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The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands of 2025

Inexpensive Jewelry That Looks Luxe

Image credits: kendra scott

We love good jewelry—but not $800 price tags. Finding pieces that look luxe, last longer than a season, and don’t turn your neck green shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. That’s where this new wave of affordable luxury comes in—brands using real gold, vermeil, and sterling silver that actually holds up (and looks good doing it).

To curate this list, we leaned on the Rank & Style algorithm, our data-backed way of surfacing what shoppers really love. It pulls from user reviews, best-seller lists, and editor favorites to find the most popular affordable jewelry brands online. Each one scored high for materials, design, and staying power—all while coming in under budget.

And honestly? Inexpensive jewelry can go either way. Some pieces tarnish before the month’s out, others somehow get better with age. The ones ahead fall squarely in the second camp: high-shine, low-maintenance, and guaranteed to make your everyday stack feel a little more expensive than it is.

Our Favorite Affordable Jewelry Brands

  1. Mejuri
  2. Gorjana
  3. Monica Vinader
  4. Kendra Scott
  5. BaubleBar
  6. Missoma
  7. Aurate New York
  8. Quince
  9. Catbird
  10. Stone and Strand
  11. Silpada
  12. Kay Jewelers
  13. Ana Luisa
  14. Jenny Bird
  15. Local Eclectic
  16. Notte Jewelry 

All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.

November 7, 2025

Written By:Beth Zerdecki

Product Expert:Brittany Brainard

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Mejuri — Everyday Fine Jewelry That Feels Luxe

Mejuri changed the rules. Fine jewelry used to be reserved for anniversaries and gift boxes; now it’s something you can buy on a Tuesday “just because”. Their pieces include 14k gold and gold-vermeil with a direct-to-consumer model that keeps prices friendly. Reviewers praise the polish and weight of their designs. The result? Real gold feel, modern design, and that rare crossover between investment-worthy and accessible.. 

They’ve also made sustainability feel less like a buzzword and more like a standard. Nearly all their gold and silver—over 94%—comes from recycled sources. It’s that rare mix of conscious and cool, and somehow still doesn’t cost a fortune.

Boyfriend Bold Chain Necklace

Mejuri

Boyfriend Bold Chain Necklace

$98

Buy Now

Gorjana — The California Girl’s Layering Secret

Gorjana nails that effortless layering vibe: thin chains, soft gold tones, charm-friendly designs made to stack. The range covers low-budget pieces and some fine lines. Reviewers say the quality and design list look strong. If you love the idea of stacking without overthinking, this is a smart stop.

They have a wide selection, from statement necklaces to simple studs, even personalized necklaces and charms. The pricing varies widely too. You can easily find cheap jewelry under $60, or high-end diamond studded pieces that cost a few hundred.

Monica Vinader — Built to Last (Literally)

Monica Vinader sits square in the “demi-fine” category: higher than fast fashion but below luxury-markups, and with real care in materials. Their gold vermeil, recycled silver, and ethically-sourced gemstones show up in reviews as “significantly better than fast-fashion brands.” 

Here's what makes it different though: they back everything with a 5-year warranty plus lifetime repairs. And we're not talking about some vague "email us maybe we'll help" situation—people actually use it and rave about how smooth it is. One reviewer mentioned her daughter got a replacement ring in under a week with zero hassle. The brand commits to 100% recycled metals and conflict-free stones, so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your cart.

Kendra Scott — Color, Sparkle, and Customization Galore

Kendra Scott brings joy into jewelry. Think gemstone pops, mix-and-match design bars, customizable elements. Price-points start around $50 and go up for more luxe materials. Reviewers highlight the sturdiness for the cost and the fun, gift-friendly vibes. You want bold but wearable? This checks that box.

Kendra Scott’s pieces have popped up on everyone from Taylor Swift to Sofia Vergara, yet the prices stay refreshingly down-to-earth. It’s that sweet spot—celebrity sparkle without the celebrity price tag.

