GLD vs. Craftd London – Men’s Jewelry Brand Comparison

In the growing world of men’s jewelry, GLD and Craftd London both claim to offer high-quality, style-forward pieces at accessible prices. Their Instagram feeds look sharp. But looks only go so far, when you’re investing in jewelry that represents your style, what truly matters is craftsmanship, materials, and long-term value. 

When you're investing in jewelry, especially as a personal statement or gift, it’s worth asking: what are you actually getting?

This guide compares GLD vs. Craftd London in the areas that matter most: materials, design, customization, warranties, and trust. The goal isn’t just to pick a winner, it’s to help you choose the right brand for your budget, taste, and expectations.

GLD vs. Craftd Comparison Chart

Pricing & Materials 

Craftd and GLD both offer accessible price points, but the depth of their material quality isn’t the same, and this is where GLD sets itself apart.

Craftd Jewelry Materials

Craftd sticks to a single material tier: stainless steel. All of their pieces, whether gold or silver in appearance, are made from this steel base, then either coated in 18k gold or finished in a polished steel or rhodium-style tone. Craftd does not currently offer solid gold or natural stones in any of their collections, and there’s no mention of product testing standards, sourcing practices, or certifications on their product pages.

GLD Jewelry Materials

GLD offers a tiered materials system for more budget flexibility. Most of their more affordable pieces are made with a surgical-grade stainless steel core plated in real 18k gold and hand-set stones. The next tier is a premium, elevated option combining vermeil paired with moissanite stones, which uses a sterling silver base with thick gold plating (2.5+ microns). High-grade Moissanite mimics the brilliance of diamonds and ranks just under them in hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale). At the top end, GLD carries solid gold pieces in 10k-18k gold, often paired with natural VS clarity diamonds—the same grade used in fine jewelry retailers. 

GLD publicly states that it tests its materials for durability and quality, follows Jewelry Vigilance Committee guidelines, and labels all product materials clearly on each page.

Bottom Line:
Craftd offers durability through stainless steel, with a one-tier, fashion-focused offering. GLD provides a broader material spectrum, backed by transparency, fine jewelry options, and third-party guidelines, that lets customers move from affordable luxury jewelry to premium pieces without switching brands.

Design & Customization

Craftd
Craftds aesthetic is minimal and wearable. They do not offer any of their own unique designs; these products can be found widely across most men’s jewelry websites.

GLD
GLD’s design approach is rooted in cultural style, statement pieces, and versatility. Collections include iced pendants, Cuban chains, and pieces with urban edge. GLD also offers custom jewelry services that Craft’d simply doesn’t have, letting buyers create one-of-a-kind designs.

Trust & Warranty

Craftd
Craftd offers a 2-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and material flaws. Their return policy allows for 14-day returns, but products must be unworn and in original packaging. Shipping is free on qualifying orders (price threshold varies by region).

GLD
GLD stands out with a lifetime warranty on most pieces, a rare find in this category. It covers craftsmanship and manufacturing defects and applies across all product tiers. Customers must register their jewelry to activate the warranty. GLD also offers 14-day returns and free shipping across the U.S., with expedited, overnight, and global shipping options available.

Verdict: Craftd’s warranty is fairly competitive for a fashion brand, but GLD’s lifetime coverage and expanded customer support offer longer-term peace of mind giving GLD the clear edge.

Final Verdict

When it comes to materials, testing, custom design, and long-term value, GLD stands out as the stronger brand.  With multiple material tiers, official licensing, and a full suite of customer protections, GLD is built for style evolution. But we’re not here to convince you, check out their most loved chains or new drops for yourself. Craftd might appeal to buyers who want basic, minimalist jewelry, but GLD gives you the range to start small and elevate over time without ever needing to switch brands.