Whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of gold hoops or a floating diamond pendant, the best affordable jewelry brands offer stunning pieces that won’t deplete your bank account. By using recycled metals and lab-grown stones in many cases, these jewelry houses create designs that look more expensive than they are. After consulting our resident jewelry expert Kari Molvar, who is Forbes Vetted’s deputy fashion editor and holds certificates in jewelry essentials and lab-grown diamonds, we determined that Mejuri is our top pick overall. We also came up with additional recommendations, depending on your needs, budget and taste.
Quince, for example, is known for dainty fine jewelry staples while BaubleBar is great for gifts. Grown Brilliance is a go-to for all things diamonds, from tennis bracelets to engagement rings. Here, all the best affordable jewelry brands that we regularly shop ourselves and have earned our stamp of approval.
- Best Affordable Jewelry Brand Overall: Mejuri
- Best For Lab-Grown Diamonds: Grown Brilliance
- Best For Gemstones: Blue Nile
- Best For Sustainable Diamonds: Vrai
- Best For Everyday Jewelry: Pavoi
- Best For Birthstone Jewelry: Brook & York
- Best For On-Trend Jewelry: Nadri
- Best For Hypoallergenic Jewelry: Ana Luisa
- Best For Dainty Jewelry: Quince
- Best For Statement Pieces: Shashi
- Best For Something Whimsical: BaubleBar
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we have deep experience in jewelry and accessories. We’ve covered an extensive selection of jewelry topics—including researching the best materials, brands and shopping experiences—that informed the selections made here. Additionally, the publishing of this piece was overseen by Forbes Vetted deputy fashion editor, Kari Molvar, who holds hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and the fundamentals of lab-grown diamonds from the International Gem Society.
How We Chose The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands
When selecting brands for this list, we started with our personal experience. The writer of this piece, Forbes contributor Lena Raff, and deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar both own jewelry from several of the brands that received top marks—including Mejuri, Pavoi and Ana Luisa—so we can personally attest to their quality. Then, we conducted extensive research on top brands, taking into consideration their range of styles, materials used, value, price point and shipping and return policies. We also made sure to choose brands that represented a variety of styles and product offerings, from luxury diamond jewelry to everyday fashion staples and more.
What To Consider About The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands
- Materials: It’s entirely possible to find beautiful, high-quality jewelry made from durable, stylish materials without blowing your budget. While solid gold and platinum usually command higher price tags, 14 karat gold-plated sterling silver or brass is an often lower-priced alternative that will still hold up nicely and won’t irritate skin like nickel has a tendency to do. Lab-grown gems also provide a sustainable alternative to more expensive natural stones.
- Style And Longevity: There are certain staples that make up the foundation of a jewelry wardrobe—sort of like the perfect pair of jeans or a great white t-shirt—that you’ll want to invest in since you’ll likely wear them regularly for years to come. For these foundational items, like hoop earrings or layering necklaces, you might want to splurge on solid gold or gemstones: We recommend Quince and Mejuri, or Vrai and Grown Brilliance if you’re going for a diamond piece. If you’re trying out a trend you’re not sure will stick, you may not want to spend as much—which is where a brand like Pavoi comes in, since you’ll still get good quality at a lower price point.
- Return Policy: Ideally, you’ll love your new jewelry purchase, but in case it isn’t exactly what you were looking for, a flexible return policy provides peace of mind. Always check the company’s policy before ordering, so you can be prepared if it doesn’t work out. Most of the brands listed here allow for returns within 30 days, but some have extra generous policies—like Quince, which gives you a full year to make returns.
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