The most stylish people always have one thing in common—they never treat jewelry like an afterthought, knowing that an outfit is never complete without the right jewelry to accompany it. That includes fine heirloom quality and affordable jewelry that allows you to play with different styles without a huge investment. Luckily, some of the best jewelry brands out there are thoughtfully crafted with techniques and materials that still offer quality without a four-digit price tag.
"Just because something is affordable shouldn't mean it's disposable," agrees Rosena Sammi, former jeweler and founder of The Jewelry Edit. "True luxury isn't defined by a price tag—it's woven into the narrative behind each piece."
Finding high-quality jewelry at a pocket-friendly cost all boils down to materials. While it is possible to find solid gold bracelets and necklaces that won't cost a fortune (we've noted some in this guide), many brands employ gold vermeil as a great alternative. And if you want the look of diamonds, cubic zirconia earrings or statement rings can offer the same sparkle at a fraction of a real diamond price tag and would even impress the most discerning eye.
On the flip side, choosing pieces that won't turn your skin green can be a guessing game if you don't know what you're looking for. To simplify the process, we tapped Sammi in addition to Bloomingdale's Accessories Director Marissa Galante Frank and Connie Nam, the founder of Astrid & Miyu, for some professional tips, plus their favorite affordable jewelry brands and pieces (all under $500) to add to your jewelry box.
The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands
Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird is a celebrity-loved jewelry brand that looks and feels luxurious but is affordable enough for everyday wear. From its designer-inspired earrings to its cool choker necklaces, each piece is timeless and elevated and looks much more expensive than it is.
Misho
Every piece of Misho jewelry feels like wearable art designed with clean lines and geometric shapes, reflecting founder Suhani Parekh's background in architecture. With its statement-making designs, the brand is also a favorite on the red carpet, worn by Adele, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez, to name a few. The brand is also a favorite of Sammi of The Jewelry Edit. "I love that the plating is 22kt gold and [feels] substantial," she says. "It has the look and feel of solid gold without the high price."
By Alona
Every summer, the trends gravitate towards beachy jewelry—pearls, stones, beads, and motifs like seashells. By Alona fits perfectly into this category. The London-based jewelry brand creates pieces inspired by lost treasures of the Mediterranean, so every ring, necklace, bracelet, or earring has a well-traveled feel.
Heaven Mayhem
If you've been wondering where the cool It Girls are getting their statement vintage-esque earrings, it's Heaven Mayhem. The brand has been worn by celebs like Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Matilda Djerf, and almost every editor in the Marie Claire office. It offers necklaces and cool belts, but the brand is most well-known for its oversized' 80s-inspired earrings.
Yam
Marie Claire Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs is a big fan of the handmade jewelry brand Yam. Designer and founder Morgan Thomas creates updated nostalgic pieces using deadstock materials and vintage silhouettes that are fun and playful yet wearable enough for every day.
Astrid & Miyu
Astrid & Miyu houses jewelry that feels like sentimental heirlooms. Each piece feels like it was made especially for you, from their birthstone Huggies to their zodiac necklaces. "The most important thing for us is to offer our community meaningful pieces, which they can personalize and build into their own unique collections," adds the brand's founder, Nam.
Svnr
Svnr is considered one of the best sustainable jewelry brands on the market. Each unique piece is made from found, reused, upcycled, and natural materials, and the brand is committed to sustainable manufacturing processes.
Hart Jewelry
Hart Jewelry is full of playful designs that still feel timeless. Founder Hart Hagerty was inspired by the spirituality of jewelry, and with her custom-designed charms, you can inject your own personal meaning into each one-of-a-kind necklace.
Kozakh
There are some jewelry pieces we deem essential in everyone's wardrobe: chunky hoop earrings, chain-link necklaces, and stacking rings, to name a few. Staple pieces like these deserve to be interesting, and that's where Kozakh comes in. Their gold-filled jewelry is hand-crafted by a team of women artisans across the U.S., which you can see reflected in their cool wire-wrapping technique. Sammi counts herself a fan and says it's her "go-to brand for affordable wardrobe staples with a twist."
Sarah Chloe
After the birth of her daughter, jewelry designer Zahava Ryzman was inspired to create a custom bangle; and after several requests from outside friends and relatives, she started a full-fledged line of jewelry aptly named after her daughter, Sarah Chloe. The brand’s pieces are all personalized, making them thoughtful keepsakes.
Simuero
Each of Simuero's nature-inspired jewelry embraces a hand-crafted ethos. Made in Spain, each piece takes an average of 180 minutes to make. Sourcing materials from local suppliers, the brand only uses recycled materials and produces its jewelry in limited quantities to reduce waste.
Jordan Road Jewelry
Jordan Road offers elevated jewelry for an everyday look. All of its pieces are thoughtfully designed and intended to be stacked together in numerous ways.
We Dream in Colour
We Dream in Colour offers pieces that reflect Impressionism. Sammi agrees, adding, "I think of them as works of art, not jewelry." The line is full of bold shades, unique shapes, and playful touches that will feel distinct in your jewelry box. One of Sammi's favorite pieces is the Issoria Cuff, which comes in at just $80. They also offer great statement earrings.
Roxanne Assoulin
Roxanne Assoulin’s website says all you need to know about the brand calling it "jewelry that makes you smile.” With crystals, beads, and charms in just about every color you can imagine, this line is sure to spark joy.
Sequin
Sequin is full of jewelry that shows off your personality, from its trending initial charms to its zodiac and lucky talismans. While the brand offers earrings, bracelets, and rings, its fun charm necklaces are the most eye-catching. Each is a statement in its own right, but even more so when layered together.
