For jewelry enthusiasts who like to switch up their look, finding affordable jewelry brands is key. To find pieces that look like a million bucks (but actually cost less than $100), it’s all about finding the balance between quality and cost—you don’t want to end up with cheap jewelry that tarnishes immediately and looks bad after just a few wears.
“Be careful about anything that seems too good to be true,” says Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us. “Buy the best quality you can, and keep in mind that ‘fewer but better’ is a smart motto to have.”
What is affordable jewelry?
When we talk about affordable jewelry brands, we’re focusing on brands that have a median price of around $150.
Since first-person recommendations are the best way to get trustworthy reviews, we polled the entire Real Simple editorial team for their favorite tried-and-true jewelry brands that are good quality but don’t have luxury prices. In all, we got over 20 responses and 14 unique brand recommendations, ranging from big retailers to department store staples to smaller stores. For expert tips on shopping and caring for affordable jewelry, we tapped Bruhn and Brenna Lyden, CEO and founder of East West Gem Co.
Etsy
Etsy
Etsy is truly your oyster when it comes to finding any and all types of jewelry—there are currently more than 16 million listings! It was also the most recommended retailer from the Real Simple team, with five editors naming it as their go-to source for affordable jewelry.
“I love Etsy because you can find absolutely anything—it’s where I found the miniature Anne of Green Gables pendant I gave a friend of mine for her birthday,” says features director Amy Maclin. “You can communicate directly with the seller to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want, and who doesn’t want to support an artist’s small businesses?”
Etsy offers plenty of filters to help you find what you need, including occasion, holiday, gemstone, material, style, theme, and more. Etsy is particularly a hub for vintage jewelry, handmade jewelry, and quirky statement pieces.
“Finding the right piece of jewelry on Etsy can sometimes be a bit like a needle/haystack situation, but with patience and some specific keyword searching you can find some really amazing pieces,” says senior home editor Hannah Baker. Managing editor Tara Cox agrees: “Am I looking for a floating anchor necklace? A KISS band necklace? Maybe a ring that incorporates stars? Whatever whim I have I can search and then get even more suggestions to take me down a new rabbit hole.”
Where Etsy excels the most, though, is personalized jewelry. You’ll find all kinds of unique, customizable pieces including name rings and necklaces, and even bracelets with an engraving of the coordinates of your choice. You can even get your kid’s drawing turned into a necklace or something to commemorate a special date.
When shopping on Etsy, just keep in mind that sellers set their own shipping prices and return policies, and quality can be hit or miss depending on the shop you’re buying from. “Not to jinx things, but I’ve always had wonderful customer service experiences wise with Etsy sellers,” says contributing senior research editor Maya Kukes. “They tend to have great communication about shipping and the little notes they often include in the packages never fail to make me smile. The personal touch makes me feel even better about supporting small businesses, and you just cannot beat the selection. As cheesy as it sounds, Etsy truly does have something for everyone!”
Price Range: $2-$50,000 | Jewelry Types: Necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, watches, body jewelry | Return Window: Varies by seller
Etsy Editor Picks:
Mejuri
Mejuri
Mejuri stands out for offering fine jewelry at low prices. Here, you can find relatively affordable pieces made from 14-karat gold, yellow gold, and precious stones such as white sapphire, pearls, and even diamonds. You’ll find the lowest prices on earrings, including 14-karat yellow gold studs, a pair of pearl drop earrings, and single diamond studs, all available for under $100.
“I LOVE Mejuri,” says shopping editorial director Nicole Lund. “I have a few products from it, including gifts that have been given to me and gifts I’ve bought for others. Everything I’ve gotten from Mejuri has been high-quality, stylish, and durable—my oldest piece of jewelry from here is about five years old, and still looks good as new.”
VP Kate Geraghty agrees: “One of the things I love most about the few Mejuri pieces I own is how great they have stood up over years of being regularly worn. With some affordable jewelry brands, pieces show wear and tear after just a few months, but I have Mejuri rings that I’ve owned for years that look as bright and clean as the day I got them. The solid gold pieces do come with a higher price tag, but in my opinion, they’re well worth it, and the rings especially are a great deal for the price.”
Mejuri is best known for its minimalist hoop earrings, of which there are many to choose from, including beaded and diamond varieties. You can also purchase charms to add to your hoops for an even bigger statement.