Pro Tip: Use a Kendra Scott coupon at checkout for an added discount.

BaubleBar — Where Trendy Meets Fun (and Doesn’t Cost a Fortune)

BaubleBar is all about affordable statement jewelry—you know, the pieces you pair with denim and a blazer, or slip in just to elevate a basic tee. Reviewers love the designs and fast styling turnaround; durability isn’t luxury-level, but for the price, this is trend–ready and easy to wear.

Monogrammed bracelets, name necklaces, initial earrings—custom pieces are a huge part of their business. The brand even offers full alphabet collections and “build-your-own” jewelry kits. You’ll spot BaubleBar on Selena Gomez, Lizzo, and Hailey Bieber—but what’s wild is that most of those exact pieces retail for under $50.

Missoma — British Cool Meets Everyday Wearability

Before “affordable luxury” became a buzzword, Missoma was already making gold-vermeil pieces that looked high-end without the markup. They basically helped invent the demi-fine category—everyday jewelry that still feels special. Then Meghan Markle wore one of their necklaces in 2018, and things took off fast. Since then, Missoma’s popped up on half of Hollywood and every editor’s wish list, but somehow, it’s still affordable. Most pieces land under $200.

From London, the brand leans minimalist with a little edge—delicate gold layers, chunky chains, a touch of rock-chic polish. It’s refined, cool, and never too precious.

Aurate New York — Fine Jewelry with Nothing to Hide

Long before “sustainable gold” was trending, Aurate was already using 100% recycled gold, conflict-free stones, and packaging made from biodegradable materials. They’ve built the brand around transparency—literally publishing where every material comes from. Each piece is tracked from mine (or recycled source) to final polish. You can even trace the gold’s origin on their site—something almost no other affordable fine jewelry brand offers.

Unlike many demi-fine brands, Aurate skips gold plating or vermeil altogether. Everything is solid 14k or 18k gold, meaning it’s meant to last a lifetime, not a season. It’s more “fine jewelry” in feel than many affordable brands. If you’ve been wanting something more upscale but without full luxury cost, this is the sweet spot.

Quince — Luxury Materials Minus the Middle-Man Markup

We’ll be honest—Quince kind of shocked us. The whole idea is simple enough: skip the middlemen, skip the retail markup, and make fine jewelry people can actually afford. But when you see solid 14k gold hoops priced under $100? You start double-checking the product page like… how?

Each listing breaks down exactly what you’re paying for. Materials, labor, even shipping costs. Which we love, because it’s rare to see a brand this transparent. Everything’s made with real metals (14k gold, vermeil, or gold-filled—no mystery alloys) and often finished with freshwater pearls or responsibly sourced stones. The pieces feel solid, weighty, and reviewers say the same. Those little 14k huggie hoops and chain necklaces? Basically internet famous at this point.

Catbird — The Brooklyn Darling of Dainty Gold

Catbird is small-scale, cool-girl approved, and specializes in quiet, minimal gold jewelry that still makes a statement. Think teensy rings, layering pieces, gold that doesn’t shout. If you like your jewelry subtle but meaningful, this is a brand to know.

Every piece is designed and produced in their Brooklyn studio by a small team of jewelers. It’s one of the few affordable fine jewelry brands still doing true in-house production. Catbird’s entire collection is made from 100% recycled 14k gold, and they vet every supplier for responsible sourcing.

They invented the “permanent bracelet” trend with their Welded Forever Bracelet—a chain that’s micro-welded onto your wrist instead of clasped. It went viral years before TikTok caught on. People now travel to New York just to get one. Catbird has been spotted on Zoë Kravitz, Emma Watson, and Taylor Swift. But despite the name-dropping, most of their pieces cost under $200.

Stone and Strand — Diamond Staples That Don’t Break the Bank

Stone and Strand offers real diamonds, real gold, and transparent pricing—so you can upgrade your jewelry game without jumping into full luxury territory. For lovers of classic styles (studs, chains) but at smarter cost, this is a go-to.

