21 Best Affordable Jewelry Brands for Nailing Every 2026 Accessory Trend

By Samantha Jones | Originally published Dec 12, 2025 for Cosmopolitan.com

As someone who appreciates a thoughtfully curated jewelry stack, it’s taken me years to successfully build out my collection. Because, let’s be honest: Though we all may aspire to have a glimmering jewelry stack draped in diamonds, gold chains, and the latest trends, it’s tough to find quality, wallet-friendly jewelry that will actually last. After years of searching, and more than a few jewelry purchases that have tarnished in a matter of days or left my skin green—my fellow Cosmo editors and I have finally curated a list of 21 editor-tested, affordable jewelry brands that are worth every penny.

You’ll find something for everyone on this list, whether you’re a fan of chunky, statement jewelry or you prefer a subtly sparkling stack. That includes viral brands you’ve seen on social media, celeb-loved pieces, and a few under-the-radar finds that’ll help you find something truly one-of-a-kind. But our ultimate tip as you shop? Always check the base materials: gold- or silver-plated jewelry is usually cheapest, but it could deteriorate quickly. Gold vermeil offers a step up in durability if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars. And of course, solid gold and silver is the top-of-the-line choice when it comes to long-lasting, investment-worthy sparkle.

Ahead, shop editor-loved brands—ranging from glitzy earrings to chunky statement necklaces—starting at just $20.

Best Overall: Ana Luisa

When associate shopping editor Meg Uy wear-tested several Pavoi jewelry styles for her review, she was shocked by how well the brand held up—and didn’t irritate her sensitive skin.

“I’ve always been impressed by the variety of earrings Pavoi offers…So many of their designs are genuinely fashion-forward and super of-the-moment,” Uy says. “This isn’t investment jewelry, but it’s great for trying out trends, building a travel jewelry collection, or just adding some affordable sparkle to your everyday look.”

Glowing customer review: “More beautiful than expected! I purchased this based on the great reviews and I am not disappointed. The gold is realistic in color and shine. The stones are clear and have great sparkle and shine. The clasp is easy to manage one handed and stayed secure the whole time I wore it.”

Shop our favorites: Gold-plated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet ($20), 4K gold-plated chunky open hoops ($14), Hand chain in white gold 

Best Affordable Diamonds: Mejuri

“Diamonds” and “affordable” aren’t usually in the same sentence, but if you wanna frost yourself, Mejuri is a great place to start. While the brand offers a bunch of different jewelry styles, we’re particularly enamored by the collection of diamond jewelry that starts at around $200. Shop rings, tennis bracelets, hoops, studs—you name it—to get your fine jewelry collection going.

“If you’re making an effort to enter your ~real~ jewelry era, turn to Mejuri,” says deputy commerce editor Heath Owens. “With solid gold mini hoops starting at $38, the value can’t be beat. And the minimal, timeless styles can be stacked and layered with pieces you already own while you build out your collection.”

Glowing customer review: “I love the unique design and that the diamonds are set into the ring more. I also took advantage of the free engraving and now it is a sentimental piece to remember my grandmother by!”

Shop our favorites: Diamonds band ($578), Lab-grown sapphire tennis bracelet ($358), Diamond necklace ($478)

Most Budget-Friendly: BaubleBar

When you want sparkling statement jewelry but you don’t wanna splash out, BaubleBar is a *perfect* budget-friendly choice. Our editors love the brand’s wide selection of playful styles, particularly its limited-edition collabs with your fave NFL or MLB team, or its cutie custom jewelry (like the initial necklace pictured on slide 1!). Most items fall within the $40 to $60 range, but you can definitely find pieces for less, too—including these trendy charms.

“Baublebar is my go-to for affordable yet cute wedding guest jewelry,” says Mackenzie Dunn, senior commerce manager. “Take it from me (someone who is attending close to a dozen wedding this year)—the pieces are versatile and photograph well. I recently wore BaubleBar earrings to a black-tie wedding and got tons of compliments!”

Shop our favorites: Bubble initial necklace ($58), Crystal collar necklace ($48), Just for fun cluster charm (from $25)

Best Gold-Plated: BIBI & KIM

When you’ve already raided your grandmother’s vintage jewelry collection (sorry, Grandma!) and you still want more, reach for BIBI & KIM’s dreamy, vintage-inspired styles. Our editors are obsessed with the classic designs (think geometric studs, mixed-metal chains, signet rings, and more) that somehow exude both timeless glamor *and* modern luxury. What’s more, each item is PVD plated with 18-karat gold (a fancy term that refers to the method used to adhere the gold to the stainless steel base—science!) which tends to be more long-lasting and higher quality than standard gold plating.