The catch is that the majority of Mejuri’s offerings are definitely geared towards minimalists, so people who want chunky, colorful jewelry might be disappointed. On the other hand, Mejuri also has a men’s section that includes chains, necklaces, and rings. You can also find wedding bands for both genders, as well as simple yet beautiful engagement rings.
Price Range: $38-$8,400 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, chains, bracelets, rings | Return Window: 30 days
Mejuri Editor Picks:
Gorjana
Gorjana
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There are many ways to personalize its jewelry, including birthstones, initials, engraving, and charms.
Gorjana is your one-stop shop for gold jewelry. The brand has a beautiful selection of both classic and quirky jewelry styles that are sure to live in your jewelry box for a lifetime. These include delicate pendant necklaces you can decorate with charms, such as a heart, locket, or even a bejeweled bee. There are also signet rings, chain-link bracelets that are both thin and chunky, and plenty of hoops.
“Gorjana is my absolute go-to for affordable jewelry!” says shopping Lily Gray. “It certainly doesn’t help that I live across the street from the store. I have several earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, and none have tarnished or diminished in quality after years of everyday use. It has a gorgeous selection of basic jewelry that can fit nearly any style.”
Lily particularly loves the Lou Hoops, which she wears every day. This is a great place to shop if you have multiple ear piercings, as the brand has a nice selection of studs, huggie-style earrings, and sets available for layering.
Gorjana also has a robust collection of affordable fine jewelry. You’ll find 14-karat gold pieces as well as jewelry with opals, pearls, and diamonds. “I’ve purchased two pieces from the fine jewelry line for my sister when she gave birth to her daughters, and they still sparkle,” says Lily. Plus, if you’d like to personalize your jewelry, there are plenty of ways to do just that—beyond monogrammed jewelry, there are also astrological necklaces, birthstone earrings, and a variety of pieces that can be engraved.
Price Range: $25-$135 | Jewelry Types: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, charms | Return Window: 30 days
Gorjana Editor Picks:
Astrid & Miyu
Astrid & Miyu
Astrid & Miyu is a London-based jewelry brand that specializes in contemporary pieces. The brand sells all types of jewelry, including pendant necklaces with zodiac and initial designs, minimalist and statement rings, and stackable sets. We especially love that it’s so easy to filter earrings based on piercing type. You can find styles that are suitable for conch, helix, and tragus piercings as easily as you can find lobe earrings. There are more affordable styles that are made of sterling silver and plated with 18-karat gold, and there are also solid 14-karat gold options for people who are willing to spend a bit more for higher-quality jewelry.
Shopping editorial director Nicole Lund discovered Astrid & Miyu when she was looking for a place to buy “permanent jewelry”—aka, jewelry that is welded together so you can’t take it off. “I decided to get a bracelet ‘zapped’ on, and after doing some research decided to go to Astrid & Miyu. The experience was fantastic, the pricing wasn’t too high, and the quality is phenomenal. I was worried about the bracelet tarnishing quickly since I literally cannot take it off, but it still looks exactly the same after six months!”
Plus, Astrid & Miyu is committed to improving its sustainability practices: It offers a silver jewelry recycling program and has an entire collection made from recycled sterling silver. Unfortunately, there’s only one store in the U.S., which is located in New York City, so people in other parts of the country won’t be able to see the pieces in person before buying. If you are in NYC, you can take advantage of extra services like welding, piercing, and even tattooing.
Price Range: $40-$490 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets | Return Window: 28 days; earrings and huggies are not returnable
Astrid & Miyu Editor Picks:
Madewell
Madewell
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Quality is hit or miss.
Madewell should be your go-to for everyday staples that manage to be both trendy and timeless. Here, you’ll find popular jewelry styles such as layered necklaces, stackable rings, chain-link bracelets, and gold hoop earrings. “All its pieces are good quality—any jewelry I’ve purchased from Madewell has lasted me YEARS,” says senior home editor Leslie Corona. “Madewell has an incredible assortment of eclectic pieces and simple classics, which I’m partial to. No matter what outfit you plan to wear, you’ll find something that works perfectly with it from Madewell.”
Much of Madewell’s jewelry is meant to complement rather than be the center of attention, so you won’t find a lot of loud, colorful statement pieces. Instead, you can count on plenty of neutral, delicate pieces that will suit a variety of occasions, whether you’re spending the day in the office or at a wedding.
