This online startup is challenging the traditional jewelry industry with conflict-free diamonds and custom engagement rings

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This online startup is challenging the traditional jewelry industry with conflict-free diamonds and custom engagement rings

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Vrai & Oro

  • Vrai & Oro comes up in every jewelry shopper's search for alternative and affordable fine jewelry sites.
  • What makes shoppers stay and stick with the company boils down to these factors: beautiful styles, high quality, transparency, and customizability.
  • With Valentine's Day coming up, Vrai & Oro's 14-18-karat gold and ethically grown diamond pieces make a thoughtful gift for yourself or a loved one.

For a jewelry company that stands by the values of quality, simplicity, and transparency, Vrai & Oro, which translates to "truth" (French) and "gold" (Spanish), couldn't be a more appropriate name.

Founded in 2014, Vrai & Oro is where you can find simple, timeless, and beautiful fine jewelry - no vermeil, only 14-karat and 18-karat gold here - at a better price and through a less stressful shopping process than traditional fine jewelry retailers.

Its story has only become more interesting in the last two years. It was acquired by Diamond Foundry, a company that grows above-ground diamonds using 100% solar energy, and it launched an engagement collection, which also includes a Design Your Own Ring feature.

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Vrai & Oro/Instagram

All of its pieces are designed and manufactured in downtown Los Angeles, with its Diamond Foundry diamonds traveling south from San Francisco. This unique localization and amount of control over the entire process allows Vrai & Oro to ensure ethical labor practices, maintain quality standards, and keep prices low.

Vrai & Oro is part of a growing movement of online jewelry startups that want to do things differently and are rewarded with loyal fan bases.

The decision to partner with Diamond Foundry, for example, was a no-brainer because of founder Vanessa Stofenmacher's desire to bring change to the industry and highlight the availability of high-quality diamonds unmarked by social and environmental issues.

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Vrai & Oro

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Meanwhile, Vrai & Oro Weddings (VOW) and the custom design studio give newfound power to the shopper. If you don't want to go with the crowd and stand anxiously inside a jewelry store, you can instead shop stunning options online with no pressure. You're not even missing out on the physical experience of trying on rings because Vrai & Oro will send you three ring samples through its Home Try On program.

If you don't see a combination you like, that's fine, too, because the design studio lets you choose every ring feature imaginable: the setting, prong, band width, metal type, polish, engraving, diamond type, and more. There are over 3,500 style combinations possible and each ring is made to order.

vrai & oro

Vrai & Oro

Since Vrai & Oro's jewelry follows a minimalist and dainty aesthetic, you'll be hard-pressed to find something you can't see yourself wearing at your most dressed up or laid back.

Plain gold bands start at just $55, and most bracelets and necklaces are $200 to $300. More luxurious pieces aren't out of the picture: the brand's gleaming Round-Brilliant Diamond Necklace is $3,290 and Baguette Diamond Tennis Bracelet is $5,890.

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Find our 12 favorite Vrai & Oro pieces below, or shop all fine jewelry at Vrai & Oro here

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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

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Earrings for when you can't decide between studs or hoops

Earrings for when you can't decide between studs or hoops
Door Knocker Studs, $2,425, available in 18-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

A personalized bar bracelet

A personalized bar bracelet
Bar Bracelet, $335, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

Add an engraving for $10.

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A sophisticated baguette ring

A sophisticated baguette ring
Baguette Diamond Ring, $365, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

A simple circle necklace you can wear every day

A simple circle necklace you can wear every day
Circle Necklace, $190, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold
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A pair of complementary rings dotted with diamonds

A pair of complementary rings dotted with diamonds
Constellation Stack, $380, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

A bracelet that will catch the light when you turn your wrist

A bracelet that will catch the light when you turn your wrist
Solitaire Diamond Bracelet, $290, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold
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A stunning engagement ring in a classic cut

A stunning engagement ring in a classic cut
The Solitaire Pavé, from $2,731, available in platinum and 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

A bold line of diamonds to wear on one ear or both

A bold line of diamonds to wear on one ear or both
Emerald Arc Earring, $1,150, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold
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A long necklace that travels down your chest

A long necklace that travels down your chest
Vertical Bar Necklace, $195, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

Light and wispy threaded earrings

Light and wispy threaded earrings
Line Threaders, $140, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold
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A delicate, twisted ring

A delicate, twisted ring
Twist Ring, $65, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold

A reserved take on the chain necklace

A reserved take on the chain necklace
Interlink Necklace, $240, available in 14-karat yellow, white, and rose gold
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