When it comes to accessorizing, I‘m always on the hunt for jewelry that is stylish, well-made, and won‘t break the bank. Dainty gold necklaces, chic stacking rings, and minimalist earrings are the foundation of my daily looks. If you love a laid-back yet polished aesthetic, gorjana is a jewelry brand you need on your radar.
In this comprehensive gorjana jewelry review, I‘ll share everything you need to know about this celeb-adored label. We‘ll dive into the brand‘s backstory, bestsellers, quality, customer reviews, and more to help you decide if their pieces deserve a place in your jewelry box.
The Gorjana Story
Gorjana was founded in 2004 by husband and wife duo Jason and Gorjana Reidel. As a young artist in Belgrade, Serbia, Gorjana discovered her passion for jewelry making. After meeting her husband and moving to Laguna Beach, California, the couple launched their namesake line out of their apartment.
What started as a small operation has grown into a multi-million dollar brand loved by A-list fans like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, and Michelle Obama. Gorjana is now sold in over 1,000 retailers worldwide and the brand operates 18 of its own boutiques.
While the company has expanded, its core values remain the same. Gorjana is committed to creating effortless, versatile jewelry for the everyday woman. Their signature 18k gold plated pieces are designed to be layered and lived in. Ethically crafted in limited quantities, gorjana offers accessible luxury with a laid-back So-Cal spirit.
Gorjana Jewelry Aesthetic and Quality
The gorjana look is all about lightweight, delicate pieces with an understated elegance. Inspired by the natural beauty of Southern California, the brand‘s aesthetic is beachy, bohemian and subtly romantic. You won‘t find chunky statement jewelry or flashy gems here – gorjana is known for simple chains, organic shapes, and a glowing gold finish.
Bestsellers include the Laguna Adjustable Necklace, a twisted herringbone chain that can be worn at three lengths, and the Parker Link Bracelet which has a distinctive flat silhouette. Personalization is popular, with engravable bar necklaces, signet rings, and initial charms among the brand‘s top sellers.
In terms of materials, gorjana uses 18k gold plating over brass or sterling silver. This allows them to keep prices reasonably affordable (most pieces are under $100) while maintaining a rich yellow gold tone. The thickness of the plating helps resist tarnishing and daily wear. Many reviewers say their gorjana pieces hold up exceptionally well over time.
It‘s important to note that gold plating will eventually wear away, so you‘ll want to follow the care instructions. Avoid contact with water, lotions, and perfumes. Gently polish with a soft cloth to restore shine. With proper care, your gorjana jewelry can last for years.
The brand also offers a small selection of sterling silver and 14k solid gold pieces for those who prefer them. Gemstones used include diamonds, opals, sapphires, and topaz. While not a focus, these styles add a touch of sparkle to the gorjana collection.
Gorjana Pros and Cons
To summarize my assessment of gorjana jewelry, here‘s a quick list of the major pros and cons:
Pros:
- Timeless, versatile designs suited for everyday wear
- Signature layered look is very on-trend
- High quality materials and craftsmanship for costume jewelry
- Accessible price point under $100 for most pieces
- Inclusive size range for rings and bracelets
- Complimentary engraving on certain styles
- Easy 30-day return policy and great customer service
- Ethically made and gives back to charitable causes
Cons:
- 18k gold plating will wear over time with frequent use
- Some reviewers had issues with earrings and chains breaking
- Selection of silver and gemstone styles is limited
- Duties and taxes apply for international shipping
- No luxury options (fine jewelry)
Gorjana Jewelry Bestsellers
With countless lovely options, it‘s hard to narrow down the best gorjana pieces. Here are the top 10 most popular and celebrated styles:
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Bespoke Coin Necklace – This dainty disk pendant can be engraved with your name, initials or special date. Personalize it for a thoughtful custom piece.
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Parker Link Bracelet – Gorgeously minimal, this distinctive flat link bracelet comes in three metal finishes. Wear it solo or stacked.
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Wilshire Necklace – Two interlocking circles symbolize eternal love in this meaningful pendant. A perfect anniversary or push present.
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Amara Hoops – Lightweight and wearable, these slender gold hoops are a chic essential. They come in various diameters up to 2 inches.
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Ivy Ring Set – Create your own ring stack with this trio of mixed-metal bands. The hammered texture adds interest.
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Chloe Mini Necklace – This best-selling satellite chain features dainty gold beads for a touch of shine. Ideal for layering at 16 inches long.
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Taner Bar Bracelet – Sleek and adjustable, this chain bracelet has a slim bar that‘s engravable. Add your loved one‘s name for a sentimental touch.
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Lola Earrings – Delicate freshwater pearls dangle from a thin gold chain in these elegant threader earrings. An everyday luxury.
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Wilder Ring – This chunky signet ring makes a cool statement. The 14mm round top is engravable for a personalized finish.
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Parker Hinge Bangle – Designed with a hinge for easy wear, this modern bangle looks beautiful solo or paired with your other bracelets.
What Makes Gorjana Special
There are countless fashion jewelry brands out there, but gorjana stands out for a few key reasons. First, the brand occupies that sweet spot between high street and high end. You get the look and feel of fine jewelry without the scary price tag. By using high quality gold plating, gorjana can keep costs down while still delivering lasting pieces.
I also love that gorjana designs are made for mixing, matching, and making your own. The lariat necklaces can be worn multiple ways, charms can be added to any chain, and rings are sold individually so you can create custom stacks. This versatility and personalization makes gorjana feel uniquely yours.
Another big draw is gorjana‘s easy, breezy California vibe. The laid-back luxury is very appealing and wearable for most women. You can rock gorjana with a sundress and sandals or a blazer and jeans. The brand is very "cool mom" in the best way – effortlessly chic for real life.