“As someone who loves minimalist jewelry, Madewell’s selection is a dream!” says shopping writer Jamie Fischer. “I’m a big fan of these gold hoops in particular, as they’re simple, affordable, and versatile enough to match every outfit. I think their simplicity also makes them look more expensive, too. Whenever people ask me where the hoops are from, they’re shocked to hear they were less than $20.”
The brand does have a small selection of more playful jewelry pieces that cater to people who have a more eclectic style. You’ll also find a selection of watches and fine jewelry, though these are much pricier. “Plus, the sales are amazing!” says Leslie. “So, you can get an already fairly inexpensive piece of jewelry for even cheaper.”
Price Range: $20-$600 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets | Return Window: 30 days
Madewell Editor Picks:
Pavoi
Amazon
Yes, we know it’s obvious, but Amazon really does have a fantastic selection of budget-friendly jewelry. There are truly thousands of brands to sift through, but one in particular stands out to us: Pavoi, which is recommended by editorial apprentice Megan Lenzi:
“I first discovered Pavoi on Amazon a few years ago. Ever since, I’ve never shopped at a different jewelry brand. Pavoi has a large product selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more. My ride or die product would have to be the 14k gold plated hoops. Pavoi offers so many hoop sizes and thickness levels, so you can find what best suits your style. Insider tip: I’ve never had a piece of Pavoi jewelry tarnish.”
You can also find Pavoi jewelry at Walmart, as well as the brand’s website. Pavoi exclusively sells gold jewelry, including 14k solid gold, yellow gold, white gold, and gold plated options. All things considered, this is the most affordable brand on our list, as prices cap at $83 (the most expensive pieces are necklaces). This is a great brand to shop for simple basics you can wear every day without worrying about ruining, but it’s not the best place to find statement jewelry. There is a very small collection of jewelry with colorful stones, but nothing particularly eye-catching.
Price Range: $11-$83 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, anklets | Return Window: 30 days
Pavoi Editor Picks:
Ana Luisa
Ana Luisa
If you’re someone who goes out of their way to shop eco-friendly brands, you’ll appreciate Ana Luisa. The brand is committed to producing its jewelry ethically and maintains carbon and water neutrality throughout its entire jewelry-making process. It also tries to recycle whenever possible, including with the jewelry it produces: A handful of the gold-plated jewelry on Ana Luisa’s website is made with recycled sterling silver.
The brand sells rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that are primarily gold staples, with some featuring stones such as cubic zirconias. There are very few silver and large statement jewelry available, and the largest of the site’s inventory is earrings and necklaces. The brand has a lot of quiet statement-making pieces that aren’t loud but nevertheless unique, including a range of options with charms or colorful jewels.
It’s a new favorite of shopping editorial director Nicole Lund: “I just bought two pairs of earrings on a whim from here, and they’ve quickly become my new favorites! I love that they’re unique but not too different—you can wear them with anything but they still feel special. The Gemstone Hoop Earrings look much more expensive than they are, and I’ve gotten lots of compliments on them!”
Price Range: $29-$350 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings | Return Window: 30 days
Ana Luisa Editor Picks:
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
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Quality is hit or miss.
If you’re someone who loves wearing colorful, textured jewelry, you’ll enjoy browsing through Anthropologie’s robust collection of statement pieces. The brand sells earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces made of pearls, semi-precious stones, rattan, wood, glass, embroidery, and shells. You can pair any of these pieces with casual outfits or incorporate them into more formal occasion attire to further elevate your look.
Home director Erica Finamore is a big fan of the brand’s earrings: “It has the best statement earrings! There are new products added to the site constantly and there are often amazing 40% off sales.”
Anthropologie is also a great place to find body jewelry. You’ll find anklets, hand chains, belly chains, and even chains that drape across your chest and back. If your taste is more modest, the brand also has a selection of more classic jewelry styles, including stone rings, bangle bracelets, gold hoops, and plenty of monogrammed styles.
“I used to work at Anthropologie, and its jewelry selection is pretty hit or miss,” says shopping editorial director Nicole Lund. “Some things are fantastic, others are lower quality and tarnish or break quickly. I’ve had good luck with earrings and some necklaces—and even if you do buy something that doesn’t last forever, it’s ok because most of the products are very affordable, especially compared to how expensive the clothes are. Definitely a great place to go if you want to try out some trending styles without spending a lot!”
