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10 Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Searching For The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

The right jewelry can add a certain kind of glamor to any outfit. Whether you want something that looks stellar for a special occasion or you’re looking for a staple piece for everyday wear, there’s no need to shell out tons of cash to get high-quality jewelry. 

Even the simplest pair of 14k gold hoop earrings is enough to brighten your aesthetic and lift your mood. No need to break the bank for a little bit of luxury in your life. Brands like Clean Origin, Mejuri, Kendra Scott, and BaubleBar offer classy jewelry pieces you can buy if you have an extra $100-$150 on hand. 

Luckily, there are plenty of great brands that cater to your budget on the market. We rounded up some of the best affordable jewelry brands so you can treat yourself to some new bling on a budget. 

10 Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

1. Clean Origin

10 Best Affordable Jewelry Brands 1

If you believe diamonds are only reserved for special occasions and the rich and famous, think again. Clean Origin’s sparkling collection of lab-created gems and recycled precious metals is offered at a surprisingly affordable price.

In fact, you’ll pay substantially less than you would for a regular diamond—which, by the way, is chemically the same in every way as this brand’s lab-grown gems. Founded by a group of folks with extensive experience in the jewelry industry, Clean Origin was created out of the need for a cleaner and more ethical diamond brand.

One of the founders is Alex Weindling, a third-generation diamond merchant. Another is Tetty Birman, the former CEO of Zales, Sterling, and Signet, and the last is Ryan Bonificino, the former CMO of the modern jewelry sensation Alex and Ani.

Officially launched in 2017, Clean Origin sought to “improve the diamond shopping experience,” which meant creating a transparent and easy to use sales model that kept their business 100% online.

That’s why this name is one of the best affordable jewelry brands of the moment, offering a glittering range of occasion pieces along with engagement and wedding rings. You’ll dig through the online treasure trove of 14k and 18k white, yellow, and rose gold pieces as well as many made with platinum.

What’s more, Clean Origin diamonds are certified by the IGI, GIA, and GCAL, and prices start at $335 for simple one-stone diamond rings. Diamond studs start at $500, tennis bracelets at $720, and elegant necklaces at $365.

Highlights

  • Certified by IGI, GIA & GCAL
  • Offers a great selection of all jewelry
  • 100% lab-grown selection
  • Sustainable approach
  • Recycled precious metals

2. Mejuri

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

If you haven’t seen Mejuri all over your Instagram feed, then you may be living under a rock. This brand has made big waves since it landed on the market, and for good reason. 

Founded in 2013 by Noura and Masoud Sakkijha, and Majed Masad, Mejuri offers stunning minimalist jewelry for women. The brand designs fair-priced pieces so women can buy themselves jewelry without having to take out a loan.

Mejuri aims to deconstruct the idea that jewelry can only be purchased for others as gifts or to commemorate a special life event. Instead, the brand empowers women to buy something nice for themselves. Treat yo’ self! 

Not only does the brand create timeless jewelry meant to last but they also take sustainability seriously. Mejuri has committed to being transparent about how they source their jewels and are currently committed to using gold that is 100% traceable

Most of their items are made from 14k gold, which is more durable and resistant than 18k gold. You can wear your pieces in the shower, when you sleep, and while you workout without worrying about the pieces becoming lackluster over time — perfect for everyday wear. 

You can find anything from a gold vermeil beaded ear cuff for $35 to a 14k yellow gold and pavé diamond choker for $4,000. However, the average price range is around $150 to $550

Highlights

  • Great selection of minimalist jewelry
  • Values community and female empowerment 
  • Works with sustainable suppliers 
  • Well-known for their gold designs
  • Fair-priced 
  • Canadian company

3. Astrid and Miyu

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

If you’re a jewelry connoisseur and only require one-of-a-kind things in life, then you will love Astrid and Miyu. This brand is known for its ring stacking, styling, and piercings. The brand is unlike others in the industry because it focuses on quirky mix-and-match pieces rather than cookie-cutter styles. 

Connie Nam founded the UK-based company in 2012, and it has quickly evolved since then. Growing up in Korea, she traveled a lot and was always fascinated by local jewelers from all the countries she visited. And with her brand, she wanted to provide customers with sentimental products that helped them express their individuality. 

