Jewelry is one of my favorite things to add to an outfit, over shoes and bags. The jewelry you pair with an outfit makes all the difference. Even though I love different kinds of jewelry, I always seem to come back to my favorite pieces. I love simple gold jewelry, there is something about subtle dainty pieces that I can’t get enough of. However, since I am 25, still paying off college debt, and I live in a very expensive city… I don’t have the bank roll to be making high end jewelry purchases. That being the said, I have found pieces that fit my budget and my lifestyle.
Even though I don’t buy high end jewelry, I still expect quality. I want to be able to wear pieces that won’t tarnish. Nothing is more infuriating then spending money on things that don’t last!
FOREVER 21
Okay we are talking bottom of the barrel here, if I am looking for something trendy that I can wear with a costume or that I know will potentially go out of style in the few months, this is my go to for necklaces and bracelets. This is also the best place to get jewelry if you want to wear it on the beach and not have to worry about ruining your nicer pieces (you don’t want to pull a Kim K and lose a real diamond in the ocean).
I have purchased several necklaces from Forever 21, they haven’t tarnished like necklaces that I have spent so much more money on from other stores. I’m not saying everything from Forever 21 is great quality, I have seen some garbage jewelry on their shelves. But, I have one layered necklace that was $5 and have probably worn it over 50 times, it still hasn’t tarnished. With Forever 21 you have to choose wisely because it’s a toss up with what you get, it’s also $5 jewelry so you really can’t complain.
MINC COLLECTIONS
This Australian company makes jewelry that is one step above Forever 21, in my opinion. Most of their items are in the $20 – $40 range. I have yet to find real gold on this website, but all of their pieces are great quality for the cost. Minc Collections has a very boho vibe, dangles and shapes galore. Their pieces look like they belong in the desert at Coachella! So gorgeous!
LUV AJ
Luv AJ is a brand I love to buy earrings from, I have three different pairs that I wear on repeat. When I am looking for a new pair of earrings this is my first stop. Most, if not all, of their jewelry is gold plated surgical steel (hypo allergenic). Their CEO is only 29 and went to art / design school, she keeps up with the current trends and makes amazing pieces. Some of the jewelry is a little “out there”, in my opinion. Like I said, I am very simplistic when it comes to jewelry, so if you like crazy bold earrings you are set! There are also tons of classic pieces that will last forever.
FIVE AND TWO JEWELRY
I found this brand from Instagram, but I swear they can read my mind when creating their jewelry. I was just thinking about how I wanted a shell necklace, and what did they do? They came out with a few shell necklaces.
Most of their are at different lengths so that you can easily stack and layer. Pieces are in the $40-$70 range, they are all gold plated and excellent quality. Their customer service is also amazing! I had one necklace break after only having it for about a week and they responded THAT day and gave me a new one. I have nothing but good things to say about this company.
Since these are gold plated and hand made, they are more delicate. I would definitely recommend taking all of these pieces off in the shower, before bed, or any kind of exercise. If you are looking for a quality necklace you can wear daily, but won’t break the bank… look no further.
MEJURI
Mejuri was recommended to me by a good friend who purchased one of their necklaces, I saw her wearing it and had to know where she got it from. After looking at their website, I was convinced I needed one of everything. Their motto is “Make Luxury a Habit”, something I can definitely get on board with. They make affordable fine jewelry that you can wear daily and that will last. That being said, Mejuri is a bit pricier than the other brands that I am talking about in this post. However, you are paying for top quality here, but not at retail prices. Some of their pieces range from $60-$150, and others go to $300+.
All of their pieces are simple and classic, they will never go out of style. They also create necklaces and bracelets that are perfect for layering, I own a few of their necklaces that I wear almost daily. I have recently become addicted to their bracelets, they have so many different chains and stones that you can’t help but fall in love with. If I am looking for a timeless piece this is my “go to”!
I know there are many more amazing brands out there, but these are a few of my favorites and I use them all for different occasions. I want to try out a few others that I keep seeing popping on my Instagram. What jewelry brands do you love? Let me know in the comments below!
