I love cheap jewelry that looks expensive. Yeah, I said it: There's nothing better than finding an absolutely amazing piece that also turns out to be super inexpensive. What can I say? I love looking like a luxury bitch, but I really love not spending all my money.
And I am giving you guys the keys to the awesome accessories kingdom. That's right: I've put together my complete guide for how to buy cheap jewelry that looks expensive, as well as some products I'm pretty obsessed with right now.
Tip #1: Keep it simple
Unless you’re spending seriously INSANE amounts of money, expensive jewelry is generally pretty simple. Look for a thick metallic cuff instead of stacked, multi-tonal chain bracelets. Think simple drop earrings (or studs) instead of bedazzled chandelier explosions. And think an elegant looped collar necklace like the sleek gold number on the right, compared to the (more expensive!) plastic beaded nightmare; it's basically perfect ($17, Target).
Tip #2: Stick with silver rhinestones.
If you’re going for stones, stick with silver or clear ones. Colored rhinestones often end up being too bright to be mistaken for anything other than plastic, and they lose their sparkle really quickly. And for the love of GOD, avoid those milky, rainbow-colored stones (*shudders*). Small, clear crystals like in these pointed earrings always look chic ($4, Forever 21).
Tip #3: Avoid metals that are too shiny or too “light.”
A dead giveaway for a cheap piece is that the metal is really light-colored and shiny like foil. A slightly darker metal — think old gold bordering on bronze, or slightly brushed, darker gray instead of tinfoil silver — looks way fancier. Bonus points for the addition of the simple plastic "stone" on this cage-style cuff ($9, Claires).
Tip #4: Avoid massive statement necklaces.
I know: A big-ass statement necklace and a simple outfit = good, right? Not always. If your stones are dull and your metal flimsy, the statement you might be making is “JV shit.” Keep it simple — think a layered pendant with a single stone, like this really elegant number from Lauren Conrad at Kohl's ($11, Kohl's), instead of a dangly chandelier necklace. Thanks, LC.
Tip #5: Avoid faux-distressing.
That weird black paint some companies throw on top of cheap alloys to make them look “distressed” is, in itself, distressing. The same goes for metals that are scratched up in an effort to make them look badass. Stick to darker metals (like the above) and hammered details instead of scratched ones, like on this really pretty silver bracelet ($15, Walmart).
Tip #6: Leave the kid's stuff.
Children don't have nice things, so skip anything that looks like you stole it from your little sister’s jewelry box. Instead of plastic flowers, get into simple crystals or semi-precious stones. I REALLY like these faux-marble studs — marble is having a real moment right now, and I've seen earrings like this popping up in very fancy editorials. You can get something just as good for a hell of a lot less money ($8, Charming Charlie).
Tip #7: Don't be a snob!
Seriously. You can find awesome, inexpensive jewelry at practically ANY store, as this list has hopefully demonstrated. Look everywhere for fun accessories, and I bet you'll be surprised at where your new favorite pieces actually come from.
Where are your favorite places to buy inexpensive (and awesome) jewelry from? What are your best luxury-bitch-on-a-budget tips? Tell me everything!
