The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands, with Finds Starting at Just $8
Updated: Oct. 06, 2023
Want to keep up with the latest jewelry trends, or looking for timeless treasures? You can do it without blowing your budget with these affordable jewelry brands.
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Everyone loves a shiny, sparkly new bauble, but jewelry can be prohibitively expensive. However, thanks to a treasure trove of affordable jewelry brands, it is possible to update your style without spending a fortune or waiting around for jewelry sales. And before you dismiss the thought of inexpensive jewelry, you should know that some pieces are so well-made, you’d never know they weren’t the real thing.
It starts with quality—an important factor when it comes to buying affordable jewelry that will last. On top of the fact that you don’t want to look cheap, you also don’t want it to break after the first wear or turn your skin green. How to shop for affordable jewelry is probably something your jeweler won’t tell you—but we will! (Hot tip: For tons of variety and great deals, check out jewelry on Amazon.)
Here’s everything you need to know about buying affordable jewelry that will last season after season, along with some incredible finds from some of the best jewelry brands to check out now. And while you’re shopping, don’t forget to consider jewelry storage ideas, starting with a best jewelry organizers.
Best overall
Sterling Forever
Not only does Sterling Forever make the best affordable version of Meghan Markle’s zodiac necklace, but it has an entire line of easy-to-wear quality jewelry for less than $40. Sterling Forever’s jewelry is meant to last, well, forever, so it offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their designs. If you opt for any of their sterling silver pieces, here are 13 tricks to polish and clean silver so your favorite pieces will look new for years to come.
Best budget
BaubleBar
If you’re looking for trendy jewelry that won’t leave you with any buyer’s remorse, BaubleBar should be your first stop. This affordable jewelry brand has pieces that start at just $10, and you can be sure you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. All of BaubleBar’s jewelry is hypoallergenic and certified nickel-free, lead-free, cadmium-free and phthalate-free, which also makes their earrings safe for sensitive ears.
Most glamorous
Amelia Rose Design
If your style is refined but fun, you’ll love Amelia Rose. Its jewelry is delicate, colorful, and easily goes from day to night. There’s something for every budget, from dazzling gemstone earrings for $38 to charming Evil Eye jewelry that will only set you back $50. You’ll also find a stunning collection of birthstone jewelry that’s so affordable, you can treat everyone you know to a new, sparkly jewelry gift on their special day.
Most versatile
Anthropologie
Want a piece of beaded jewelry suitable for everyday wear? How about some show-stopping sparklers to pair with a fancy dress and heels, or trendy jewelry that will dress up even the most casual of outfits? Anthropologie has tons of options to mix, match, layer and love. Pieces start at just $20 and go all the way up to $3,500, meaning there’s something for every style and budget.
Best eclectic
Sequin NYC
Want to make a statement? Sequin jewelry is sure to turn heads. Its unique, globally-inspired designs include everything from talismans to trendy stackable bracelets to jaw-dropping bold earrings. They even offer a stunning collection of zodiac jewelry including charm bracelets, star map necklaces and constellation necklaces that will delight your horoscope-loving heart.
Best ethically sourced
Catherine Weitzman
Calling all nature lovers! Whether you have a profound penchant for the ocean or feel most at home wandering through an alpine meadow, a piece of Catherine Weitzman jewelry will help tie that love into your personal style. This nature-inspired jewelry is designed and handcrafted in Hawaii and often incorporates found objects and recycled metals. The label also goes out of its way to ensure it only uses responsible suppliers, making it one of the best sustainable/ethical jewelry brands on the market.
Best minimalist
Catbird
Let’s face it—bold, chunky jewelry is not for everyone. If you’re a less-is-more kind of person, then it’s time you met Catbird, aka the OG of ring stacking. All of its dainty creations are made in a Brooklyn studio with ethically sourced gold and conflict-free stones. They even offer permanent jewelry, the latest jewelry trend that makes losing your favorite bracelet impossible.
What to consider when shopping for affordable jewelry brands
It’s all about the materials. Whether you prefer to shop for your jewels and accessories at Nordstrom, or you enjoy scouring the internet for the perfect pieces, it’s important to know what you’re buying. “When looking for affordable jewelry, the materials I go for first are sterling silver, vermeil [gold-plated jewelry over sterling silver] and gold-filled,” says Amelia Steppacher, founder of Amelia Rose Design. “Next in line would be gold-plated or silver-plated.”
And if you’re worried that affordable accessories may not last as long as the pricey stuff, don’t be. According to Steppacher, some of the best affordable jewelry brands can last many years depending on the thickness of the gold plating and how well you keep the pieces clean.
Don’t be shy about investing in jewelry that has a little something extra, like freshwater pearls or semi-precious stones. “They add so much beauty and don’t have to cost a fortune,” she says. And speaking of investments, if it’s fine jewelry you’re after, make sure to invest in fine jewels at the right time to score a better deal.
How We Chose the Best Affordable Jewelry Brands
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
How do you style affordable jewelry?
Whether your style is simple and elegant or you prefer to make a statement, have fun with your jewelry. Layered necklaces are especially “in” right now. “Look for adjustable length necklaces as well as long necklaces that can be worn in different ways,” says Steppacher. “They can be worn long, doubled, or sometimes you can wrap the necklace a few times and wear it as a bracelet.”
If you happen to come across a necklace that isn’t adjustable or simply isn’t long enough, try adding an inexpensive necklace extender. You can also have fun stacking bracelets and rings, which allows for creativity and a truly unique look. Steppacher also recommends mixing and matching different metals together—like gold jewelry and silver jewelry. Also try mixing chains and wearing pieces with gemstones as a way to add color and texture.
How do you care for affordable jewelry?
Affordable jewelry actually lasts quite a long time if cared for properly. According to Steppacher, jewelry that isn’t solid gold can and will tarnish over time, so it’s important to avoid chemical contact. The best way to do this is to put your jewelry on last, so there’s no direct contact with things like lotions, sunscreen, makeup and perfume. Steppacher also advises removing your jewelry before bathing, swimming and sleeping.
How do you clean affordable jewelry?
If you find that your favorite pieces are starting to tarnish, Steppacher has an easy and safe way to restore them to their original glory. First, bring some water to a boil. Line a glass dish with tin foil and lay your jewelry flat in one even layer. Sprinkle liberally with baking soda (completely covering each piece). Once the water boils, pour it over the jewelry until it’s fully submerged. Let it sit for 10 minutes then carefully rinse under lukewarm water and lay on a clean towel to air dry.
This can be repeated as needed, but Steppacher advises against using this method on porous stones, such as pearls. Once your jewelry is completely dry, store it in small plastic bags to keep air contact to a minimum. You can also try the Diamond Dazzle Stik, a jewelry cleaning pen that has more than 36,000 five-star ratings, or consider purchasing one of the best ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.
Source:
- Amelia Steppacher, founder of Amelia Rose Design
Originally Published: December 02, 2021
