Jewelry can be as intimate as your personal style. Some may prefer dainty pieces, and others the more statement jewelry items. Whichever position you find yourself in, there are common elements that we all consider when shopping for jewelry: Quality pieces that don’t tarnish, are easy to clean, and are valued appropriately. 

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The jewelry landscape is vast, and with so many options, it can be difficult to find both affordable and qualitative pieces. In addition to tarnishing, ease of cleaning, and affordability of the pieces, you have to think about the quality of the metal and decoration. Do you prefer your pieces to be gold-filled or gold-plated? Diamond encrusted or decorated with gemstones? Instead of leaving the search up to you, we have compiled a list of our favorites, based on our own collections, research, and expert insight from affordable jewelry brand co-founder Jill Johnson.

Ahead, we researched the best affordable jewelry brands.

MEET THE EXPERT

Jill Johnson is a jewelry expert and co-founder of Awe Inspired, an affordable jewelry brand founded in 2018.  She has years of experience sourcing, designing, and crafting jewelry.

Best Overall: Missoma

Missoma

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The brand with the broadest selection of impressive quality jewelry would be Missoma. They seem to cover all grounds when it comes to finding great jewelry pieces; They have pieces for everyone, from chains and pendants to minimal designs and fashion statements. Their styles include customizable keepsakes, dainty pieces, and more timeless pieces that aren’t necessarily trending but hold remarkable heritage. The necklaces range in chain length and metal types, making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for, especially if you love stacking your necklaces. 

Best Dainty: Omi Woods

Omi Woods

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Sometimes an outfit or mood doesn’t call for a chunky jewelry piece, and Omi Woods understands that. Their pieces are finely crafted and ethically handmade with fair-trade African gold and have globally sourced conflict-free metals designed to be worn every day. Designed to stand the test of time, each style ranges from metals and chain lengths. The custom approach makes these delicate pieces so special for any collection.

Best for Gifting: Mejuri

Mejuri

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A cult favorite, Mejuri’s popularity is a testament to its quality, broad array of options, approachable price point, and versatility. Whether you’re buying something for yourself or someone else, you can be sure to find a piece that fits your budget. Gift cards are also available so giftees can choose the pieces on their own. If you’re not sure what style would be best, Mejuri provides an online shopper that helps tailor your picks—a service that comes incredibly handy for the gifting season.

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Best Unisex: Maria Black

Maria Black

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If there's something that is rare when it comes to jewelry, it’s brands that are genderless in their designs. Creating a fluidity in styles can be difficult, but Maria Black masters this with ease. Styled on both men and women, the designs are universal, speaking to personal style over anything else. With both impact gold and lab-grown diamonds available, each piece is forward-thinking and sustainable. 

Best Sustainable: Laura Lombardi

Laura Lombardi

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Laura Lombardi has built her namesake brand by utilizing upcycled and recycled materials. Not only is the jewelry made from recycled brass, but plating for each style is done in a zero-waste closed-filter system (with as many styles made by hand in studio as possible). The brand goes further to ensure the pieces are affordable, and it works closely with organizations such as Black Women’s Blueprint, G.L.I.T.S Inc., and The Lower Eastside Girls Club Community Action Fund to give back to the community.

Most Timeless: Oma The Label

Oma The Label

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If there is one thing that Oma The Label excels at, it is creating gorgeously crafted pieces of jewelry that work for both everyday and statement occasions. Both trendy yet dipped in heritage, each design is unique to the brand yet meant to stand the test of time. Some favorites of ours are the Ojo necklace and Cuban Link Collection as well as the Obi Hoops and The Knot Bracelet. Each piece works with any style and circumstance you can think of—a huge win if you’re in the market for pieces that you can cherish forever.

Best Trendy: Notte

Notte

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Have you noticed jewelry on someone and you immediately have to know where it’s from? In my case, it’s usually Notte. The brand’s pieces are intricate, cool, and not something you see every day (super trendy!). The styles play with metals, pearls, pendants, and charms that are created for the brand’s unique vision, inspired by cityscapes, la dolce vita daydreams, and eccentric craftsmanship.