Fair Pricing: How to Find High-Quality Affordable Jewelry

Have you ever saved money on a cute piece of jewelry, only for it to break or turn your finger green a few weeks later? It’s a huge bummer when that happens, and on top of everything else, it feels like a waste of your hard-earned money. But there’s good news: finding affordable jewelry doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Everyone deserves to wear gorgeous, durable, and well-made jewelry without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips and tricks for how to save money while adding exceptionally made pieces to your jewelry collection.

Invest in a Few High-Quality Pieces

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend more in order to save, this is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Investing in a few high-quality pieces can save you a lot of money (and frustration) in the long run. When you’re on a budget, it’s tempting to gravitate towards lower priced pieces. But cheaper jewelry is often less durable and less likely to stand the test of time. You might actually end up spending more on replacing or repairing cheaper pieces overall. You can even calculate the piece’s cost-per-wear instead of relying on the total price; if it’s something you’ll wear every day over the course of decades, the initial price could be well worth it. Look for durable, high-quality jewelry so you can invest in the pieces you love without worrying about them tarnishing, breaking, or chipping. 

Create a Capsule Jewelry Collection

A capsule jewelry collection is a really effective way to make sure you’re shopping for jewelry you’ll wear all the time. Conduct some research to investigate your style, and then work with your preferences to find pieces that you can wear with anything. Curate a set of high-quality staple pieces that you can mix and match for any occasion, like a watch, a pair of stud earrings, and a pendant necklace. If you really love your collection, you’ll be less likely to spend money on a shiny new thing that you’re less likely to wear. 

Look for Honest Brands 

Shop with brands that are transparent about how they do business, from the materials they use to their sourcing practices. If you can’t find any information on the materials a piece of jewelry is made of, consider it a red flag. Find a brand that clearly labels their products with the materials used and sourcing details. Brands that use high-quality materials will be proud to talk about it openly on their website, and you can trust that their pieces are made to last. 

Find Alternative Materials 

There are many different affordable materials that contribute to long-lasting jewelry. While solid gold can be really expensive and metal-plating doesn’t last very long, vermeil is a great affordable option. It also has to meet certain regulatory standards to be called vermeil (like a specific amount of gold coating and a higher gold karat count) so you’ll always know that you’re getting great quality at a fair price.

Lab-created diamonds are another great way to find beautiful and high-quality affordable jewelry. Not only are lab-created diamonds chemically identical to natural diamonds, but they’re much more cost effective. Since natural diamonds are very rare, they’re also very expensive. But lab-created diamonds are a solution that provides the same quality of gem for a much lower price. They are also sustainably made, so not only are you saving some dough on a top-notch gemstone, but you’re also saving the planet. That’s an all around win!

Compare Brands’ Pricing 

Spend some time looking at different brands to compare prices. You have so many options out there; while it might take some time to find the right piece at the right price, you’ll ultimately save money. Treat this process like you would treat a big investment; take your time, ask questions, and be thorough in your search. 

Think Small, Shop Local

Another great way to ensure you’re getting the best jewelry at a fair price is to shop at local stores or with independent brands. These small shops have lower overhead costs than major companies, so they can price their jewelry competitively. Small businesses also tend to create smaller quantities of their jewelry rather than mass producing it, so you are more likely to find made-to-order options with durable materials. Plus, it always feels good to support a small business owner and help them achieve their dreams!