic Design Meets Small Details
Jessica McCormack is a name I kept hearing when searching for something cleaner and more timeless. Based in London, the brand has a more straightforward, simple style than Brent Neale, but that doesn’t mean boring.
Jessica McCormack rings, necklaces, and earrings usually keep the lines smooth and the design simple. The emphasis is on quality stones and settings. Most rings stick to diamonds and precious metals, but you can see the difference in small features, like the shape of engraving or the snap of a clasp. Their collections include updated versions of solitaire rings and thin, elegant bands. If you go custom, the process feels personal but not drawn out. It starts with a quick chat about what you want, picking out diamonds and metals, then sorting through some drafts.
Staff here are knowledgeable and actually listen. The focus is practical, they want you to feel good wearing the piece every day or for special occasions, not something that sits in a drawer. Several people told me about how the team helped guide choices, showing patience and a willingness to answer lots of questions. The final result, by their own testimonials and press write-ups, seems to live up to expectations. Repairs and consultations are handled directly, and the brand offers a lifetime guarantee on many of its pieces.
Ethics and responsible sourcing form part of the pitch. Jessica McCormack makes sure to work with suppliers who meet clear standards for diamonds and metals, though details aren’t as easily found as at GoodStone. Still, for buyers who care, the company has answers to where their stones come from and how they are set.
Jessica McCormack seems best for someone who wants classic design with small, personal touches. The work manages to feel high-end without being flashy. Thin, elegant bands and solitaire diamonds are always in style, and Jessica McCormack does them well.
Arielle Ratner, Clean, Modern, Minimal
Arielle Ratner took my attention because of the way her jewelry looks and feels. Clean lines, thin bands, and not many extra stones or design features, this is jewelry that’s all about simplicity. For those who find heavy vintage or super-ornate settings too much, Arielle Ratner is a good fit.
The process is pretty relaxed here. You pick what you like from the catalog, and there’s a little wiggle room for customizing diamonds and metals. Design tweaks are possible, but the core style stays simple. Many pieces use mixed metals in stackable designs, and the focus is always on comfort. The rings are thin and sit low, making them easy to wear all day, every day.
Customer service is quick and friendly. I talked to someone from their customer team about changing a diamond, and the conversation didn’t get bogged down in too much technical jargon. The brand also takes repairs seriously and wants you to be happy with how your piece feels on your hand.
In terms of materials, Arielle Ratner uses the good stuff, high-quality diamonds and tested metals. Most pieces follow minimal shapes, think of simple prongs, delicate wires, and little fuss. This is jewelry that fits with almost anything you wear. If you prefer something more visible or statement-oriented, this probably isn’t the brand for you, but if you want easy elegance, Arielle Ratner fits the bill.
Ethical sourcing is a plus for Arielle Ratner, though they don’t focus as heavily on talking about every source detail compared to GoodStone. Still, you get solid answers about their diamonds and metals.
If your style is simple, comfortable, and low-profile, Arielle Ratner is worth checking out. Their designs look as good at work as they do in a casual setting.
Jade Trau, Timeless and Sophisticated with Personal Service
Jade Trau feels like the place to go if you want classic shapes but with a personal touch. The brand is based in the United States and is run by its founder, Jade Trau. The work here has a sense of calm, with smooth finishes and settings that focus on making the diamond look good, not on over-decorating.
The signature here is a high-quality diamond, set into bands that mix clean lines with small flourishes. Solitaire rings with slim, delicate bands are popular. When you pick a Jade Trau ring up, it feels well-balanced, not too heavy, and not too thin. It’s the type of ring you can wear for years, with all the settings built to last.
The process for buying or customizing is simple and direct. You begin with a chat or consultation, pick a diamond, then work out the rest of the design with a staff member who knows their craft. Jade Trau’s team has a good reputation for listening and being patient, which makes the experience more pleasant if you don’t know every jewelry term. Fixes and cleaning are included, and there’s a lifetime guarantee on most items.
The company talks about sourcing as well, promising that every diamond and metal used comes from reputable suppliers. That means you can expect quality without having to worry about where the key materials came from.
Jade Trau keeps things personal and straightforward. If you want something that’s going to look good for a long time, with a process that feels easy and practical, this brand works well. It’s not for those who want something showy or very avant garde, but if you want a comfortable mix of old and new, Jade Trau’s worth considering.
Choosing the Right Alternative: What Matters Most
I tested all five. Each one does something well, but GoodStone is the best choice if you want full control over the design. You’re not choosing from a set list. You can bring your own ideas, and their team will build around them. They’re clear about how they work and where their materials come from.
Brent Neale stands out for color. Bright stones, playful settings, and strong shapes. Jessica McCormack focuses on clean lines with traditional detail. Arielle Ratner makes quiet, modern pieces that are light and easy to wear.
Jade Trau offers classic designs that feel steady and well-made. If being part of the design process matters to you, start with GoodStone. The others are strong options too, depending on your taste. All of them care about the work and don’t push for a hard sell.