The brand uses 100% recycled gold and conflict-free, natural diamonds (and some lab-grown ones too). Prices are transparent and intentionally lower than traditional jewelers because they sell direct-to-consumer—no 10x markups here.

The Pave Diamond Studs are a bestseller and often compared to pieces that cost twice as much. They’ve become a go-to recommendation for anyone looking for “real” diamond jewelry under $250

Silpada — The Silver Revival We Didn’t Know We Needed

Silpada’s trademark is solid .925 sterling silver. Never plated, never fake. That consistency helped them stand out back when most “affordable” jewelry meant base metals or heavy plating. 

Most Silpada pieces cost between $40 and $150, which is cheap for how long they last. Reviewers say they’ve had theirs for a decade or more without tarnish. The quality is a big part of why the brand has such a loyal following. They partner with silversmiths around the world to create limited batches, which gives each design a slightly one-of-a-kind feel. To top it all off, they offer free returns and exchanges just in case a piece doesn’t work out like you were hoping.

Kay Jewelers — The Mainstream Classic You Can Always Count On

A recognized name for a reason. Kay was one of the first legacy jewelers to widely introduce lab-grown diamonds, offering them as a more sustainable and affordable alternative to mined stones.

Their Lifetime Diamond & Gemstone Guarantee is surprisingly solid. It covers cleaning, inspection, and repairs—something shoppers mention often in reviews. It’s especially appealing for engagement jewelry. Many stores offer same-day pickup and free resizing for most rings, making it a go-to for last-minute anniversaries (we’ve all been there).

In the past few years, Kay Jewelers introduced fine gold basics and stackable diamond bands that rival online-only brands—but with the benefit of in-person shopping. If you like browsing, gift-friendly design, and established store comfort—Kay delivers on that “affordable luxury” shelf.

Ana Luisa — Sustainable Style That Doesn’t Skimp on Shine

Ana Luisa made sustainability cool before most brands even tried. They’re fully carbon-neutral—production, shipping, the whole thing—and they actually show the math in an annual report. We love a brand that receipts its own claims.

Most of their pieces are made from recycled metals—brass, silver, gold—with an extra-thick layer of 14k plating or vermeil. The quality’s legit. You can wear their hoops in the shower (seriously, people do) and they’ll still look brand new. Prices land mostly between $39 and $150, so it’s easy to build a rotation instead of babying one nice piece. TikTok figured that out fast—those mini huggie hoops? Gone the minute they restock.

Local Eclectic — For the Astrology-Obsessed and Birthstone Curious

Local Eclectic started as a place for small, women-led jewelry brands to actually get noticed. Think of it like a curated online boutique for indie designers—each one totally different, yet somehow it all works together.

They helped make “everyday fine jewelry” a thing—mixing solid gold, vermeil, and gemstones into pieces you can wear every day without stressing about price tags. Birthstones, zodiacs, tarot—it’s all part of the fun. The jewelry feels personal, sometimes even a little mystical, but never costume-y.

Their Family Gold line uses 14k solid gold for forever pieces, while other collections lean on vermeil or sterling silver for that under-$200 sweet spot. It’s approachable, giftable, and just… special. The kind of brand you stumble across once and keep coming back to.

Jenny Bird — Sculptural Jewelry with Main-Character Energy

Jenny Bird doesn’t do subtle. Her pieces are bold, sculptural, a little architectural—like wearable art that still works with jeans and a tee. The hoops alone have a fanbase; they’re light, sleek, and flattering on everyone. One pair sells every few minutes, which says it all.

Jenny tests every design herself, tweaking the weight until it hits that perfect in-between—substantial but not shoulder-bruising. Fans always mention that balance in reviews. And while the brand’s not loud about it, everything’s made ethically in small batches, packaged in recyclable materials, and designed to last.

You’ve probably seen her work on Hailey Bieber or Meghan Markle. The chain chokers, the oversized hoops—they’re editor favorites for a reason. If you like your jewelry with a little attitude (but not the price tag to match), this is it.