The main inspiration for their jewelry comes from their surroundings — from the architecture in London to the pops of nature woven throughout the city — all of it plays a role in the design process. 

Astrid and Miyu also use innovative technologies such as 3D printing to give their jewelry an edge. Whether you want a personalized pendant necklace or zodiac jewelry, you’ll be sure to find something that makes your personality shine. 

Prices range from $50 to $250 because some pieces use gold plating or recycled gold, making Astrid and Miyu one of the best affordable jewelry brands. Necklaces with engravings are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but overall the brand keeps their cost quite contained and affordable. 

Highlights

  • Values diversity, experience, and innovation 
  • Engraving options are available 
  • Solid gold jewelry 
  • Uses recycled gold 
  • Vintage pieces 
  • Loyalty program available for additional savings 

4. Tai Jewelry

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Tai Jewelry is home to beautiful and charming one-of-a-kind pieces. From Koon’s Balloon Dog Studs to The Moon Tarot Card Necklace, all of the jewelry in this line is visually pleasing with a mix of basic and eccentric options. 

Growing up in Thailand, the brand’s CEO and founder, Tai Rittichai, studied at CSU before moving to Los Angeles and started selling her handcrafted bracelets at the Santa Monica flea market when she noticed a lack of fine high quality jewelry. 

After being discovered by leading boutiques in the area, Tai extended her jewelry line to include a selection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. And in 2002, Tai’s Jewelry was born. 

The brand’s tagline is: “intentional jewelry designed to brighten your world.” You can read about Tai Jewelry in many fashion magazines including OK Magazine, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan, among many other media sources.

In terms of cost, items in Tai Jewelry’s collections range from $20 to $215. Customer reviews gush about the brand’s quality, attention to detail, and customer service. Many people also report fast delivery time — bonus! 

Highlights

  • Wide selection of fine and unique jewelry
  • Employs and supports women and artists in Thailand 
  • Sold worldwide in specialty boutiques and retailers
  • Works with 14k gold 
  • Excellent customer service 

5. BaubleBar

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

BaubleBar designs playful and fun jewelry that targets those who are kids at heart. Anyone with a spunky personality will enjoy the brand’s vast selection of charms, earrings, rings, and other embellishments. 

The brand was co-founded by Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky, two friends from Harvard Business School. Soon after, BaubleBar was launched in 2011 in New York where their products continue to be manufactured. 

The duo noticed a lack of well-designed, on-trend accessories for reasonable prices. It sparked an idea to start a company that would fill the gap — and they succeeded in doing so. Their quirky and tongue-in-cheek designs are beloved by many people all over the world. 

Jewelry from BaubleBar ranges from $18 to $298. The brand is one of the best affordable jewelry brands, and can be found at big retailers such as Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and Target. 

Highlights

  • Wide range of trendy trinkets
  • Products are available in over 300 global retailers 
  • Partnerships with Disney, NBA, and NFL
  • Many discounts and promotions 
  • Size-inclusive 
  • International shipping is available 

6. Soko

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Soko pairs high-quality jewelry with ethical production and manufacturing. The brand works with artisans in Kenya to produce fine jewelry pieces. All of their pieces are designed in LA and produced in Nairobi by artists who are compensated fairly and treated well. 

The brand was co-founded by Gwendolyn Floyd, Catherine Mahugu, and Ella Peinovich in 2012. Soko aims to balance profit and purpose while also tackling social and environmental concerns of the jewelry industry. 

Soko uses 24k gold-plated brass and silver for their jewelry. Prices in their collections range from $58 to $198. You should also note that the brand has a sale section that features stunning items for a reduced cost. 

Highlights

  • Certified B-Corp 
  • Women-led
  • Ethically driven 
  • Payment options available through Klarna 
  • Minimalist designs 
  • Made with sustainable and recycled materials 

7. Catbird

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Lusting over dainty and delicate jewelry? Catbird, a Brooklyn-based jeweler, has you covered. 

At 34, Rony Vari decided to launch a small jewelry shop in Brooklyn. She sold elbow patches, clothes, ribbons, iron-ons, and a few jewelry pieces she made during the quiet days of the shop’s opening. Eighteen years later, this in-demand brand is a cult classic and employs over 100 creatives. 

