Are you tired of generic, mass-produced jewelry that everyone else is wearing? Do you crave accessories that are equal parts stylish and rebellious? If so, allow me to introduce you to one of my latest obsessions: Vitaly.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll be sharing my personal experiences with this Toronto-based brand, from their industrial-inspired designs to the quality of their premium stainless steel pieces. Plus, I‘ve scoured the web for feedback from other customers to give you a well-rounded perspective on Vitaly‘s products, customer service, and overall vibe.
Whether you‘re a die-hard jewelry junkie or just looking to add some edge to your wardrobe, keep reading to see if Vitaly is the right fit for your aesthetic and budget.
Who is Vitaly? Meet the Visionaries Behind the Brand
Before we dive into the products themselves, let‘s take a moment to appreciate the masterminds behind Vitaly‘s ultra-cool designs. The brand was founded in 2011 by Shane Vitaly Foran, a former software developer who ditched the corporate world to backpack around Indonesia.
It was during this soul-searching journey that Vitaly had a lightbulb moment: he wanted to create a jewelry line for people who didn‘t just want to wear accessories, but to express their unique identities and rebel against the status quo. And so, with no formal training in jewelry making, Vitaly returned to his native Toronto and got to work.
In the early days, Vitaly experimented with materials like wood, ceramic, and enamel before discovering his signature medium: premium 316L stainless steel. Not only is this high-grade steel insanely durable (we‘re talking 30+ years with proper care), but it‘s also 100% recyclable and resistant to tarnishing and corrosion.
Vitaly works closely with ethical manufacturing partners to turn his boundary-pushing designs into reality while minimizing the brand‘s environmental impact. The result? Impossibly cool pieces that blend industrial edge with sleek modernity – and that you can feel good about wearing.
Vitaly Jewelry Review: Putting the Products to the Test
Now that you know the story behind the brand, let‘s take a closer look at Vitaly‘s covetable collections. Over the past few months, I‘ve had the chance to test-drive some of their bestselling pieces from each product category. Here are my honest thoughts:
Bracelets That Make a Big Impression
I‘ll admit, I was a bit intimidated by Vitaly‘s bracelet designs at first – they‘re definitely not for the faint of heart! But after slipping on the Kickback bracelet in brushed gold, I was hooked.
The chunky, notched links have an almost industrial vibe that‘s perfect for adding some punk rock flair to any outfit. I also love how the Kickback looks stacked with the Kusari bracelet, a daintier chainlink style that provides a welcome contrast.
Both bracelets have held up remarkably well with daily wear – no tarnishing, scratching, or weird skin reactions to speak of. And thanks to the sturdy lobster claw clasps, I never have to worry about them slipping off my wrist.
Necklaces That Command Attention
One of my absolute favorite pieces from Vitaly‘s necklace collection is the Havoc, a beast of a curb chain that clocks in at a whopping 16mm wide. As soon as I put it on, I feel like a total badass – it‘s the kind of necklace that demands attention and gives off an air of rebel-without-a-cause cool.
If you‘re looking for something a bit more understated, the Tripod necklace is a great choice. It features three delicate strands that can be worn tightly layered for a choker effect or loosely draped for a more relaxed look. I love how versatile this piece is – it looks just as good with a plain white tee as it does with a slinky slip dress.
Both necklaces are crafted from weighty stainless steel that feels substantive and luxe. And with multiple lengths available, you can easily find the perfect fit for your neckline (or layer multiple chains for a custom look).
Rings That Make You Feel Like a Rock Star
Confession time: I have a bit of a ring obsession. So naturally, I couldn‘t resist trying out a few of Vitaly‘s statement-making styles. The first one to catch my eye was the Phantom ring, a bold signet design with a slightly tapered band.
I opted for the polished gold finish (because let‘s be real, everything looks better in gold), and it hasn‘t left my right hand since it arrived. I love how the circular top is subtly engraved with Vitaly‘s logo – it‘s a small detail that makes the ring feel extra special.
For a more sculptural look, I also picked up the Hexa ring in matte black. The geometric cutouts give it an almost futuristic vibe, and the flat top is perfect for engraving (hint, hint). Like all of Vitaly‘s rings, it‘s available in whole and half sizes from 5 to 13 – so finding your perfect fit is a breeze.
Earrings That Earn All the Compliments
Last but certainly not least, let‘s talk about Vitaly‘s insanely cool earring designs. As a longtime fan of an edgy ear stack, I couldn‘t wait to get my hands on some of their bestselling styles.
First up: the Cinch earrings. These beauties feature a short drop chain that dangles from a cylindrical post, creating an eye-catching look that‘s equal parts industrial and elegant. I love how lightweight and comfortable they are to wear – even with sensitive ears, I can rock them all day without any irritation.
For a more substantial statement, I also picked up the Rune hoop earrings. At 6mm thick and 44mm in diameter, these bad boys are not for the faint of heart – but trust me when I say they‘re worth the extra weight. The brushed finish gives them an edgy, almost vintage feel that‘s perfect for channeling your inner rock star.
Both earring styles have held up perfectly with regular wear – no tarnishing, bending, or losing their shape. And thanks to Vitaly‘s hypoallergenic stainless steel, I haven‘t experienced any redness or irritation (even with my ridiculously sensitive skin).