Notte Jewelry — Whimsical Pieces That Make You Smile

Notte’s all about joy. Color, pearls, enamel—every piece looks like something pulled from a dream or maybe your childhood jewelry box (but way cooler). The mix is wild but it works: resin hearts, smiley beads, evil eyes, tiny pearls—all done with a wink. It’s more “art class chic” than fine jewelry, and that’s kind of the point.

They’re known for their mismatched earrings—one heart, one flower, never too serious. Fashion editors love that offbeat, playful edge. Everything’s gold-plated brass, nickel-free, and sturdier than you’d expect for the price. Most pieces land between $60 and $150, which makes it dangerously easy to start collecting.

It’s not jewelry for showing off. It’s for fun. For color. For days you just want to wear something that makes you smile.


What to Look for When Buying Affordable Jewelry

Here’s the thing about cheap jewelry: some of it looks way more expensive than it is… and some of it looks like it came out of a gumball machine. We’ve all been burned before. The secret isn’t luck—it’s learning what actually matters when you shop.

Materials

Solid gold is the dream, obviously, but gold vermeil and gold-filled are the real MVPs of budget-friendly jewelry. Vermeil means a thick layer of gold over sterling silver (so it won’t flake off the second you wear perfume), and gold-filled is heat-bonded, which makes it extra durable. If something’s just labeled “gold-plated,” you’re probably better off skipping it—it’ll fade before you finish your iced latte.

Weight

You can tell a lot by weight. Real metals have a quiet heft to them. When something feels feather-light or oddly shiny, that’s usually your sign it won’t last. If a brand lists the thickness of its plating (measured in microns), we take that as a very good omen.

Sustainability 

Now, sustainability might sound like a buzzword, but it’s a pretty reliable quality check. Brands that use recycled metals or lab-grown stones tend to put care into the rest of their process, too. It’s less about marketing and more about mindset.

Style

Balance is key. Sure, it’s fun to chase a trend—chunky hearts, oversized chains—but the pieces you’ll reach for again and again are the quiet ones: simple hoops, thin chains, stacking rings. The ones that don’t need an occasion.

Care

Not the most exciting part, we know, but it’s everything. Keep your pieces dry. Give them a quick wipe before you toss them back in the drawer. Store them separately if you can. It’s five seconds of effort that can double the life of your jewelry.

Affordable doesn’t have to mean disposable—it just means knowing when to splurge, when to save, and how to make both choices look equally good.

Best Places to Shop for Affordable Jewelry Online

Jewelry shopping online can feel… chaotic. Too many tabs, too many options, and somehow everything either looks fake or costs a month’s rent. We get it. The trick is knowing where to look. A few sites consistently deliver—good quality, fair prices, and pieces that actually match the photos.

Etsy

For handmade and personal, nothing beats Etsy. It’s full of small designers making everything from zodiac necklaces to engraved bracelets. The best part? You can message the maker directly, tweak a detail, or ask for a custom charm. It’s easily one of the best cheap jewelry websites for unique finds that don’t feel mass-produced.

Nordstrom & Revolve

If you like a little curation (and less scrolling), head here. Both retailers carry many of the best affordable jewelry brands on our list—Gorjana, Missoma, Jenny Bird, Kendra Scott. Prices are slightly higher than going direct, but the fast shipping and generous return policies make up for it. Plus, it’s nice to grab a gold chain while you’re picking up a serum. You can use a Nordstrom promo code for an even better deal.

Amazon

We know—Amazon isn’t glamorous. But it’s quietly great for names you already trust, like Silpada, Gorjana, and Quince. You’ll get the same legit pieces, just with faster delivery and plenty of real-customer photos for proof. Shop during Prime Day or other Amazon promotions and you might even find some of your favorite brands at a discount.

Direct from the Brand

Sometimes, the best deals come straight from the source. Brands like Mejuri, Monica Vinader, and Ana Luisa sell direct-to-consumer, which means lower markups and exclusive collections you won’t see elsewhere. Plus, signing up for their emails usually gets you early access or a discount code (worth it).

