Shopping for gifts for any holiday or occasion is tricky. When you’re searching for someone you’re really close to, there’s a lot of pressure to buy something personal. And when you’re shopping for someone you’re not sure about, it’s hard to determine what they’d actually like. But when all else fails, we’ve got your go-to covered: jewelry. Better yet, affordable jewelry brands that make a statement and show your giftee how thoughtful you are.
Table Of Contents
The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands & Retailers at a Glance
What to Look for When Shopping Affordable Jewelry Brands, According to a Pro
Necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings (not the engagement kind) are pretty much no-fail gift choices, no matter who you’re shopping for. Your BFF? Get them a bracelet with an inspiring message. Your mom? Get her a locket with a cute pic of you two inside. Your S.O.? Get ’em a sweet signet ring with your initial on it.
The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands & Retailers at a Glance
Best Value: QVC
Lowest Prices: Walmart
Best for Solid Gold: Mejuri
Best Variety: Amazon
Best Trendy: Free People
Best Minimalist: GLDN
Best Themed Jewelry: Baublebar
Most Kitschy: Kate Spade
Best for Earrings: Sterling Forever
Best Personalized Pieces: Fortune & Frame
But of course, as with everything else, finding cute jewelry on a budget can seem impossible. Especially if you don’t want the gift receiver to know it was purchased on a budget. Scroll through below to shop our budget-friendly jewelry gift guide, of course. Ahead, you’ll find our fave giftable jewelry pieces at every price point—we promise your giftee will love them.
What to Look for When Shopping Affordable Jewelry Brands, According to a Pro
“When considering an affordable jewelry brand, customers should ensure the materials used align with the desired lifespan of the jewelry,” says David Schoenfeld, founder and CEO of Ring Bear. “If the goal is to wear the piece for an extended period, it’s worth investing in gold or platinum. If the piece is trend-based or seasonal, then gold vermeil or silver can be great options.”
If you are purchasing gold or sterling silver, “any reputable jeweler will include standardized markings on the interior of the piece,” adds Schoenfeld.
If you’re concerned about ethics, including diamond mining, etc. “customers should also ensure the brand aligns with their values. Do they act sustainably? Do they have positive reviews from previous customers? With this confirmation, customers can feel good knowing the jewelry represents themselves, regardless of price,” says Schoenfeld.
01
QVC
Accents by Affinity Diamonds Hinge Bangle
On Sale 10% off
Price range: $13-$18,555
Shipping and returns: Shipping varies, 30-day returns
What we’re shopping: QVC is one of the best and most unexpected places to find quality jewelry pieces at excellent prices. It’s also home to some of the most budget-friendly lookalikes, like the Accents by Affinity Diamonds Hinge Bangle, which is a Cartier bracelet dupe.
Pros
- Payment plans are available
- Budget-friendly price points
- Timeless styles
Cons
- Not a ton of trendy options
02
Walmart
JeenMata 6 Pairs Everyday Earrings
On Sale 83% off
Price range: Varies, depending on the brand
Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns for Walmart+ customers
What we’re shopping: If you’re shopping for the lowest prices, you can always count on Walmart to deliver. The JeenMata 6 Pairs Everyday Earrings are a prime example of that. These trendy gold hoops come in a pack of 6 and are usually $104 but are on sale for under $20 at Walmart.
Pros
- Since it’s a marketplace, prices vary a lot depending on the brand.
Cons
- You’ll need a Walmart+ membership for the shipping and returns perks.
03
Mejuri
Courtesy of Mejuri.
Photo : Courtesy of Mejuri.
Spheres Bracelet
Price range: $38-$848
Shipping and returns: free shipping on all orders over $75, returns accepted for free within 30 days.
What we’re shopping: The minimalist build of this layered bracelet is super trendy, and it’ll really stand out on your wrist, whether or not you stack it. Plus, we guarantee everyone will be asking where it’s from.
Pros
- Customers report very sturdy, long-lasting materials
Cons
- Must spend over $75 to secure free shipping
04
Amazon
Courtesy of Moonlight.
Photo : Courtesy of Moonlight.
Moonlight Nameplate Necklace
Price range: $5-$500+
Shipping and returns: free
What we’re shopping: Amazon has so many jewelry brands online and the best part is that they all ship for free. We love this personalized nameplate necklace that makes the perfect jewelry gift for the fashion lover on your list, and this one’s under $20.
Pros
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Hard to ensure quality
05
GLDN
GLDN Ring
Photo : GLDN.
Stacking Ring
Price range: $10-$300
Shipping and return policy: Free shipping on all orders over $125, returns accepted within 30 days with $8 handling fee.
What we’re shopping: This stacking ring is available in all of the metals and finishes seen above. They can be worn “midi style” (right above the lower knuckle) or at the base of the finger for a more classic look. They make great gifts because you can give one to be worn on its own or give multiple (at once or over time) so they can be stacked as a set. The best part is that each ring is solid gold/silver or gold/silver filled, which is a steal considering they start at just $38.
