8 Best Affordable Designer Jewelry Pieces

Designer jewelry is often expensive and it can be difficult to figure out what price you should be paying for it. While not every jewelry design has to be an heirloom, there is something to be said for buying good quality jewelry that will last.

You may not be in the market for fine jewelry that will be passed down for generations to come, there is a middle ground where you can buy good-quality jewelry for a price that doesn’t break the bank.

Jewelry prices can vary greatly, depending on a mix of factors. Some of the aspects that impact price are: brand heritage and reputation, materials, and design. A well-known designer luxury brand is likely to sell at a higher price point, even if the materials used are non-precious.

There are three different categories of jewelry: fashion, demi-fine and fine. In order to better understand the value of your jewelry, it’s important to understand the difference between these categories. Knowing the nuances will help you find the best affordable designer jewelry for your budget.

The Difference Between Costume, Demi-Fine & Fine Jewelry

Bear in mind that the below jewelry categories are sometimes given different names. For example, demi-fine is sometimes called semi-fine, and costume jewelry is often called fashion jewelry. 

Costume Jewelry

Made from non-precious metals such as brass and copper, costume jewelry is typically the least expensive. This type of jewelry might have artificial gemstones but not high-value stones, such as diamonds.

However, big luxury brands still produce costume jewelry and are able to hike up prices due to their popularity and influence. These pieces are often more trend-focused and not necessarily investment pieces.

Unless the costume jewelry piece is particularly covetable (such as a Chanel logo necklace), fashion jewelry has a lower resale value.

Demi-Fine Jewelry

Demi-fine jewelry is the happy medium between costume and fine jewelry. These designs will often partially include precious metals. A demi-fine piece of jewelry will often have a sterling silver base coated with gold plating. The plated finish allows for a more luxurious appearance.

Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry is the crème de la crème of jewelry. It is made from precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. These designs will often incorporate genuine gemstones, including rubies, sapphires and diamonds. Fine jewelry is viewed as an investment with durability.

How To Buy Affordable Designer Jewelry

Designer jewelry and affordability aren’t typically associated with one another. However, with the current move towards a resale market, the options for affordable designer jewelry are expanding.

Thanks to the booming pre-owned industry, designer jewelry becomes more affordable when given a new lease of life through resale.

When purchasing jewelry, it is always better to get the best possible quality for your budget. Jewelry is imbued with sentimental value and passed down through generations. If longevity is what you’re looking for, these are our tips for buying affordable designer jewelry:

1. Shop pre-owned - Shopping pre-owned is not only good for the planet, but it gives the buyer the opportunity to afford pieces that might usually be out of budget.
2. Be open to different brands - Big designer names such as Chanel are likely to have high price points. Tiffany & Co. has more of a varied price range, starting with affordable styles.
3. Buy good quality - If you are going to wear your jewelry regularly, it is a false economy to buy cheap jewelry as it will soon need replacing. Buy jewelry that is designed to stand the test of time.

What Are The 8 Best Affordable Designer Jewelry Collections?

Update your wishlist with some of our favorite affordable designer jewelry picks:

1. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti collection (Starting from $100)
2. Tiffany & Co. Infinity collection (Starting from $125)
3. Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany collection (Starting from $140)
4. Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso collection (Starting from $165)
5. Tiffany & Co. HardWear collection (Starting from $350)
6. David Yurman Cable bracelets (Starting from $385)
7. Hermès Clic H bracelets (Starting from $500)
8. Cartier LOVE rings (Starting from $995)

Why You Should Buy Pre-Owned Jewelry

When you opt to buy pre-owned, you are giving an item a new lease of life. Pre-loved designs are already in circulation and therefore limit the need for further production. Not only is it the most sustainable way to shop but it is also more affordable and allows your budget to go much further.

Where To Buy Affordable Designer Jewelry

myGemma is your trusted source for pre-owned jewelry. Stocking great brands and designers, we ensure each and every piece is expertly authenticated before being stocked on our website. Our pre-loved designs ensure a lower price point, so you can get the very best quality for your budget.

myGemma stocks a variety of brands, from small designer brands to big names such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. The website is regularly updated with new additions, so you can find exactly what you are looking for at the right price.