Whether it’s a statement piece for a special occasion or the everyday staples you can’t imagine leaving the house without, going jewellery-free just feels… wrong.
From sentimental necklaces to perfectly curated ear stacks, jewellery might seem like a tiny detail, but its impact is huge (and sometimes its price tag is, too).
Keeping up with the latest trends, or shopping for the perfect gift, can get expensive fast, especially when you don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on pieces that turn your skin green.
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Think of silver quality like a scale with 1000 being the highest possible grading. Since 100% silver is not possible to produce, the highest quality you can find is fine silver at a 999 grade.
When shopping around, you don’t want to settle for anything less than 925 silver, also known as sterling silver, which is made up of 92.5% silver.
Solid gold is exactly what it sounds like. It won’t tarnish, but it does come in different karat grades (14K, 18K, or the luxe 24K), which tell you how much actual gold is in the piece.
Gold-filled and gold vermeil are composed of a solid layer of gold bonded to a base of either sterling silver or various metals, with at least 5% gold used on the outer layer. It’s more affordable and less likely to tarnish with everyday wear.
Gold-plated is usually the cheapest option, but with a layer of just 0.05% gold bonded to silver or metal, it’s likely to tarnish quickly.
The best affordable jewellery brands to shop in Australia
01
Mejuri
Price range: starting at $78
With ranges in sterling silver, gold vermeil, recycled 14K gold and 14K yellow gold, there’s a piece for every budget that promises to never tarnish.
Sparking the mixed metal trend with their much-loved stackable Dôme Figure Ring, tap into the best of both worlds
02
Francesca Jewellery
Price range: starting at $12
Francesca Jewellery is perfect for timeless, classic jewellery that elevates your look, bringing a touch of elegance and sparkle to every occasion.
03
By Charlotte
Price range: starting at $50
By Charlotte has stunning pieces that are great for gifting or just for your own personal keepsake.
“These pieces last the years (and summer) and don’t tarnish!” – Annabel, Content Producer
04
Najo
Price range: starting at $49
Inspired by Mexico’s “rich mosaic of life, culture, arts, fashion, and history”, Najo jewellery is designed for those with understated sophistication and style.
05
ToniMay
Price range: starting at $33
Founded by The Bachelor Australia’s Laura Byrne and her sister Alisha De Graaf, ToniMay creates jewellery made to elevate the everyday and celebrate life’s special moments.
06
Reliquia Jewellery
Price range: starting at $99
Creating on-trend staples that fashion girls love from sterling silver and gold-fill, Reliquia is a go-to for pieces that can be worn every day.
07
Class A Jewellers
Price range: starting at $90
Kit out your jewellery collection with every earring, necklace and bracelet design under the sun from Class A Jewellers. They also have an adorable charm builder you can use to curate your own personalised piece.
“I built my own custom charm bracelet, and when I say I never take it off, I mean it. I chose mine and my partner’s birthstones to frame a marquise-cut diamond. Simply stunning.” – Chanelle, Shopping Editor
08
Arms Of Eve
Price range: starting at $49
Arms Of Eve is perfect for fun, colourful jewellery that spices up your everyday wear, adding that little pop of personality you didn’t know your outfit was missing.
09
Cendre
Price range: starting at $65
Cendre is perfect for chic, minimalist jewellery that adds effortless sophistication to your everyday style.
10
Saint Valentine
Price range: starting at $55
For lovers of minimalist and dainty jewellery, you can’t go past Saint Valentine’s collection of sterling silver and 18K gold-plated pieces.
The brand has also released the stunning Cielo collection, designed to transition from special occasions to everyday wear.
These handcrafted pieces are a must-have, and we are adding to cart ASAP.
To stay updated on jewellery trends, follow fashion influencers and designers on social media. Browse fashion magazines and websites for inspiration.
Attend jewellery exhibitions and events. Experiment with mixing and matching styles. Consider investing in timeless pieces alongside trendy ones.
As for what’s currently trending, we asked Francesca Jewellery co-founders, Hannah and Rachel Vasicel, what’s hot right now.
“We’re seeing a strong return to timeless, personal pieces – jewellery that feels meaningful and tells a story, rather than being trend-led. Lockets and engravable jewellery remain in our top sellers week on week, these are becoming modern heirlooms,” they said.
“Gold remains a staple, but we’re noticing an increased appetite for mixing metals and textures. We have noticed this increasing trend and are about to release a mix tones collection, pieces which enable our customer to wear silver and gold mixed, or flip their hoops based off whether they would like to wear silver or gold.”
To maintain timeless jewellery, opt for classic designs like solitaire diamonds or pearl studs. Invest in high-quality materials like gold or platinum.
Store jewellery in a lined box to prevent tarnishing. Clean pieces regularly with a soft cloth. Rotate pieces to prevent wear.
Lastly, choose versatile pieces that complement various outfits effortlessly.
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