Pros
- Wide range of affordable options
Cons
- Must spend $125 to secure free shipping
06
Kate Spade
Gold-Tone Sweet Treasures Drop Earrings
On Sale 30% off
Price range: varies
Shipping: free shipping and returns
What we’re shopping: These earrings are super fun and an excellent representation of Kate Spade’s kitschy style. Wear them for happy hour with friends, on vacation, and more.
Pros
- Unique designs
- Multiple retailers
- Frequent sales
Cons
- Materials vary, quality varies
07
Baublebar
Baublebar
Photo : Baublebar
Mickey Mouse Disney Layered Earrings
Price range: $15-$325
Shipping/returns: free shipping on orders over $75, full refunds within 30 days of purchase
What we’re shopping: BaubleBar is one of the best places to shop for fun, themed jewelry. They offer everything from Disney (like these adorable Mickey earrings) to holidays (their Halloween collection is always so fun!).
Pros
- Unique designs
Cons
- Many final sale items
08
Free People
Teeny Tiny Mega Stud Earring Set
Photo : Free People.
Teeny Tiny Mega Stud Earring Set
Price range: $12-$4,000
Shipping/returns: free standard shipping, free returns
What we’re shopping: These babies are the perfect sparkly accents to any high neckline (hello, turtleneck season). Wear a bunch at a time for full effect, or pair one set with some hoops for an edgy, layered look.
Pros
- Can shop in store or online
- Many earrings for one price
Cons
- Low-quality materials used in jewelry
09
Tory Burch
Tory Burch Miller Stud Earrings
Price range: $30-$298
Shipping and returns: free shipping, free returns within 30 days
What we’re shopping: The Tory logo is absolutely classic, and the detail on these tiny earrings is unbelievable.
Pros
- Free shipping and returns
- Pretty affordable for a designer brand
Cons
- Limited designs
10
James Allen
James Allen
Photo : James Allen
14K White Gold Cultured Freshwater Pearl Birthstone Necklace
Price range: $77- $22,000
Shipping and returns: free shipping and returns within 30 days
What we’re shopping: Ever since Ariana Grande revealed her engagement ring (RIP to the marriage, though), pearls have been the most coveted stone on the market. You may not be able to dupe Grande’s ring, but this affordable birthstone necklace offers the same appeal.
Pros
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Huge price range difference
11
Fred Meyer Jewelers
6-7mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
Photo : Fred Meyer.
6-7mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
On Sale 39% off
Price range: $10-$2,000+
Shipping and return policy: free two-day shipping and free 60-day returns
What We’re Shopping: Fred Meyer Jewelers has over 120 retail stores nation wide and you can just as easily shop its selection online with web-exclusives that are routinely going on sale. These freshwater pearl earrings are typically $115, but you can grab them for just $70 — an incredible deal for pearl jewelry. In general, if you’re on the hunt for high-quality jewelry that won’t eat up your entire month’s paychecks, Fred Meyer Jewelers has so many elite designs. And right now, their Black Friday promotion is live: Not only are hundreds of pieces 50 percent off, you also get a free gift when you spend $129 or more.
Pros
- Free shipping and returns
- Retail stores and online exclusives
Cons
- Extremely varied price range
12
Sterling Forever
Image Courtesy of Sterling Forever.
Photo : Image Courtesy of Sterling Forever.
Gold Bar Threader Earrings
On Sale 67% off
Price range: $11-$116
Shipping and returns: free shipping and returns within 60 days
What we’re shopping: If you love dainty, understated jewelry but also appreciate pieces that make a statement, these single-piece threader earrings were made for you. This brand even made Oprah’s Favorite Things list two years in a row!
Pros
- Oprah’s Favorite Things brand
- Vast item range under $100
- Frequent sales
Cons
13
Rellery
Rose Ring
Photo : Rellery Rose.
Rose Ring
Price range: $79-$215
Shipping and returns: free shipping on orders over $100, returns within 14 days of delivery
What we’re shopping: Starting at just $115, this charming ring is the perfect friendship, Valentine’s Day gift for your Galentine or well, yourself.
Pros
- Unique designs
- Frequent sales
Cons
- Must spend over $100 to secure free shipping
14
Diamond Nexus
Luxe Chevron Accented Band
Photo : Diamond Nexus.
Luxe Chevron Accented Band
On Sale 29% off
Price range: $69-$2,000
Shipping and returns: $15 or free for orders over $180, returns accepted for free for store credit/exchange.
What we’re shopping: This is a stand-out place to shop thanks to its collection of moissanite and lab-grown diamonds that keep prices low while looking so much more expensive than they cost. This stackable v-shaped ring is made with moissanite stones that look just like diamonds.
Pros
- Lab grown gems keep costs down
Cons
- Must spend $180 to get free shipping
15
Pandora
Pandora
Photo : Pandora.
Elevated Red Heart Ring
Price range: $18-$3950
Shipping and returns: free shipping after $75+, free returns
What we’re shopping: I have a silver, black stone ring from Pandora that I never take off. This legacy brand is great to gift to multiple people. For example, my mom, sister, and I all picked up the same ring last year for Christmas. This ring with a red crystal will certainly make heads turn.