Shopping for affordable jewellery can be a high-stakes game—one wrong move and you’re left with a green finger, a broken clasp or, even worse, an unwearable piece.
The key? Finding brands that balance budget and quality, delivering pieces that can handle daily life (yes, including the occasional shower). Because let’s be real—no one wants to waste money on jewellery that won’t last beyond a few wears.
The Best Affordable Jewellery Brands According To marie claire:
- Best Everyday Staples: Mejuri
- Best For Pearl Jewellery: Alana Maria
- Best Layering Pieces: Arms of Eve
- Best Colourful Crystal: Swarovski
- Best For Statement Pieces: Reliquia
Luckily, there are affordable jewellery brands out there that get it right. You just need to know where to look.
Mejuri
Mejuri’s ethos is simple: fine jewellery should be worn, not stored away for special occasions. Since its 2015 launch in Toronto by third-generation jeweller Noura Sakkijha, the brand has focused on craftsmanship and transparency. It offers on-trend and timeless pieces in sterling silver, gold vermeil, recycled 14k gold and 14k yellow gold.
MEJURI
Boyfriend Bold Bracelet
MEJURI
Lab Grown Studs
MEJURI
Thin Dôme Ring
MEJURI
Bold Pearl Drop Earrings
Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader is an eponymous jewellery brand founded by a Spanish artist. To find inspiration and build a network of skilled artisans, Vinader travelled through remote parts of Patagonia and Mexico, eventually launched her first collection in 2008. Today, the brand offers a wide selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that can be easily browsed by style or material.
MONICA VINADER
Signature Link Ring
MONICA VINADER
Tapered Huggie Earrings
MONICA VINADER
Corda Friendship Bracelet
MONICA VINADER
Nura Cross Over Ring
Alana Maria
As a kid, Alana Ellis sold handmade beaded bracelets to her school peers. By 2018, she had turned that hobby into a full-blown business with the launch of her jewellery brand, Alana Maria. Today, every piece is handcrafted in Australia, featuring a gold-filled range that’s hypoallergenic, water-resistant and tarnish-resistant. The brand’s become a favourite for its curated ear stacks and freshwater pearl necklaces.
ALANA MARIA
Tessa Hoop Earrings
ALANA MARIA
Alba Earrings
ALANA MARIA
Thálassa Necklace
ALANA MARIA
Isla Bracelet
NAJO
One of the longest running brands on this list, NAJO was founded in 1986 by Australian Jo Tory. Tory, who still serves as creative director today, grew up watching her silversmith mother design and craft her own pieces. She was inspired to launch NAJO after a transformative trip to Mexico in the 1980s where she experienced the incredible skill of local silversmiths. NAJO’s best known for sculptural pieces, inspired by nature.
NAJO
My Silent Tears Earrings
NAJO
Arco Yellow Gold Huggies
NAJO
The Artiste Ring
NAJO
Like a Breeze Necklace
Heaven Mayhem
Name a celebrity known for her street style look, and she’s probably worn Heaven Mayhem. Hailey Bieber, Molly Mae Hague and Bella Hadid have all been spotted in the brand, which was started by Aussie influencer Pia Mance. Its collections are inspired by vintage jewellery, with standouts including the Knot Earrings and Julia Necklace.
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Baby Knot Earrings
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Julia Long Necklace
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Marlowe Necklace
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Luna Bangle
Kirstin Ash
Founded in 2008 by Aussie siblings Kirstin and Nick Ash, Kirstin Ash has evolved significantly over the years. While early designs focused on resin and bespoke work, today, the brand’s collections feature everyday pieces with beautiful, intricate details. Along with its range of earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets, the brand offers solid gold pieces. You can buy them on its own online store and at David Jones and The Iconic.
KIRSTIN ASH
Engravable Birthstone Necklace
KIRSTIN ASH
Petite Birthstone Bracelet
KIRSTIN ASH
Halycon Ring
KIRSTIN ASH
By The Sea Coin Necklace
Oroton
Though Aussie brand Oroton’s been around since 1938, it didn’t start selling jewellery until the mid-1970s. Their collection today includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings ranging from $60 to $599. The offering spans from delicate, simple gold or silver pieces, to chunky, statement designs with touches of red or green.
