Love jewelry but hate overpriced trends that tarnish after a few wears? Same.
Here’s my go-to guide for finding stylish, well-made jewelry on a budget - from vintage treasures and handmade boutiques to Amazon dainty sets and moissanite diamonds that ...
Sections
7
Start With the Staples
Small Shops, Extra Love
Trendy, but Smart
Go on a Thrifting Hunt & Strike Gold - Literally.
Affordable Diamond Alternates
Keep, Maintain, Rewear
Start With the Staples
Focus on timeless pieces first. Build your jewelry box around versatile classics - simple gold chains, stud earrings, and dainty rings that you’ll wear for years. Once you’ve got your staples, sprinkle in a few trendy or statement pieces for fun. ✨
A necklace I wear daily as it goes with any fit + perfect for layering!
Dainty 14K Gold Plated Cross Necklace
My favorite staple piece that I got for Christmas last year. 14k Gold, real diamonds, affordable and i'll be wearing it for years to come! I love layering it with another necklace or two :)
Diamond Solitaire Necklace in 14k Solid Gold
I have these and wear often! They go with just about any outfit + will never go out of style.
3PC Gold Plated Chunky Bangles
My go-to stud earrings. I’ve worn a pair almost daily since I purchased in June… and you get 14 PAIRS!!
14k Gold Hypoallergenic Surgical Steel Earring Set
One of my favorites businesses for dainty staples. They have an Etsy shop too with thousands of great reviews. High quality + very affordable!
Diamond Pearl Drop Threader Earrings | Caitlyn Minimalist
A few dainty rings that you can mix+match are a must! This opal ring set is probably my favorite ring and it comes with a matching band.
Minimalist 14K Natural Opal ring With Matching Eternity Band
Small Shops, Extra Love
There’s something special about wearing a piece made by hand. Handmade jewelry stands out - it’s unique, thoughtful, and often priced fairly. Etsy is the go-to for handmade but you can also find great boutiques on Instagram or even your local Saturda...
You can also find beautiful new pieces that have the vintage-look - like this handmade locket necklace that’s unique and doubles as a keepsake!
18K Gold Filled Vintage Photo Locket Necklace
My favorite piece from my favorite handmade shop, BluEyed Horse - Brie Necklace. So unique and versatile. I've worn it with a bathing suit, a mini dress and even a trucker hat.
Brie Necklace
I highly recommend at least one piece of turquoise in your jewelry box. It will always been on trend + can elevate any basic outfit. Try wearing it with red in the summer or an all black fit in the Fall/Winter. Use code HALLIESAVE10 at checkout!
Cassidy Earrings
Grab a couple staple pieces each season. A fun pair of earrings is the perfect option. I wear my hair up a lot so I love to wear unique, oversized earrings paired with a dainty necklace. These are perfect for Fall. Use code HALLIESAVE10 at checkout
Lunar Earrings
Trendy, but Smart
Mix in some trendy, of-the-moment pieces to keep your collection fresh. Surprisingly, even simple pieces like the Revolver necklace (2nd rec) can come at a heft price tag because of their popularity - Hot tip: When you spot a piece you love, take a s...
Obsessed with these chunky, trendy gold rings. I may have just added to cart 😂
14k Gold Plated Chunky Gold Rings
Simple yet trendy necklace I purchased for Fall. It looks so chic with a solid black top or dress - or pair it with a stylish, fitted vest like I did in the photos.
Cord Choker in Gold
Anthropology is one of my favorites for trendy yet affordable jewelry - and beaded jewelry is definitely in right now. Buy one with colors that are on trend for that season - example: the first pic is perfect for Fall.
Rainbow Stone Necklace
Go on a Thrifting Hunt & Strike Gold - Literally.
Thrift stores are seriously underrated for jewelry finds. You’d be surprised at the items people donate these days.
Hot Tip: Go early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) after weekend donations for the best chance at fresh finds. No time to hit up the l...
My latest vintage find from Etsy - Mother of Pearl + Marcasite Sterling Silver Ring. It's so unique, gorgeous, + only cost me $59!
Vintage Mother Of Pearl & Marcasite Sterling Silver Statement Ring
Gosh, I love opals! This vintage opal ring is listed on Ruby Lane - which is one of my go-to sites for shopping vintage, authenticated luxury goods.
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Opal Ring
I rarely buy designer pieces at full price. You can always find deals on resale sites- like this David Yurman bracelet listed on the RealReal that’s listed for 29% off the retail price!
Amethyst Classic Cable Cuff
Affordable Diamond Alternates
If you love sparkle but not the price tag, look into alternate stones that are comparable in look but much easier on the wallet like Moissanites or Lab Created Diamonds.
Lab Created Diamonds are real diamonds, with the exact same chemical and optica...
Moissaniteco is a reputable Moissanite business + where I ordered my replacement engagement ring from! Linked is the one I I ordered but I customized it like the photos: 3ct Square Radiant GREEN Moissanite Tulip Cathedral Ring. I wanted something un...
3ct Square Radiant GREEN Moissanite Tulip Cathedral Ring
Scott Bonomo is another trusted business to purchase Moissanites. Love the modern setting of this one! 3ct and under 1k 👀
So gorgeous and look just like real diamonds. You won’t believe your eyes and everyone else’s eyes will be tricked 👀
Lab- Created Diamond Earring Studs
Keep, Maintain, Rewear
Even budget-friendly jewelry can last years with proper care. Invest in a good jewelry box to protect and organize your collection. And don’t forget a travel jewelry box so you don’t have a tangled mess when you arrive in Mexico 🏖️
This is the jewelry box I have + love it! It’s so spacious, has a light inside, AND a lock. Bonus points: Doubles as a mirror!
6 LEDs Mirror Jewelry Cabinet With Lock
Don’t forget the travel jewelry box! I use to travel with my jewelry in a little zip pouch 😆 It would get so tangled. Love this one to help keep me organized on the road.
Leather Travel Jewelry Organizer Case
The best jewelry cleaner. It’s gentle + travel friendly - keep one in your purse! (P.S. This makes a great gift for your newly engaged friend, too.)
Portable Diamond Jewelry Cleaner
When in Doubt, Find Inspiration!
Still not sure what your jewelry style is? Get inspired! Browse Pinterest boards, scroll fashion blogs, or ask ChatGPT to curate styles based on your vibe (“boho chic,” “minimalist gold,” “vintage glam,” etc.). And check Benable…. Duh! 😆
Or maybe a ...
Pinterest is great for inspiration (almost as good as Benable 😉) This is a Pinterest pin I created of the most versatile necklace ever from BluEyed Horse. Can wear it 4 ways, comes in multiple colors, handmade and the perfect layering piece! Use cod...
Create Your own Lookbook Using Pinterest - The one necklace you need in your jewelry box in 2025
Get inspired by tutorials on how to wear your jewelry - maybe that’s really what you need instead of actual pieces to purchase. Example: Here’s a guide I created on how to easily nail the layered necklace look. ❤️
Get Inspired By Tutorials: How-To Guide on Layering Your Necklaces
Some brands have helpful blog posts you can scour - like Uncommon James which offers trendy + affordable pieces that are lovely. This blog post covers the top Fall jewelry trends. Great starting point if you have no clue what you want or what your j...
Scour Your Favorite Brands’ Blog Posts: UNCOMMON JAMES: The Top Fall Jewelry Trends