Jewelry completes an outfit. It can take an outfit from boring, casual, and drab to high-fashion, sleek and trendy. Fashion icons, designers, and models recognize the importance of jewelry.
Designer Michael Kors once said, “I’ve always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit.” Designer Diane von Furstenberg shared his sentiments when she said, “Jewelry is like the perfect spice – it always complements what’s already there.”
Jewelry can be cheap and start tarnishing after only one wear, or it can cost tens of thousands of dollars and last a lifetime.
The price depends on the materials, stones, jewels, brand, and retailer. If you are looking to add a little spice to your outfit, you can do so with designer jewelry, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Although it may seem as elusive as a unicorn – affordable designer jewelry does exist! For jewelry that looks great and lasts, you should check out the following 13 best affordable designer jewelry brands for women.
1. Astrid & Miyu – London-based contemporary jewelry brand
This Notting Hill-based jewelry brand had humble beginnings. Founder Connie Nam started making and selling jewelry out of her flat in 2012 after noticing a gap in the market for affordable, quality jewelry.
Now, fashion icons like Pippa Middleton, Chloe Lloyd, and Georgia May Jagger have been spotted wearing Astrid & Miyu pieces.
You can also shop a full selection of earrings, earcuffs, rings, and necklaces at Selfridges.
Simple but chic snake chain gold bracelet catches light effortlessly
The brand is known for its ear stacks but also sells necklaces, bracelets, and rings. The style is simple and sleek in rose gold, silver, or gold, occasionally embellished with crystals.
Their stackable, small hoop earrings can be modified with a line of earring charms that turn small hoops into dangly earrings.
Illusion crystal silver stud earrings have the appearance of two earrings in only one piercing
These pieces are manufactured in London and sold around the world. If you want jewelry inspiration, just check out their Instagram page.
2. Pura Utz – Handmade by Mayan women in Guatemala
Pura Utz’s name means “Pure Good,” which describes the quality of their jewelry and their company values. They consider their business “an empowerment project,” as they work with women in Guatemala who handmake the jewelry.
Gold-plated silver-chain necklace with strawberry-shaped glass beads
Anna, the brand’s founder, wanted to empower and work with Mayan women, so she partnered with Bernabela. Together, along with 50 other women, the stunning Pura Utz jewelry is created.
Unique orange and grape glass beads dangle from a gold-plated silver chain bracelet
Their gold rings, chains, and bracelets are made in a melting part in Denmark, then paired with stunning beadwork from Guatemala.
The designs are incredibly unique, like the Orange and Grape Blob bracelet, which features grapes and an orange made from tiny glass beads fastened to a gold-plated silver chain. Pura Utz creates pieces that will be noticed!
3. BaubleBar – Chic fashion jewelry
Also available at Nordstrom, BaubleBar offers trendy, budget-friendly jewelry for women who want to add a pinch of color and flair through their earrings, rings, or chain necklaces.
Best-seller Hera Link paperclip-style necklace, as seen on Lizzo, has a slick and modern look
The fast-fashion jewelry designer is a favorite of many celebrities, including Emma Roberts, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Palermo. Lizzo was also spotted wearing the BaubleBar paperclip chain necklace.
A cute pair of mismatched stud earrings featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Many of their pieces are made for stacking and layering, which looks great with casual fashion.
BaubleBar has also partnered with Disney to create jewelry with bedazzled Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. All the pieces are designed at their headquarters in New York City.
4. Katie Mullally – Vintage-inspired charms
Katie Mullally’s jewelry consists of modern pieces with a vintage influence. What makes these pieces unique is their accompanying hallmark.
Simple and straightforward, the Irish Shilling coin charm shows the Irish coin’s bull design on the front and harp on the other side
A hallmark determines the purity of silver. To receive a hallmark, all the pieces are sent to the Goldsmith Company Assay Office. This is seen with a letter stamp that represents the year.
Dua Lipa wearing the Katie Mullally wishbone necklace
Her most notorious pieces are the coin collection that features different coins, including Irish, English, and American. Dua Lipa has been spotted wearing one, paired with other chains and the wishbone pendant.
5. ByChari – Simple, sexy, timeless jewelry
Minimalist jewelry for simple accessorizing. Think ultra-fine chains with small diamond stones.
The dainty but sexy ByChari Birthstone Solitaire necklace
One of their most popular items is their solitaire birthstone, a look made popular by Bella Hadid. ByChari offers customization options, as well.
A minimalist ultra-fine chain necklace with five tiny diamonds is a perfect complement to any neckline
You can select the length of your chain, the number of stones, and, in some cases, the material or karat of gold. Although their necklaces are the most popular item, you will also find earrings, bracelets, and rings.
6. Wald Berlin – Handmade jewelry made by German fairtrade collective
Wald Berlin creates beautiful pieces that are influenced by destinations around the world. The brand was founded by model Joyce Binneboese and stylist Dana Roski in 2012.
Complete an ear party with the Smilie Dude Earring set featuring gold-plated silver hoops, sweet water pearls, glass pearls, and a smiley
Many of their pieces include natural elements like shells, pearls, and floral designs and have a subtle ’90s influence with happy faces and daisies. Just check out the Daisy Just A Friend or Smilie Dude earrings.