Price Range: $20-$6,500 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches | Return Window: 30 days
Anthropologie Editor Picks:
BaubleBar
BaubleBar
BaubleBar offers a wide array of jewelry at low prices, ranging from classic everyday pieces such as chain necklaces and gold bangles to unique novelty items such as a Mickey Mouse tennis bracelet. BaubleBar is actually best known for its earrings, and offers an inventory that is much larger than other jewelry types available on its site. The brand has plenty of earring styles to choose from, including cubic zirconia studs, jeweled statement drop earrings, chunky hoops, cuffs, and even a few crawlers. You’ll also find a sizable collection of whimsical earrings that depict animals, food, drinks, and more.
SVP Dwyer Frame loves to shop at BaubleBar: “BaubleBar is a great stop for all of my personal and gift-shopping needs. I love how it has a selection of on-trend jewelry but there are also more classic and personalized options. Prices range from affordable to over $100 so you can spend as much as your budget allows.”
BaubleBar also sells rings, anklets, and charms for charm bracelets. There are some fine jewelry options that are pretty affordable too, with price points starting at $24 for earrings, $38 for bracelets, and $42 for necklaces. The only category that BaubleBar is lacking in is silver jewelry.
Price Range: $18-$325 | Jewelry Types: Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings, anklets | Return Window: 30 days
BaubleBar Editor Picks:
Kate Spade
Kate Spade
If you’re looking for colorful novelty pieces that are fun and playful, Kate Spade should be at the top of your list. The brand specializes in statement jewelry that feels youthful and joyful, and is a fantastic spot for buying gifts for the maximalist in your life. If you are more of a minimalist, there are more traditional pieces too, including studs, tennis bracelets, and initial necklaces.
Speaking of, the classic Initial Pendant is a long-time favorite of shopping writer Lauren Taylor, who says: “I’ve had this necklace for years, and it still looks good as new. It hasn’t tarnished or scratched despite wearing it countless times. (I don’t get it wet and avoid wearing it with other jewelry to protect it.)”
Kate Spade also has a good selection of unique watches and Apple Watch bands for those who like to dress up utilitarian pieces. If novelty jewelry is what you’re looking for, Kate Spade’s site has an entire section devoted to novelty pieces, including charm bracelets, chunky earrings, and seasonal- or hobby-focused designs (like this Hole In One Club Tennis Necklace). You can also find Kate Spade jewelry at department stores, making it easy to see your favorite pieces in person before you buy.
Price Range: $32-$350 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings | Return Window: 30 days
Kate Spade Editor Picks:
Rocksbox
Rocksbox
Rocksbox is unlike any of the other jewelry sites on our list. First and foremost, it’s a jewelry rental service—you can rent three pieces at a time for $21 per month (shipping is included), and you also get a monthly credit of the same amount that goes toward the purchase of any jewelry you want to keep. Each piece is selected by you or a stylist according to your preferences (such as gold vs. silver and statement vs. delicate pieces).
“I can never get enough jewelry, so I loved my Rocksbox subscription,” says features director Amy Maclin. “For a monthly fee of $21, you pick three pieces to keep as long as you want, which you can exchange for three more pieces as often as you want, so it’s like having a bottomless jewelry box.”
Plus, members can purchase additional jewelry from the Rocksbox store, where you’ll find designer brands like Kendra Scott, Kate Spade, and Lele Sadoughi. This jewelry subscription is a great option for people who like to try out new styles and switch out their pieces often. It’s also ideal for special occasions, such as weddings and vacations, where you might want jewelry that differs from your everyday pieces.
Price Range: $21/month for membership; jewelry ranges from $33-$225 for members | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, body jewelry | Return Window: 180 days
Rocksbox Editor Picks:
Sézane
Sézane
French retailer Sézane brings a level of European elegance to the American jewelry market. Pieces from Sézane are beautifully made and manage to look grand in appearance, whether it’s a small piece of jewelry like a pendant chain necklace or a large, chunky hoop earring. The majority of pieces available on the site are gold, along with some beaded necklaces and stone rings and bracelets.