Whoever said bigger is better has not seen the lovely jewelry offered at this Williamsburg boutique. The brand specializes in creating tiny gold jewelry that is delicate and sparkly. 

However, compared to the other best affordable jewelry brands, you may have to dole out a little extra dough for these accessories. You can find something pretty anywhere between $100 to $12,500. Since the brand offers wedding rings as well as everyday jewelry, prices vary dramatically. 

Highlights

  • All items are produced locally
  • Offers wedding and engagement rings 
  • Works with recycled gold and diamonds 
  • Woman-run business 
  • Certified member of No Dirty Gold 
  • Several customer testimonials 

8. Adina’s Jewels

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Add a glimmer of glam to the ‘gram by sporting one of Adina’s Jewel’s high-quality jewelry pieces. Worn by celebrities such as Cardi B, Cara Delevingne, and Madison Beer, this brand has quickly become a world-renowned business in the industry. 

Adina’s Jewels is the brainchild of Adina Kamkhatchi and her brother, Mayer, who always had an interest in fashion and accessories. During her college years, she began to make jewelry for fun, and eventually, Adina’s Jewels was born. 

The brand is based in NYC which focuses on designing and producing fashion-forward jewelry that is made to last. It’s no surprise that this is one of the best affordable jewelry brands because prices range from $20 to $450

Highlights

  • Trendy, up-to-date items 
  • Plenty of discounts and deals 
  • Jewelry is made from sterling silver and 14k gold 
  • Elegant packaging 
  • International shipping 
  • Family-run business 

9. Jenny Bird

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Jenny Bird is a contemporary Canadian jewelry brand that has caught the attention of celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Mandy Moore, Bella Hadid, and Selena Gomez. 

Jenny Bird, the brand’s founder, started out by selling handbags in 2008 and two years later discovered her passion for jewelry. Today, the company is well-known for its hoops, custom chains, and avant-garde earrings and anklets. 

The brand’s mission is: “to create modern essentials that are thoughtfully constructed and meant to be worn by everyone.” 

From the brand’s iconic thin gold hoops to thick silver chain necklaces, you can expect to pay between $75 to $275 for Jenny Bird jewelry. Due to the brand’s reasonable prices, high quality, and exceptional customer service, Jenny Bird is one of the best affordable jewelry brands in the market. 

Highlights

  • Female-led company 
  • Modern and minimalist designs 
  • Winner of several awards and accolades 
  • Partnered with many not-for-profit organizations 
  • Worldwide shipping 

10. Kendra Scott

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Kendra Scott offers in-season jewelry made for everybody. In comparison with the other best affordable jewelry brands, Kendra Scott has one of the biggest selections of jewelry items for any occasion. 

In 2002, Kendra Scott launched her jewelry line in her spare bedroom located in Austin, TX. Six years later, she nearly hit rock bottom during the financial crisis when she decided to open her flagship store that made her brand a household name. 

Depending on what you are looking for, prices will vary from $10 to $4,000. You can find a variety of accessories in different stones and metal finishes such as cuff bracelets, earrings, and choker necklaces. 

Highlights

  • Offers a wide diversity of women’s and men’s jewelry 
  • 20 years of industry experience 
  • Customization options are available
  • Plenty of promotions, sale items, and discounts 
  • Fundraises towards Breast Cancer Research Foundation 
  • International shipping 

How to Shop for the Best Affordable Jewelry 

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

When it comes to shopping for jewelry, the best affordable jewelry brands need to balance quality and design with cost. If you are highly value-driven, then you may want to look into the brand’s initiatives to see if you resonate with them.  

It can be daunting to try and figure out where to shop and what to look for at your jeweler. We’ll break it down for you, giving some helpful tips and considerations so you can make an informed purchasing decision. 

Brand  

It’s important to do brand research before making a jewelry purchase. Popularity and brand recognition are one way of determining the credibility of a brand, but you may want to do an investigation before committing to a company based on their advertising alone. 

