Whether it’s a special occasion piece or the everyday staples you never take off, we feel strangely bare when without jewellery.
From keepsake necklaces to perfectly curated ear stacks, jewellery may seem a minute detail in the scheme of an entire outfit, but its impact is weighty—as can be its price tag.
Keeping up with the latest trends or shopping for a loved one can quickly become a costly endeavour, particularly if you’re not wanting to waste your hard-earned cash on the kind of pieces that turn your skin green.
So, what should you look for and where should you shop? Scroll on for everything you need to know and the best brands to shop.
Shopping For Silver
Think of silver quality like a scale with 1000 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 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 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.
2024’s TOP AFFORDABLE JEWELLERY BRANDS
- Mejuri (here’s why)
- Najo (here’s why)
- Michael Kors (here’s why)
The best affordable jewellery brands to shop in Australia 2024
01
Mejuri
Price range: starting at $45
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
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. Transcending time, the newest collection, Capri embodies the effortless Mediterranean lifestyle, mixing metals and gemstones into delicate yet everyday wear designs.
03
Michael Kors
Price range: starting at $99
If you want to treat yourself to fine jewellery without the insane price tag then Michael Kors has timeless and trendy pieces that can take your outfit to the next level.
04
Sarah & Sebastian
Price range: starting at $80
If you’re looking to splurge on a piece you will not only keep forever but feel fashion-forward, you can’t go past Sarah & Sebastian. The Australian brand has established itself amongst the it-crowd for its dainty, high-quality pieces that become staples.
05
Arms Of Eve
Price range: starting at $19
Kit out your jewellery collection with every earring, necklace and bracelet design under the sun from Arms of Eve. Their collections are ultra-affordable or you can splurge on bundles to score multiple pieces in one shop. They also have an adorable charm builder you can use to curate your own personalised piece.
06
Amber Sceats
Price range: starting at $59
For on-trend, statement pieces and pearl-lovers, Amber Sceats creates stunning pieces that are platinum and 24K gold plated.
07
Swarovski
Price range: starting at $75
For the girl who loves a little glitz and glamour, Swarovski is a classic brand with a sparkling reputation for stunning jewellery.
08
Alana Maria
Price range: starting at $29
This Aussie jewellery brand was founded by 25-year-old Northern Beaches jeweller Alana and has grown to be a global success with pop-ups across North America. The pieces are made to order by her team of skilled artisans and in a method to reduce environmental impact.
If you love the range but want to splurge they have a new Bespoke by Alana Maria line of solid gold, silver and white gold pieces with jaw-dropping gems and stones.
09
Saint Valentine
Price range: starting at $20
For lovers of minimalist and dainty jewellery, you can’t go past Saint Valentine’s collection of sterling silver and 18K gold plated pieces.
10
Reliquia Jewellery
Price range: starting at $109
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.
11
Pandora
Price range: starting at $39
Outside of the brand’s iconic charm bracelets, Pandora offers stunning gold-plated, rose gold-plated and sterling silver pieces.
12
Sabo
Price range: starting at $19
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.
Tips On Keeping Up With The Latest Jewellery Trends?
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. And don’t forget to express your personal style confidently!
What Are Some Ways To Keep Your Jewellery Collection Timeless?
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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