“I adore Sézane!” says senior home editor Leslie Corona. “I love how eclectic the pieces are–each piece of jewelry has a slightly funky cool aesthetic, but it’s still so refined and sophisticated. Plus, because Sézane isn’t super mainstream yet here in the States, you know you won’t see many people wearing what you’re wearing. It just feels really special! Plus, the jewelry always comes in a pretty, patterned little box or pouch that I keep and reuse for other things.”
By far the most striking part of Sézane’s jewelry collection is its earrings. You’ll find memorable drop and hoop earrings that will work for a dressy resort dress code—like plenty of colorful styles that are the perfect accessory for summer vacation. One thing to keep in mind about Sézane is that its jewelry collection changes with each season, so there’s a chance that the jewelry you see on the site now may not be available a few months from now.
Price Range: $50-$160 | Jewelry Types: Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets | Return Window: 30 days
Sézane Editor Picks:
Verameat
Verameat
Verameat is a celeb-loved, woman-owned brand that specializes in edgy statement pieces, like barbed wire necklaces, snake rings, and tarot hoop earrings. It’s not for the faint of heart! Each piece is made in New York City and features unique, hand-crafted details you won’t find anywhere else. This is another great spot for gifting, as the inventory is full of unusual, highly specific products that can please maximalists and minimalists alike.
“Verameat has the absolute best statement jewelry that is both classy and timeless,” says senior shopping editor Taylor Rock. “The gorgeous, durable pieces blend seamlessly with jewelry you already own, and each item has personality without being over the top. I wear the Barbed Babe Necklace often, and the Sweet Tooth Necklace is in my shopping cart. While it may not look affordable at first glance, the brand runs 70%+ discounts nearly all the time.”
On the downside, because Verameat is such a small brand it doesn’t have the best customer service. There are no refunds or returns unless there is damage within 30 days of purchase, although you can exchange for a different item or size within 30 days. Shipping also takes longer than other brands, with a 1-5 week delivery window for standard shipping. If that doesn’t deter you, the brand’s edgy, highly distinctive jewelry is guaranteed to stun.
Price Range: $38-$780 | Jewelry Types: Necklaces, chokers, rings, earrings, bracelets, pins | Return Window: No refunds, only exchanges; returns can be made on broken items within 30 days
Verameat Editor Picks:
Vitaly
Vitaly
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Most of the products are pretty chunky, so it’s not for anyone who likes streamlined, minimal pieces.
Similar to Verameat, Vitaly is another brand that specializes in edgy, contemporary jewelry that’s not for the faint of heart. Every single piece is made from stainless steel, with most options available in either gold, silver, or black finishes. The most popular products from Vitaly are chains, including chunky necklaces and thinner bracelets that will never go out of style. You’ll also find rings, earrings, and pendants.
Vitaly is a favorite of assistant editor Hannah Dorough: “I love Vitaly because it has some classic pieces with an edge and the quality is great!” Her favorite piece is the Basis Ring, which features two curving rings joined by a cable chain.
One of the standout features of the brand is its lifetime warranty, which is offered on all jewelry. The warranty doesn’t cover lost items, scratches that come with normal wear and tear, or improper use or storage of the product, but it’s a feature you don’t see often with non-fine jewelry brands. Plus, every piece is unisex. One thing to note is that nearly all of the pieces are pretty chunky in design, so there aren’t a lot of options for those who like more minimal, streamlined jewelry.
Price Range: $40-$250 | Jewelry Types: Chains, rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants | Return Window: 30 days
Vitaly Editor Picks:
How to Shop for Affordable Jewelry Like a Pro
Metal
When shopping, keep an eye out for pure silver and gold varieties. Pure silver and gold won’t rub off the way that plated gold or silver does, or tarnish the way that sterling silver does. Pure gold and silver cost more, though the investment will be worth it in the long run.
When it comes to silver, the two most popular varieties are pure silver and sterling silver. Sterling silver is still more than 90% silver, but the remaining 10% is made up of another metal. When it comes to gold, look at the karats to tell whether or not a piece of gold is pure. A karat is a unit of measurement that determines how much gold is in one piece of jewelry. The higher the karat, the closer you are to having pure gold, which is 24 karats. Like sterling silver, the remainder of the jewelry piece is another type of metal.
“For a piece you plan on wearing daily, I always lean towards using 14K gold because it delivers the best value in terms of durability and price,” says Lyden.