Finally, gorjana has built a loyal fan base through stellar customer service. They offer easy returns, personal styling advice, jewelry repairs, and complimentary cleaning in stores. This hospitality and commitment to their customers‘ happiness is rare these days.
Is Gorjana Worth It?
Now for the million dollar question – is gorjana jewelry actually worth your hard-earned cash? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. I‘ve been impressed with the quality and longevity of my gorjana pieces, especially for the price. The understated designs are so easy to wear and instantly elevate my outfits.
I also appreciate the brand‘s transparent, ethical business practices and charitable initiatives. It feels good to support a female-founded company that gives back. While everyone‘s jewelry preferences and budgets are different, I think gorjana offers fantastic value and style.
If you‘re looking for everyday luxury you can feel great about wearing, gorjana jewelry is a wonderful choice. Their heirloom-inspired pieces are perfect for marking momentous occasions like a graduation, wedding, or birth. No matter your current season of life, gorjana has beautiful options to suit your needs.
Most items on the gorjana website have glowing 5-star reviews, with customers raving about the look, feel, and durability. The Parker Link Bracelet has over 500 reviews with an average 4.8 star rating. Fans call it "dainty yet sturdy" and "the perfect everyday bracelet." The Wilshire Necklace has over 300 reviews with a 4.7 star average. One happy bride wrote, "I bought this to wear on my wedding day and couldn‘t be happier. It‘s a stunning, quality piece."
Critics tend to have issues with the plating rubbing off, the daintier chains breaking, or the clasps and mechanisms malfunctioning. Proper care is essential for longevity. If you have metal sensitivities or are extremely rough on your jewelry, gorjana may not be the best fit. But the vast majority of customers are thrilled with their purchases.
Gorjana Jewelry Care Instructions
To keep your gorjana jewelry looking lustrous, follow these simple care tips:
- Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising. Avoid exposure to sweat, oils, chemicals, and cosmetics.
- Don‘t wear to bed – fabric friction can damage chains and cause tangles.
- Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.
- Wipe down jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove dirt and oils.
- Gently polish gold pieces with a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine.
- Take any damaged items to a professional jeweler for inspection and repair.
With mindful use and maintenance, your gorjana jewelry can become cherished keepsakes you reach for again and again. The classic designs are worth preserving properly.
Gorjana Customer Reviews
Don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what real gorjana customers have to say about the brand:
"I love all of my gorjana pieces – they‘re delicate and beautiful and I get so many compliments. They look much more expensive than they are. Shipping is fast and the customer service is great!" – Jenna S.
"This was my first time purchasing from gorjana and I am so impressed. The bracelet I ordered is perfect – great quality and exactly what I was looking for. It hasn‘t tarnished at all with daily wear." – Rachel M.
"I‘ve been buying gorjana for years and have never been disappointed. Their jewelry makes the perfect gift – everything comes beautifully packaged. The engraving is such a nice added touch!" – Lisa R.
"Mixed feelings about this necklace. It‘s very pretty but the chain is so thin it broke within a few weeks. gorjana offered to replace it but I‘m worried the same thing will happen." – Vanessa T.
"I had a great experience shopping in the gorjana store. The salesperson was so patient and helpful – she worked with me to create the perfect personalized necklace for my daughter." – Maria G.
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of customers giving 4 and 5 star ratings. While not perfect, gorjana has certainly earned its glowing reputation and loyal following. Many reviewers rave about the brand being their go-to for everyday pieces and gifts.
Where to Buy Gorjana Jewelry
You can shop the full gorjana collection directly on their website, gorjana.com. They offer free shipping on all US orders over $50 and easy 30-day returns. For international customers, flat rate shipping is available for $15.
The brand also operates 18 retail boutiques throughout California, New York, Chicago and Arizona. The flagships in Laguna Beach and Venice Beach are particularly lovely for browsing the line in person. Store associates are knowledgeable and happy to help you find the perfect piece.
Gorjana is also carried in hundreds of independent boutiques and major retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve, Anthropologie, and Bloomingdale‘s. You can use the Store Locator on the gorjana site to find a stockist near you. Note that selection will vary by retailer and season.
Gorjana Promotions & Discounts
Like most savvy shoppers, I‘m always on the hunt for a great deal. Gorjana occasionally offers sales and promotions to help you save. Here are some current ways to score a discount:
- Join the gorjana email list to get 10% off your first order and be notified of future sales
- Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $50
- Get a $20 credit when you refer a friend (and they‘ll get $20 too)
- Shop the Sale section for pieces up to 50% off retail prices
- Follow gorjana on social media for flash sales, giveaways, and special offers
- Use Afterpay at checkout to split your total into 4 interest-free payments
- Check deal sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon for any gorjana coupon codes
While gorjana doesn‘t do traditional markdowns, these promotions can help you treat yourself for less. The brand is also a great value to begin with – $50-150 is accessible for demi-fine jewelry.
Final Thoughts on Gorjana Jewelry
Jewelry is such a personal and emotional purchase. The best pieces make you look and feel amazing, elevating your style and your confidence. With its effortless aesthetic, beautiful craftsmanship, and affordable luxury, gorjana is a brand I‘ll continue to buy and gift.
The laid-back, beach-chic vibe and easy versatility make gorjana a joy to wear. I love knowing my necklaces, bracelets, and rings are made ethically with quality materials. Gorjana has become my go-to for pretty, personal pieces to mark life‘s milestones.
I hope this gorjana jewelry review was helpful and informative as you consider the brand. Everyone‘s taste and budget is unique. But if you‘re looking for simple, chic, and meaningful options, I highly recommend giving gorjana a try.
For everyday elegance with a touch of California cool, gorjana is a gorgeous choice. Treat yourself or someone special to a forever piece from this lovely label. Use my tips to save a little and enjoy your gorjana experience!