What Customers Are Saying About Vitaly
Of course, you don‘t just have to take my word for it – there are plenty of other Vitaly customers out there sharing their experiences with the brand. To give you a more comprehensive overview, I scoured the web for reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Reddit, and Vitaly‘s own product pages. Here‘s what I found:
The Good
- "I‘ve bought several pieces from Vitaly over the years, and the quality is always top-notch. The weight of the jewelry feels substantial and luxurious." – Jenn L., Vitaly customer
- "I was hesitant to order from a brand I‘d never tried before, but I‘m so glad I took a chance on Vitaly. The customer service team was super helpful in answering my questions about sizing and shipping." – Nate R., Reddit user
- "I get so many compliments on my Vitaly rings and necklaces. People are always asking me where I got them!" – Sarah T., Vitaly customer
The Not-So-Good
- "Shipping took longer than I expected – it was about 2 weeks before my order arrived. But the pieces were worth the wait!" – Kyle M., Trustpilot reviewer
- "Some of the pieces are definitely on the pricier side, especially the larger necklaces and bracelets. But you get what you pay for in terms of quality." – Lauren P., Reddit user
- "I had some trouble with an order not showing up, but Vitaly‘s customer service team was quick to resolve the issue and sent me a replacement right away." – Chris B., Vitaly customer
Overall, it seems like the vast majority of customers are thrilled with their Vitaly purchases – especially when it comes to the quality of the jewelry and the coolness of the designs. And while there may be the occasional hiccup with shipping or customer service, it appears that the Vitaly team is quick to make things right.
How Vitaly Stacks Up to the Competition
If you‘re considering buying from Vitaly, you might be wondering how their prices and quality compare to other popular jewelry brands. To help you make an informed decision, I‘ve put together a handy chart comparing Vitaly to three of their key competitors:
| Brand | Price Range | Materials | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitaly | $30 – $200 | 316L stainless steel | Free over $150 (US & Canada) |
| The Giving Keys | $30 – $70 | Brass, stainless steel, silver | $5 flat rate (US only) |
| Miansai | $50 – $500 | Sterling silver, 14k gold, leather | Free over $150 |
| Pyrrha | $100 – $1,000+ | Sterling silver, 14k gold, bronze | Free over $250 (US & Canada) |
As you can see, Vitaly falls into a similar price range as The Giving Keys and the lower end of Miansai‘s offerings. However, Vitaly uses premium 316L stainless steel for all of their pieces – a more durable and tarnish-resistant material than brass or sterling silver.
And while Pyrrha offers a wider range of precious metal options (including solid gold pieces), their prices are significantly higher than Vitaly‘s. So if you‘re looking for a more affordable alternative to luxury jewelry brands without sacrificing quality or style, Vitaly is definitely worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitaly
Before I wrap up this review, I wanted to address some of the most common questions I‘ve seen people asking about Vitaly online. Hopefully this helps clear up any lingering concerns or uncertainties you might have about the brand!
How long does Vitaly take to ship?
For orders within the US and Canada, Vitaly offers free standard shipping on purchases over $150 (before taxes). Delivery typically takes 5-10 business days from the time your order is processed. If you need your items sooner, you can opt for expedited shipping at checkout for an additional fee.
Does Vitaly offer any discounts or promotions?
Vitaly occasionally offers sales and promotions throughout the year, especially around major holidays like Black Friday and Boxing Day. You can also get 15% off your first order by signing up for the brand‘s email newsletter.
What is Vitaly‘s return policy?
If you‘re not totally satisfied with your Vitaly purchase, you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a refund or exchange (minus shipping costs). Items must be in new, unworn condition with all original tags and packaging intact.
Can I customize my Vitaly jewelry?
Currently, Vitaly doesn‘t offer any customization options for their jewelry. However, many of their pieces (like signet rings and ID bracelets) are well-suited for engraving if you want to add a personal touch after purchase.
How do I care for my Vitaly jewelry?
To keep your Vitaly pieces looking their best, avoid exposing them to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. You can gently clean the surface with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oil buildup. For more stubborn tarnishing, Vitaly recommends using a stainless steel cleaning solution (just be sure to follow the instructions carefully).
Final Thoughts: Is Vitaly Worth the Hype?
So, after all this research and firsthand experience, do I think Vitaly is worth checking out? In a word: absolutely.
Not only are their designs insanely cool and unlike anything else on the market, but the quality of their pieces is truly impressive. I‘ve put my Vitaly jewelry through the wringer over the past few months (accidental dips in the pool, sweaty workouts, nights out dancing), and everything still looks as good as new.
I also love that Vitaly is committed to sustainability by using recycled materials and partnering with ethical manufacturers. In a world of fast fashion and disposable accessories, it‘s refreshing to find a brand that prioritizes both style and social responsibility.
Of course, Vitaly‘s jewelry might not be for everyone – especially if you prefer more understated or traditional designs. And I‘ll be the first to admit that their prices aren‘t exactly budget-friendly (although I do think you‘re getting a great value for the quality).
But if you‘re someone who loves to make a statement with your accessories and isn‘t afraid to stand out from the crowd? Vitaly is definitely worth adding to your jewelry box. Trust me – you won‘t be disappointed.