Style
You’ll also want to make sure you’re looking at jewelry that matches your style, but don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone a little. One of the biggest benefits of buying affordable jewelry is that you can frequently switch up your pieces without breaking the bank. This means that people who typically prefer minimalist jewelry can try out more playful styles without spending too much money on necklaces or bracelets they won’t wear as often.
“If you can find pieces that look expensive, but aren’t actually ‘fine’ jewelry, then you can save a lot of money,” says Bruhn. “That way, if you lose an earring, for example, or if the piece of jewelry breaks, or if it gets lost, it’s not the end of the world.”
Shipping and Returns
As with all online shopping, it’s important to consider shipping and return policies when purchasing jewelry, too. Many of the affordable jewelry retailers on our list offer free standard shipping, although there are often order minimums to be eligible. If you’re shopping from a place that doesn’t offer free shipping or your order is below the minimum for free shipping, delivery costs can add up. Also, keep in mind that you might need to pay extra for expedited shipping if you’re in a rush (perhaps shopping for a last-minute gift).
You should also look at the return policy before shopping, just in case your new bracelet doesn’t look the same in person or your new ring doesn’t fit the finger you wanted it to. (Pro tip: Learn how to measure your ring size so you get the perfect fit.) Many of the sites we recommend have a 30-day return window, but it’s a good idea to check for exclusions—clearance items and personalized pieces may be final sale.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the difference between gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry?
When shopping for affordable jewelry, you’ll often find pieces that are labeled as gold-filled or gold-plated. Though they sound quite similar, there’s a difference between the two phrases. “In simple terms, gold-plated jewelry has a very small layer of gold placed over a base metal that makes up the setting of the piece,” says Lyden. “The base metal can vary, but typically it’s sterling silver, brass, or even copper. Gold-filled jewelry is basically the same concept but just with more gold layers and less base metal content.” Cleaning gold-plated jewelry properly is important because it can tarnish easily, and its color could fade if done incorrectly.
And because gold-filled jewelry contains a higher percentage of quality gold, Bruhn considers it the “step below solid gold.”
Why does some jewelry make your skin turn green?
Your skin turns green when you’re wearing jewelry that contains copper. Copper turns green when it comes into contact with various substances, including water, lotion, and your skin’s oils. This is a natural reaction and won’t be harmful to you—it can actually be washed off with soap and water. In truly “cheap” jewelry, copper typically makes up most of the formula and is topped with a coating.
The best way to prevent this is to apply clear nail polish to the vulnerable parts of your jewelry, which will act as a coating over the copper. Just know that you will have to do this frequently to prevent green skin, so it’s better to spend a bit extra on jewelry that is copper-free.
How do you prevent jewelry from tarnishing?
Tarnishing happens when jewelry mixes with a variety of everyday items and substances, including air, some fabrics, and even food. “Sterling silver will tarnish when exposed to water or through the process of oxidation, which is an inevitable reaction that will occur over time,” says Lyden. She also adds that gold jewelry—especially white gold—can “turn,” or look less bright.
You can also prevent your jewelry from tarnishing by taking a few extra steps to properly care for it. “When you are wearing more affordable jewelry, put on perfume, hairspray, etc. before you put on your earrings,” says Bruhn. “If you forget, quickly wipe off the jewelry with a damp cloth to remove products that can damage the piece.”
You should also wipe your jewelry down with a microfiber cloth after every wear. Then, every so often, you’ll need to clean your jewelry by lightly scrubbing it with a small brush that has been soaked with warm water and mild dish soap. You can also use a store-bought jewelry cleaner. Just be sure to dry your pieces off before putting them back in your jewelry box.
In terms of storage, you should also organize your jewelry to ensure everything is spaced out and has room to breathe. If you’ve ever received fabric bags with your jewelry purchase, keep them! They help prevent pieces from touching each other so that your jewelry lasts longer. Bruhn especially recommends soft jewelry pouches for silver pieces because they can prevent them from tarnishing as quickly.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Center and updated by Nicole Lund, the shopping editorial director at Real Simple. We surveyed the entire Real Simple editorial team for their recommendations on the best affordable jewelry brands and products, plus researched how to stop for affordable jewelry that’s actually good quality. For expert advice on shopping for affordable jewelry, we reached out to Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us, and Brenna Lyden, CEO and founder of East West Gem Co.