OROTON
Marleigh Earrings
OROTON
Wave Necklace
OROTON
Ric Rac Bangle
OROTON
Romy Earrings
Arms Of Eve
Arms of Eve is an Australian jewellery and lifestyle brand founded by Kerryn Langer in 2017. Langer originally began selling her designs, inspired by her South African heritage, at the local markets. To this day, the brand maintains that initial boho-beach aesthetic, with pieces designed specifically for layering. Crafted to be lived in, all pieces are both waterproof and tarnish-free.
ARMS OF EVE
Tauba Bracelet
ARMS OF EVE
Madison Cuff
ARMS OF EVE
Beaded Gemstone And Pearl Initial Necklace
ARMS OF EVE
Amber Bracelet
Avant Studio
Belle Maartensz started the women’s fashion label The A-Line at just 19, and while that business eventually closed, it paved the way for her to launch her jewellery brand, Avant Studio. The label is defined by its unique, sculptural pieces, with Maartensz once noting that music often serves as the creative foundation for her collections and campaigns.
AVANT STUDIO
Gia Earrings
AVANT STUDIO
Uovo Earrings Petite
AVANT STUDIO
Dallas Cuff
AVANT STUDIO
Bubble Necklace
Swarovski
The oldest brand on this list by far, Swarovski was founded in 1895 by Czechoslovakian Daniel Swarovski, the son of a glass cutter. While headquartered in Austria, the brand’s become one of the most recognisable names in jewellery around the world. What sets it apart is its over 120 years of mastery in crystal-making. In addition to jewellery, it also sells accessories, decorations and ornaments.
SWAROVSKI
Matrix Tennis Bracelet
SWAROVSKI
Matrix Hoop Earrings
SWAROVSKI
Symbolica Cracelet
SWAROVSKI
Millenia Drop Earrings
Reliquia
Reliquia takes its name from the Portuguese word for ‘relic’, fitting for a brand whose collections draw inspiration from vintage jewellery and the Art Deco movement. Founded in 2015 by Sydneysider Ana Piteira, who’s also behind clothing label Blanca, the brand’s known for its colourful, playful pieces designed to showcase your individuality.
RELIQUIA
Coralia Hoop Earrings
RELIQUIA
Petite Halley Necklace
RELIQUIA
Tuscany Necklace
RELIQUIA
Priella Necklace
Brie Leon
Brie Leon was born out of an appreciation for vintage jewellery. Founder Janine Zafra originally upcycled styles she found at markets, reimagining them into more wearable, modern pieces. The brand now creates jewellery and bags, all vegan and ethically-sourced and mostly in a minimalistic aesthetic. You can browse the collection online by category—ears, neck, wrist and hands. There’s also a 14k solid gold range available.
BRIE LEON
Figaro Chain
BRIE LEON
925 Olar Hoop Earrings
BRIE LEON
Ada Ring
BRIE LEON
Ondina Pendant
There are four terms to know when shopping for affordable gold jewellery that relate to the piece’s quality and finish: solid gold, gold-filled, gold vermeil and gold-plated.
Solid gold is typically the highest quality jewellery you can get. Coming in various grades described as karats—14K, 18K and the highest, 24K—solid gold won’t tarnish.
Gol- filled, gold vermeil and gold-plated jewellery involve a layer of gold being applied to a cheaper base metal.
Gold-filled jewellery can be either a 925 silver or brass base, gold is pressure and heat-bonded (melted or fused) onto the base metal, has a minimum thickness of 3 microns of gold and is water-resistant. Gold-vermeil jewellery has a 925 silver base, uses electroplating to fuse the gold to the base metal, can be a thickness of 0.1 to 3 microns and is more likely to tarnish over time. Finally, gold-plated jewellery can be a base layer of nickel, zinc, alloy or brass, uses electroplating to fuse the gold to the base metal, has a micron thickness of less than 0.1 and is quick to tarnish.
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