“I have a pair of gold hoops from BIBI & KIM and I love them,” says editor Olivia Truffaut-Wong. “They’re lightweight, stylish, and vvv affordable.”

Shop our favorites: Marquise studs ($36), Oval CZ eternity ring ($42), Fringe drop earrings ($42)

Best Cubic Zirconium: Nadri

When you’re heading to that black tie event or glitzy holiday party (jealous!), Nadri has sooo many compliment-garnering accessories to step up your look. While you could def spend a few hundred dollars on the site if you aren’t careful, the brand also has plenty of pretty picks for under $150—including tennis bracelets, dangle earrings, and gilded necklaces, all made with high-quality cubic zirconium for maximum sparkle. I’ve owned this particular pair of heart-shaped studs for a year or so, and it’s become a staple in my jewelry rotation.

Glowing customer review: “[My Nadri earrings] were perfect for my wedding day. I was looking for earrings that would bring a bit of sparkle, but not be too big, long or heavy as I do not typically wear big earrings…They were comfortable for the entire night and I received so many compliments.”

Shop our favorites: Rosalia heart studs ($48), Natural beauty Y necklace ($70), Wildflower drop necklace ($175)

Best Silver: Mignon Faget

Hand-crafted in New Orleans and inspired by architecture, Mignon Faget is an editor-loved pick for its statement-making silhouettes and durable sterling silver medium. While you *won’t* find many basics in the brand’s repertoire, you will be able to score so many unique pieces that match your personality: cosmic-inspired pendants, sculptural ear cuffs, layer-able bangles…you get the picture. And since the designer has been creating her own jewelry for over 50 years, rest assured these designs are timeless.

I was lucky enough to receive this Mignon Faget ring as a gift a few months ago, and it’s by far the most comfortable ring in my collection. The sterling silver and materials also make me a LOT less worried about deterioration over time, so I plan to be wearing it for many years to come.

Shop our favorites: Legacy era ear cuff ($195), Legacy forever ring ($165), Petit bow pearl pendant ($75)

Best Variety: Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird jewelry exudes effortless style, thanks to the designer’s sculptural aesthetic that makes each piece feel like a work of art. The Canadian-born designer launched her eponymous brand in 2008, and ever since, her pieces have been spotted on stars like Dakota Johnson, Alix Earle, Keke Palmer, and more. But the brand isn’t *just* for your fave celebs; a majority of Jenny Bird baubles cost under $200. What’s more, you’ll have thousands of items to choose from across earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more.

Glowing customer review: “I love the look [of the Rio Button Earrings] but always worried about the weight of the earrings. I was pleasantly surprised that these are not only lightweight but also come with the special JB lifting earring back—and it actually works! I am a big fan.”

Shop our favorites: Rio button earrings ($118), Puffy heart necklace ($168), Colette small hoops ($138)

Best Viral Brand: Heaven Mayhem

Statement jewelry is fun, but practically speaking, you’ll also want a reliable rotation of accessories for everyday use. Finding that fine line between basic and straight-up boring is easier said than done, though. Several editors were wowed by Heaven Mayhem’s vintage-inspired collections that include studs, earrings, watches, and even brooches—so much so, in fact, that they’ve become an everyday jewelry go-to.

“I can admit when I’ve been influenced, and Hailey Bieber’s favorite antique-inspired earrings did just that,” says contributor Tatjana Freund. “Considering Heaven Mayhem’s pieces are mostly under $200, I was so impressed with how high-quality and sturdy the earrings are. They’re large without tugging on the earlobe, and all the earrings sit perfectly without sliding or twisting. Not to mention, every time I wear a pair, someone asks me where I got them.”

Shop our favorites: Double-knot earrings ($110), Julia necklace ($120), Clarke cuff ($100)

Best Y2k-Inspired: NOTTE

My recent obsession? Textural, colorful, irresistibly playful baubles that make you feel like a kid again. That’s why I am a fan of NOTTE’s Y2K-inspired style that ranges from beachy chokers to chunky charms. The founder, a former accessories trend director, draws inspiration from bustling city life in New York and Florence, Italy, so expect every piece to contain ahead-of-its-time trends and effortless artistic charm.

Shop our favorites: Venezia pearly necklace ($178), Heart to heart necklace ($86), Baby strawberry ring ($56)

Best Dainty: Olive & Piper

As someone who has a relatively small frame, I don’t love the look of chunky jewelry on myself. Olive and Piper is a great place to find dainty—but no less statement-making—pieces, whether you’re dressing up for a gala or heading to the office. The brand has plenty of glitzy accessories dotted with cubic zirconium and faux pearls (my personal favorite is the emerald-cut pendant on slide three), and the gold-plated styles claim to be hypoallergenic and nickel-free, making them a great pick for sensitive skin.