Figure out what’s important to you in terms of your ethics. Do you value sustainability and environmentalism? If so, try to support a brand who uses recycled materials and works at reducing its carbon footprint. 

If you value humanitarianism, then a brand who makes sure their jewelry is produced ethically, and where workers are treated well, will be something you’ll want to look for. 

All in all, each brand has something that makes it different from the rest. Decide what is most important to you and how you can support a brand that honors your values. 

Style

Everyone has a unique style that is part of their identity. Whether your sense of style is vibrant and loud or toned-down and minimal, you’ll want your jewelry to complement that. 

Brands such as Mejuri or Made by Mary cater to those who have a more basic and contemporary style. On the other hand, BaubleBar and Tai Jewelry will speak to those who embrace a more eclectic lifestyle. 

Karat  

You might believe that the higher the karat of gold, the better it is. However, this isn’t always true. 

You’ve probably noticed many of the best affordable jewelry brands use 14k gold. Compared to 18k or 24k gold, 14k gold is more durable and generally lasts longer. If you’re looking for everyday jewelry and have an active lifestyle, then be sure to keep an eye out for 14k gold pieces. 

Prong Strength 

Wondering which prong will hold your diamond or gemstone in place the best? Usually, it comes down to gold or platinum. We suggest opting for platinum as it’s more durable than gold and will support your center stone better. 

As for size, a six-prong setting will protect your stone better than a four-prong setting. Alternatively, a four-prong setting will make your stone look larger. If you don’t have an overly large stone, then a smaller prong will do the job. 

Quality of Gemstones 

Quality over quantity is a general rule of thumb for most things in life, including your jewelry. What makes a gemstone high quality? Design and craftsmanship are something to pay attention to when it comes to these items. 

Some of the best affordable jewelry brands such as Adina’s Jewels and Catbird have in-house designers and artisans that work effortlessly to give you a handcrafted piece of jewelry. 

Also, companies that are transparent about how their jewelry is made and where their stones are sourced from will indicate whether their products are worth the money. Companies like Soko do a good job of providing their customers with extensive background information on their jewelry. We’re hoping more companies will follow their example.

Price

You wouldn’t be reading about the best affordable jewelry brands if you weren’t somewhat curious about the price of the jewelry. It’s important to note that high-quality jewelry does not have to be expensive. 

Of course, the price of jewelry varies depending on the materials used, the size of the product, and its design. Decide your budget and then compare different brands to determine what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend. 

FAQ

How can you tell if jewelry is overpriced? 

We suggest you take your piece of jewelry to a fine jeweler if you’re concerned about the quality of your product. To see if you bought the real thing, here are a few different methods to perform at home if you feel the jewelry seems a bit overpriced. 

  1. Check for hallmarks: Fine jewelry will have markings on them that lets you know the metal they are made out of. 
  2. The magnet test: Fine jewelry made from real gold or silver is not magnetic. 
  3. Skin test: Low-quality jewelry will turn your skin green after wearing it. 

Is 14k gold real?  

Many of the best affordable jewelry brands use 14k gold within their best sellers. We’re happy to report 14k gold is considered real — it contains 58% gold, and the rest is a mixture of other metals such as silver, nickel, copper, and zinc. 

The good thing about 14k gold is that it can handle much more on a daily basis than your 24k gold. For instance, for people with active lifestyles, you can wear your 14k jewelry without worrying about wrecking it. 

Is yellow or white gold better? 

Generally, yellow and white gold are of the same value. If you want a more durable metal, white gold would be the better option. 

What is the best way to clean jewelry? 

Several of the best affordable jewelry brands we covered in this article provide jewelry care instructions via their website. 

We took to the internet to see what advice professionals have when it comes to cleaning jewelry. A lot of experts suggest placing your jewelry in warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. After a few minutes, take out your accessory and use a soft toothbrush to gently remove any dirt. 

Final Thoughts

Best Affordable Jewelry Brands

Jewelry does not have to be a luxury only the rich can afford. We hope this list of the best affordable jewelry brands has inspired you to buy a piece of jewelry you’ve always dreamed of. 

Whether that’s a beautiful pair of croissant dome earrings from Mejuri or a pretty pendant necklace from Jenny Bird — either way, you deserve a gift.


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