The very first thing I bought with my own money was a cheap necklace from a mall chain store. It made me the happiest 12-year-old ever, but broke soon after. I’ve perused the bargain jewelry racks at all the great fast fashion stores, and I find that beautiful jewelry under $50 is my best bet. As an adult, I still love that bargain, but I want my jewelry to last, so I’m always looking for affordable sophisticated jewelry.
At 13, spending $50 on jewelry would’ve shocked me, but now I know the value of good jewelry that lasts. I always look for jewelry for cheap in the form of gold or silver plated jewelry pieces found online that won’t tarnish with wear, or earrings that are nickel-free and won’t irritate my skin. Before, I would’ve wanted the biggest faux-diamond cocktail ring I could find, but now I prefer a dainty stacking midi ring. I’ve even invested in my first 14-karat solid gold nameplate necklace.
I suppose that with age comes wisdom (and thankfully a few more dollars), so my jewelry collection reflects that. If you’re ready to move past spray painted baubles and leave costume jewelry behind, enter the world of sophisticated and affordable jewelry with this round up.
1. Dainty Natural Gold Leaf Necklace
Simple Natural Gold Leaf Necklace, $17, Amazon
The delicate necklace is perfect for everyday wear.
2. Hand-Painted Leather Bracelet
Hand-painted Leather Bracelet , $28, Amazon
Skip mixing metals and go for something more artistic and hand-crafted like this bracelet.
3. Hammered Rose Gold Stacking Rings
Delicate Stacking Rings - Hammered 14K Rose Gold Fill , $9, Amazon
Delicate rings like these are easy enough to work with jewelry you already own.
4. Rose Gold and Blush Druzy Stud Earrings
10mm Blush Faux Druzy Stud Earrings, Rose Gold Tone , $14, Amazon
These would make a charming pair to add to your jewelry collection.
5. Delicate Initial Disc Necklace
A Delicate Initial Disc Necklace Rose Gold Initial Necklace , $14, Amazon
Personalized jewelry always feels more special than regular jewelry anyone else could wear.
6. Freshwater Pearl Sterling Silver or Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring
Freshwater Pearl Sterling Silver or Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring , $15, Amazon
This ring is perfect for your inner mermaid.
7. Gold Bee Necklace
Gold Bee Necklace . 24k Vermeil Charm . 14k Gold Fill Chain , $28, Amazon
Part of the Bey Hive? This one is for you!
8. Bullet Stud Earrings
Bullet Jewelry Stud Earrings Colt 45 Brass Shell Casings Steal Post and Swarovski Diamond Rivoli , $30, Amazon
These simple studs are for the girl who kicks ass and takes names.
9. Handmade Hammered Brass Triangle Stud Earrings
Brass Geometric Earrings with Stainless Steel Post - Nickel Safe Jewelry by Always There Designs , $14, Amazon
These small triangle studs are delicate enough to wear with any outfit.
10. Golden Arrow Stacking Ring
Custom Bohemian Golden Arrow Stacking Ring in Sterling Silver and Brass , $18, Amazon
Add this mixed metal ring to your stacking collection.
11. Oxytocin Molecule Love Necklace
Oxytocin Molecule Necklace (14k Gold Over Sterling Silver) , $39, Amazon
In the mood for love? This intricate necklace is shaped after the molecule for love and will make a great statement piece.
12. Double Horn & Moon Necklace
Double Horn Necklace, Moon Necklace , $38, Amazon
Wear this dainty necklace on its own or layered with your others for a cool combo.
13. Crown Ring Set
Crown Ring Set (14k Gold and Sterling Silver) , $40, Amazon
Mix and match this royal ring set.
14. Olive Leaf Branch Skinny Bangle
Humble Chic Olive Leaf Branch Bangle Adjustable Skinny Wire Open Cuff Bracelet, $24, Amazon
This simple cuff would look amazing layered into your arm party!
15. Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace
Chevron Necklace - Stacked Chevron Pendant - Gold Pendant , $14, Amazon
A pretty little necklace that'll go with everything in your collection.
16. Long Line Earrings
Long Line Earrings (Available in Gold or Silver) by LOVE NAOMI Design Studio , $45, Amazon
These minimalistic earrings are so chic.
17. Above Knuckle Ring
14K Gold Filled or Sterling Silver Ring by LOVE NAOMI Design Studio , $35, Amazon
These rings are the coolest for stacking, and you can customize the stone with any color you choose.
18. Twist Knot Nail Bangle
Bangle Heart Knot Bracelet Stack Bangle Cuff, $10, Amazon
This sleek metal bangle would look amazing layered next to a simple cuff.
19. Personalized Name Plate Necklace
Personalized Necklace Name Plate Bar Gold Necklace , $19, Amazon
If Carrie Bradshaw can have a personalized necklace, so can you.
20. Bolt Arm Cuff
Bolts Bracelet in Gold Inlaid with Green Stones , $39, Amazon
This dainty cuff has two gemstones for just the right amount of sparkle.
21. Marbled Drop Earrings
SUNYIK Women's Gemstone Crystal Dangle Drop Earrings Teardrop Oval, $13, Amazon
Marble just makes everything look better, right?
22. Handmade Best Friend Double Loop Infinity Necklace
Handmade Best Friend Double Loop Infinity Necklace Rose Gold , $38, Amazon
This delicate loop necklace is a sweet little touch.
23. Natural Stone Druzy Necklace
Natural Stone Druzy Necklace Pendant, $10, Amazon
These necklaces have natural stones in the prettiest array of colors.
24. Layered Geo Cutout Necklace
Onnea 3 Layered Geo Cutout Necklace, $10, Amazo n
I love the look of dainty layered necklaces like this one for everyday wear.
25. Edgy Spiked Ring
Karmas Spike Ring, $24, Amazon
This edgy ring is perfect — just be careful not to bump into anyone with it!
26. Stacking Bangle Pearl Cluster Bracelet
Wire Wrap Stacking Bangle Pearl Cluster Bracelet , $17, Amazon
This handmade bracelet would make a great addition to your bracelet stack.
27. Chic Silver Choker Necklace
Humble Chic Women's Three Tiered Collar Necklace, $35, Amazon
Chokers are on trend right now, but if you want something more sophisticated than a stretchy one, this one is perfect.
28. Triangle Fringe Ear Jacket Earrings
Bling Jewelry Gold Plated Silver Jacket Earrings, $21, Amazon
Ear jackets are a cool update to traditional studs.
29. Geode Stud Earrings
INPINK Fashion Jewelry Faux Geode Stud Earrings , $12, Amazon
The delicate studs are the perfect boho pair!
30. Thin Stackable Gold Plated Ring
Bling Jewelry Modern Knuckle Ring 925 Gold Plated, $15, Amazon
Looking for an easy, everyday ring that isn't boring? This simple circle pendant ring is it!
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Images: Amazon (1); Amazon (30)