Honestly, it depends on your vibe. Want something handmade? Etsy. Need a one-click Prime fix? Amazon. Or, go straight to the brand for that new-drop excitement. However you shop, these spots make it easy to find affordable jewelry that looks way more luxe than it should.

How to Tell If Affordable Jewelry Is Worth It

Not every shiny thing is worth your money. Some pieces feel luxe right out of the box; others start shedding their plating before the month’s over. The trick is spotting the difference before you click “buy.”

Here’s our quick gut-check list:

  • Start with materials. If a brand clearly lists “14k gold,” “gold vermeil,” or “sterling silver,” you’re in good shape. When you see vague stuff like “gold tone” or “metal blend”? Hard pass.
  • Read the reviews. And not just the five-stars. Look for photos, comments about color changes, or mentions of weight. Real shoppers are brutally honest.
  • Check the warranty. Good brands don’t disappear after checkout. If they offer repairs or replacements, that’s a solid trust signal.
  • Transparency matters. When a brand talks openly about recycled metals, conflict-free stones, or small-batch production, it usually means the quality’s there too.

Now, about the dreaded green-skin thing. That’s usually brass or copper reacting to moisture—not dangerous, just annoying. Stick with vermeil, gold-filled, or solid gold to avoid it. Sterling silver’s safe too; it just needs the occasional polish to stay bright.

A few durability tells: thicker plating (measured in microns), gold that’s 10k or higher, and recycled metals that can take daily wear. Tiny details, big payoff.

What Kind of Affordable Jewelry Doesn’t Tarnish?

If you want jewelry that stays shiny, look for the real stuff—solid gold, gold vermeil, or sterling silver. Vermeil’s kind of the sweet spot: real gold layered thick over silver, which means it won’t fade the second it gets near perfume. Stainless steel and titanium are quietly great, too. They don’t mind water, don’t rust, and hold up through way more wear than you’d expect for the price.

What Jewelry Brands Are Good Quality but Inexpensive?

There’s a sweet little intersection between quality and price, and a few brands have nailed it. We’re talking Mejuri, Gorjana, Monica Vinader, Ana Luisa—the ones people keep reordering from because the pieces actually last. They all use real metals, not mystery blends, and the reviews back it up. For something fun or trendier, check out BaubleBar, Local Eclectic, or Notte Jewelry. They’re proof you don’t have to spend a fortune to look like you did.

How Do I Make Affordable Jewelry Last Longer?

Honestly? Treat it like it’s more expensive than it is. Keep it dry, wipe it off when you’re done wearing it, store it separately. It sounds tedious, but it makes a massive difference. Try not to shower, sleep, or spray perfume in it—you’ll double its life just by doing less. We’ve learned this the hard way (a.k.a. RIP to every plated chain we’ve ever sweat through).

What’s the Best Affordable Jewelry for Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Stick with 14k gold, gold vermeil, sterling silver, or stainless steel—they’re usually safe bets. The real villain is nickel, so always check the fine print before buying. A lot of brands now call out “hypoallergenic” or “nickel-free” in the product details, which helps. Once you find materials that play nice with your skin, you’ll never go back to guessing.

Affordable Jewelry That Feels Anything But Cheap

Here’s the thing—affordable doesn’t mean settling anymore. The new generation of jewelry brands has closed the gap between budget and beautiful, turning “inexpensive” into something you actually want to show off. Gold that doesn’t fade, chains that don’t tangle, and price tags that don’t make you cringe.

The fun of affordable luxury jewelry is mixing it up. Layer your gold vermeil chains with a fine piece you splurged on last year. Stack dainty rings next to a statement one. Play a little—it’s not about rules, it’s about building something that feels like you.

And once you’ve got your jewelry rotation figured out, take it one step further. Keep your pieces shining with these waterproof jewelry brands, or store them in style with one of the best jewelry boxes

Because the best affordable jewelry brands prove something simple but true—you don’t have to spend like a millionaire to look like one.

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