Notte
Founded by Jessica Tse, who worked as an accessories trend forecaster, Notte is a perfect jewelry line for maximalists. Described on its website as a “fun mix of New York quirk with a hint of la dolce vita daydreams,” the line features enamel pendants, charm earrings, and a ton of color.
Ben-Amun
Isaac Manevitz, the designer behind Ben-Amun, has been designing jewelry in New York for over 40 years. It's safe to say the brand knows cool-girl style. Another favorite of Galante Franks, she notes that the brand "has a statement-making collection of pieces that evoke a vintage vibe." Every piece, from big button earrings to chunky chain necklaces, could have come from your grandma's jewelry chest.
Joey Baby NYC
Pearl lovers, rejoice! Joey Baby NYC makes high-quality, trendy jewelry with freshwater pearls. The brand’s handmade pieces are incredibly easy to style and will give your outfit an elevated lift.
Moon and Meadow
Solid gold is typically the best option for those looking to invest in high-quality jewelry, but the metal doesn't come cheap. Moon and Meadow's line is all 14k gold, which means it can be worn everywhere, from the beach to the pool and even to pilates class. Bloomingdale's Fashion Director, Marissa Galante Frank, says, "I own so many of these pieces and started to buy them when I was ready to invest in jewelry that I knew would last."
Gorjana
Founded in Laguna Beach, California, this jewelry brand effortlessly nails the Cali-girl aesthetic. With an assortment of dainty pieces, Gorjana makes layering your jewelry a breeze. They offer both plated and solid gold options, so you're bound to find a new favorite everyday piece, no matter your budget.
Cult Gaia
Fashion insiders have been longtime fans of Cult Gaia for their eclectic going-out bags, but Galante Frank notes their jewelry line is just as good. "Cult Gaia creates beautiful pieces that are conversation starters," she says. "Their designs are whimsical and inspired by nature."
Oma The Label
Created by fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe, Oma The Label delivers a blend of chunky, trendy pieces and timeless staples. The brand’s high-quality necklaces, bracelets, and earrings will take you from day to night without a hitch.
What to Look For in an Affordable Jewelry Brand
When shopping for affordable jewelry that's also high quality, consider materials. which will impact longevity.
Gold Vermeil: Solid gold jewelry is the best metal in terms of quality, but it can be expensive. Consider gold vermeil, which uses a thicker layer of gold over a sterling silver base. Both Galante Frank and Sammi recommend looking for gold vermeil for its durability and because it's hypoallergenic. When in doubt, Galante Frank's tip is, "The thicker the layer of gold, the longer your jewelry will last."
Gold-Filled: "Gold-filled jewelry, another popular option on the market, is mechanically bonded to the base metal, giving the piece enhanced durability and tarnish resistance," explains Sammi. While it still falls in the category of plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry will last longer and comes at a slightly higher price point—but it's worth the investment if you wear your pieces every day.
Alternative Golds and Silvers: For people who prefer silver or gold, Astrid & Miyu founder Connie Nam says to look for sterling silver, 9k gold, 14k gold, or brass as the base metal. "These produce an incredibly durable product while still keeping prices accessible."
How to Take Care of Your Jewelry
- Keep Your Jewelry Dry: To ensure your jewelry stays sparkling, Sammi recommends taking it off in water of any kind. This includes swimming, exercising, showering, or sleeping. Avoid humid areas since moisture can cause tarnishing.
- Store Your Jewelry: Galante Frank recommends keeping your jewelry in a cool, dry, and dark environment—even better if you separate pouches to prevent scratching against other surfaces.
- Clean Your Jewelry: Nam recommends occasionally wiping down your jewelry with a non-abrasive cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals in jewelry cleaning solutions. For an even deeper clean, she recommends using warm water and mild dish liquid. "Just ensure you rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly," she notes.
- Avoid Chemicals: Spraying perfume or hairspray is usually the last thing people do before they head out the door. But, surprisingly, this is a big no if you already have your jewelry on due to the chemical reaction it can have with your jewelry. Sammi recommends applying lotion, perfumes, and other products before you put on your jewelry and never wearing pieces around chemical cleaning supplies.
Meet the Experts
Marissa Galante Frank is the fashion director for accessories and beauty at Bloomingdale's, overseeing handbags, shoes, fine jewelry, watches, fashion accessories and beauty. In her role, Marissa drives the Bloomingdale’s vision for the trends shoppers can expect each season in-store and online. She collaborates across departments to develop exclusive merchandise for Bloomingdale’s private brands, and translate trends into a one-of-kind accessories and beauty assortment, spanning emerging and established brands.
Rosena is the founder and CEO of The Jewelry Edit, an e-commerce jewelry platform that revolutionizes the way you shop for jewelry through curated jewelry collections focusing on diverse and sustainable designers. In a former life, Rosena was a Park Avenue attorney. In 2006, she left law to start a successful jewelry brand, which has sold through leading department stores and boutiques for over a decade. She has been profiled on CNN, sold over 10,000 pieces on Good Morning America and her jewelry has been worn by A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Miley Cyrus, and Blake Lively. Her jewelry has been featured in every major magazine including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, who named her a “Designer to Watch”.
Connie Nam was born in Seoul and raised in Washington D.C. and Seattle. The hustle of the cosmopolitan city of London appealed to her and the lust for learning and growing enticed her to apply for the MBA at London Business School. She longed to turn her passion for business and love of unique, contemporary jewelry styles into an empowering and shining company of her own. Immediately after graduating, her dream became a reality and she founded Astrid & Miyu in 2012. Connie started the company from her little flat in Notting Hill. The first ever Astrid & Miyu website cost just £500 to make and develop and Connie handled everything from product design and marketing to sending orders!
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