Wald Berlin is renowned for its incorporation of natural elements into their jewelry designs, and the Daisy Just a Friend earrings are a prime example of this
The pieces are handmade by their Fairtrade women’s collective in Germany. These designer necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are unique and of superior quality.
7. Missoma – Demi-fine jewelry
London-based jewelry designer Missoma creates innovative styles that allow women to express their unique style and creativity.
Also available at Nordstrom, the brand encourages collaboration and has an area on its website where women can submit design ideas.
A large horn pendant necklace meets a delicate mini fang necklace done in a chic layered effect
Over 90% of the jewelry is made in-house at their headquarters in West London. You can feel good shopping here as they donate to charities in the UK and India, providing meals to those most vulnerable.
Stack the Gold Aegis and Filla Chain bracelets for a classier look
If you want to create a layered look with quality jewelry, check out their layering sets and layering lab.
Through their interactive layering lab, you can design your own look following their three-step guidance; select a base, add texture, and play with length.
8. Mejuri – Fine jewelry for every day
Mejuri has made fine jewelry affordable. The understated elegance of each piece makes them suitable for everyday wear.
The Satellite necklace offers understated elegance in 18k gold-plated silver with white sapphires
Some of the pieces are more extravagant and include diamonds, whereas others are exclusively made of gold or silver.
Pave diamond hoops in 14k solid gold with round single cut diamonds add l0w-key sparkles to any look
The jewelry is made worldwide with partners in Canada, Italy, Thailand, Korea, and India. To make fine jewelry more accessible and affordable, Mejuri reduces mark-ups by selling directly to women through their website.
To score one of their beautiful chain necklaces, you will have to visit their online store.
9. Vanessa Mooney – Eclectic-inspired jewelry
With Vanessa Mooney, you get more bling for your buck. The jewelry uses large cubic zirconia jewels and stones to create stunning pendants that hang from 24k karat chains.
Emerald-colored cubic zirconia crowned with triple crystal cubic zirconia hangs from 24k gold-plated hoops
This jewelry is bolder and more colorful than the other designers on this list. If you prefer real diamonds to cubic zirconia, they have a selection of diamond-encrusted pieces at affordable prices.
The Alexandra necklace features a lightweight dagger with a tiny skull, fleur-de-lis handles, and a crystal CZ in the center
Vanessa Mooney started designing jewelry in 2009. To this day, all the pieces are designed and made in Los Angeles. You can purchase them at popular retailers such as Revolve and Amazon.
10. Alighieri – Jewelry inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy
Inspired by the infamous Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy,’ you will find a piece of jewelry inspired by each of the 100 poems. The jewelry is remarkable!
The Fractured Poet necklace shows Dante Alighieri as he remains formidable despite his battles—a reminder to take on the adventure than be someone without any stories
Many pieces feature a medallion with a unique design corresponding to a poem. For example, The Fractured Poet necklace is handcrafted from 24-karat gold plated bronze. The medallion shows Dante, weary from battle but still strong.
Inspired by the beacon of light, the Beacon earrings represent the moment Dante emerges from the inferno
Those interested in fashion, literature, and history will find Alighieri jewelry to be truly exceptional. These are pieces that are cherished for a lifetime! You can shop Alighieri women’s jewelry at Farfetch.
11. Yam – Thoughtfully handcrafted jewelry
Yam takes upcycling to a whole other level. The designer behind Yam is Morgan Thomas. It all began when her mother gifted her a jewelry-making book.
Little Luck studs feature a brass stud with an upcycled pearl drop
She continued to be inspired by her mother, making jewelry in her hometown of Astoria, New York, with upcycled pieces like vintage beads, metals, and glass.
A recycled brass and bronze ring, the Danielle ring should help amp up your everyday wear
Demand for Yam is high, so you must act quickly if you want to pick up some of these designer pieces.
Pieces are made by hand, so it takes time to restock. Follow the Instagram account or put your name on the email list to be notified of the newest collections and restocks.
12. Gorjana – Jewelry inspired by the California lifestyle
For laid-back demi-fine jewelry, Gorjana has a vast selection of pieces in gold, rose gold, and silver.
The Parker and Venice bracelets are two perfectly paired bracelets that can instantly elevate any outfit
Also available at Nordstrom and Amazon, the brand was founded in Laguna Beach and designed with low-fuss beach vibes in mind.
Adding charm to any look, the Parker Heart necklace features a heart hinge closure and a small heart charm in trendy chain links
These pieces are great for everyday wear or paired with more formal attire – the beauty of simple jewelry is incredibly versatile! Gorjana has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, charms, and layering collections.
13. Mateo New York – Modern fine jewelry
This New York-based brand features timeless pieces for an affordable price. Originally, the founder, Matthew Harris, focused on men’s jewelry; however, his move to design women’s jewelry has paid off!
Modernizing cultured freshwater pearls in a diamond-encrusted crescent moon pendant hanging from a 14kt yellow gold chain
The women’s jewelry line draws inspiration from modern art, using precious metals, diamonds, and gemstones to create minimalistic pieces.
Princess cut vibrant rainbow sapphires set in 14kt yellow gold bracelet
Mateo fine jewelry can be purchased online or at Fafetch. The brand attributes its success to its ongoing, conscious effort to make modern fine jewelry at an affordable price.