Shop our favorites: Dora ring ($48), Thea drops ($52), Emerald pendant ($48)

Best Lab-Grown Diamonds: Blue Nile

If you want to invest in your jewelry collection but you’re still working with a tight budget (same), Blue Nile is our editors’ first pick when it comes to lab-grown diamonds. Though you can certainly drop a few grand at Blue Nile, there’s also a thoughtful curation of more budget friendly pieces—yes, including diamonds! My personal favorite pick is this pair of subtle yet sparkly studs (shown in photo slide 2), which add the perfect amount of glimmer to my ear stack.

Shop our favorites: Blossom lab-grown diamond pendant ($320), Blossom lab-grown diamond stud earrings ($380), Petite micropavé diamond ring ($462)

Best for Gifting: Astrid & Miyu

This one goes out to all the SO’s trying to get their loved one a thoughtful gift (but drowning in all the options the internet is throwing your way). Don’t fret: Astrid & Miyu is our editors’ fave place to look when we need a unique and meaningful (yet affordable!) jewelry present. The brand’s offerings range from sparkly hoops and dainty necklaces to charm bracelets, zodiac jewelry, and beyond—so you can find something your boo will *actually* love.

I’ve owned my Astrid & Miyu necklace for several years, and I find myself reaching for it almost daily. It’s super easy to style with other pieces, and it hasn’t tarnished at all despite near-constant wear.

Glowing customer review: “These are my new favorite earrings. So pretty and shiny, perfect size, good weight. Overall I’m super happy and [they’re easy to] wear with other jewelry.”

Shop our favorites: Tennis chain ($150), Cosmic star bracelet ($170), Initial pave necklace ($135)

Best Celebrity-Worn Styles: Mazin Jewels

Behold: your favorite artist’s favorite jewelry brand. Mazin Jewels went viral a few years ago after Taylor Swift was spotted wearing multiple pieces from the brand—and they’ve also been worn by the likes of Tate McRae, Sofia Vergara, and soccer legend Alex Morgan, among other stars. And get this: Nearly everything on-site is around $60 (!). IMO, each piece from Mazin wears like a familiar classic yet has its own unique twist, so your jewelry stack still feels super personalized.

After scooping up several items from Mazin Jewels (and wearing them pretty much on the daily), I totally get why so many celebs keep wearing them. The stylish designs are sooo sparkly and still look brand-new, even after a whole year. I’m not the only repeat shopper, either: Taylor was once again spotted wearing another Mazin Jewels ring while announcing her Life of a Showgirl album earlier this year.

Shop our favorites: Chain link necklace ($70), Pave snake ring ($63), Marquise huggies ($54)

Best Earrings: AMYO

Nothing makes or breaks your earring stack like a quality pair of hoops—and as someone with sensitive ears, it’s suuuper important to find a pair that won’t cause irritation. AMYO’s gold vermeil hoops are plated with a thick layer of solid gold, which makes them better suited for sensitive skin than many other affordable options. I love that the brand has such a wide range of earrings sizes and styles, so you can create a whole earscape that’s totally you without overspending.

Glowing customer review: “LOVE these hoops—they are the perfect size and thickness, as well as super lightweight and comfortable. Clasp is nice and secure, so I don’t worry about them falling off like I have with some other earrings. Love the twisted texture that keeps them from looking like every other pair of basic gold hoops.”

Shop our favorites: Thick twisted hoops ($65), Marquis ear-climber earrings ($48), Pavé triple mini hoops ($85)

Most Unique: UNOde50

I’ve recently become a fan of UNOde50 (a Spanish jewelry brand that handcrafts every piece)—I’m obsessed with the eclectic styles that somehow exude both timelessness and unique character all at once. AKA, I never feel like I’m copying someone else or falling into a short-lived fashion trend when I wear a piece from the brand. And I’m not alone: UNOde50 has been sported by style icons like Jenna Ortega and Khloe Kardashian, so it’s safe to say the brand is It-girl approved.

Shop our favorites: Long leather necklace ($170), Ring with purple crystal ($155), Beaded bracelet ($110)

Best Charms: Rellery

Whether Taylor Swift’s friendship bracelets or the resurgence of Y2K trends are to thank, charm jewelry is so back. And personally? I’m a huge fan of Rellery for its cutie charms that you can add to an existing chain. Some of the best options I’ve seen include a donut (yum), peas in a pod (perfect for siblings or your BFF), a mini horse charm (for the unapologetic horse girl), and more.

