Shopping For Silver
Think of silver quality like a scale with 1000 the high 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 settle for anything less than 925 silver, also known as sterling silver which has a makeup of 92.5% silver.
Shopping For Gold
Solid gold is as described, solid gold. While it will not tarnish, there are still quality grades to gold described as karats (14K, 18K or the highest, 24K), which indicate the percentage of gold used in its makeup.
Gold-filled and gold vermeil is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded to a base of either sterling silver or various metal with at least 5% gold used on the outer layer. It’s more affordable and less likely to tarnish with every day wear.
Gold-plated is usually the cheapest option, but with a layer of just 0.05% gold bonded to silver or metal, its likely to tarnish quickly.
Affordable Jewellery Brands To Shop In Australia
Sarah & Sebastian
If you’re looking to splurge on a piece you will not only keep forever but feels fashion-forward, you can’t go past Sarah & Sebastian. The Australian brand has established themselves amongst the it-crowd for its dainty, high quality pieces that become staples.
Price range: starting at $80
Mejuri
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.
Price range: starting at $45
Swarovski
For the girl who loves a little glitz and glamour, Swarovski is a classic brand with a sparkling reputation for stunning jewellery.
Price range: starting at $75
Amber Sceats
For on-trend, statement pieces and pearl-lovers, Amber Sceats creates stunning pieces that are platinum and 24K gold plated.
Price range: starting at $59
Thomas Sabo
For a hot minute there was a Thomas Sabo charm bracelet on everyone’s wrist, and it’s not hard to see why, but beyond wristwear the brand offers a range of beautiful pieces to love for a lifetime.
Price range: starting at $19
Pandora
Outside of the brand’s iconic charm bracelets, Pandora offers stunning gold-plated, rose gold-plated and sterling silver pieces.
Price range: starting at $39
S-kin Studio
We’re simply obsessed with S-kin Studio’s earrings made for stacking and dainty rings, all of which solid or gold-filled for premium quality without the hefty price tag.
Price range: starting at $8 for single charms
Reliquia Jewellery
Creating on-trend staples fashion girls love from sterling silver and gold-fill, Reliquia is a go-to for pieces that can be worn every day without caution.
Price range: starting at $109
Saint Valentine
For lovers of minimalist and dainty jewellery, you can’t go past Saint Valentine’s collection of sterling silver and 18K gold plated pieces.
Price range: starting from $20