I’ve also owned several jewelry pieces from the brand and have found them to be surprisingly tarnish-resistant—including rings that I forget to take off before washing my hands—and irritation-free, too.

Glowing customer review: “Love the necklace! My husband got me this as a gift to celebrate us having our first child and it’s a boy! I have gotten so many compliments on it!”

Shop our favorites: individual charms (from $39), Pizza charm bracelet ($115), Personalized heart charm ($105)

Best for Teens: Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is the latest brand to achieve TikTok fame, so if you’re looking for the perfect gift for that chronically online friend or a picky teen, this brand is a great starting point. There are a bunch of different glitzy baubles to choose from, like this iconic pendant necklace, or coveted collabs with Dolly Parton and Disney.

Glowing customer review: “I got this necklace for Christmas a little over a year ago, and I have worn it almost every day since! It’s so pretty and goes with everything! The stone and chain are both quality, and it doesn’t tint your skin green.”

Shop our favorites: Elisa pendant necklace ($60), Tatum short pendant necklace ($65), Ari heart gold huggie earrings ($70)

Best for Trying New Trends: Madewell

When you aren’t quite sure if the latest jewelry trend is right for you, the last thing you wanna do is splurge. My favorite hack to trying out the latest styles without a major investment? Shop Madewell’s accessories section. That’s right: your favorite denim brand also makes darn good affordable jewelry. We’re constantly spotting the latest trends: like molten metal cuff bracelets, carabiner-style necklaces, and more—usually for under $60.

Shop our favorites: Organic wide cuff bracelet ($68), Sculpted drop earrings ($69), Semiprecious beaded heart charm necklace ($65)

You simply can’t beat the one-of-a-kind quality of handmade jewelry, and Peggy Li’s dainty designs are low-key guaranteed to get you compliments. The San Francisco-based designer sources materials from around the world and makes each piece by hand (!), so everything is bespoke—perfect for gifting or adding a personal touch to your own collection. Fun fact: the brand’s jewelry has been worn on TV shows like And Just Like That, Jane the Virgin, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and more.

Glowing customer review: “I’ve gotten a lot of pieces from Peggy Li, which I love,” Wong says. “She creates really delicate jewelry that you can easily dress up or down.”

Shop our favorites: Sparkle eye necklace ($110), Dakota hearts ring ($110), Star post earrings ($59)

Best Solid Gold and Silver: With Olivia Grace

Statement jewelry always gets the attention, but let’s hear it for the layer-able finds you’re reaching for every day. With Olivia Grace has a curated selection of gender-neutral, effortlessly stackable pieces—including curb chain necklaces, paperclip chains, chunky rings, and more. The brand’s jewelry is handcrafted from solid gold and silver, which means it’s more of an immediate investment—but for a necklace or bracelet you’re wearing 24/7, I’ve found that this added durability ensures it’ll actually last.

I have been wear-testing the Unisex link necklace for several months now, and it’s hands-down the most worn chain in my collection. The quality can’t be understated: it’s weighty, making it feel more substantial (read: expensive) than the budget necklaces I’ve purchased in the past, and despite near constant wear, hasn’t lost its shine.

Shop our favorites: Unisex link necklace ($300), Simply silver chain ring ($75), Thin rope stacker ring ($198)

How to find the best affordable jewelry

When shopping for affordable jewelry, one quick hack to determine the quality of a piece is to look at the product specifications. The lowest-quality jewelry is usually gold-plated, meaning there’s only a thin layer of real gold (less than 2.5 microns) electroplated over a cheaper metal like brass. Over time, this thin gold layer will erode away, causing the metal to tarnish or fade (especially on items like rings, necklaces, or items you plan to wear in the shower).

Gold-filled jewelry is a better dupe for real gold, because the manufacturing process uses heat and pressure to create a stronger bond between the base metal and the gold top layer.

The next step up is gold vermeil. Vermeil is plated over sterling silver rather than brass or copper, and it has a thicker gold layer on top compared to gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry—at least 2.5 microns. This thicker layer allows it to last longer than gold-plated jewelry, and makes it less irritating to sensitive skin.

Of course, the best of the best is solid gold and silver, but it will often come at a much higher cost. And don’t get it twisted: Even “solid” gold isn’t 100% gold. 14k solid gold jewelry is the most popular choice, because it falls near the middle of the karat scale and offers about 60% real gold. In our editors’ opinions, when you’re looking for long-lasting, everyday staples, 14k solid gold pieces are worth the investment.