I’ve admittedly become a bit of a snob when it comes to jewellery. After years of wearing statement gemstone necklaces which didn’t last long before the “jewels” began to fall out and cocktail rings which, yes, enviably made my skin green, I swore off cheap jewellery and instead began saving up for higher-quality pieces. I don’t have a flush budget by any means, but for every 10 bits of affordable jewellery I passed on, I was able to put whatever I saved towards something, at the very least, gold-plated. High-street jewellery, however, has come a long way since then, and I’m incredibly impressed at what I’ve seen on offer this season.
Although I’m sure it’s unintentional, the high street appears as if it has made a collective effort to refine its jewellery offering. Everywhere I turn, from Arket and Marks and Spencer to Zara and Jigsaw, jewellery keeps catching my eye. Indeed, there are statement pieces for which the high street is known and that there’s absolutely a place for in every jewellery collection, but there are more delicate options, too, should you prefer the fine, layered look.
Discovering the high street’s beautiful bounty of affordable jewellery comes at the perfect time as we curate our party outfits and finish off (or, in some cases, start) our Christmas shopping. I know time is precious right now, so I’ve rounded up the best affordable jewellery from the high street for you. Scroll on to see it, categorised by store. Something tells me you’ll be just as impressed by these finds as I was.
Baroque pearls are one of the biggest jewellery trends of the last few years, and M&S creates the best affordable homages out there.
Take all the effort out of layering your necklaces with this dual number, complete with a beautiful semi-precious stone.
Fashion people always gravitate towards signet rings.
I’ve never met a pair of hoop earrings I didn’t like. Plus, these are gold-plated.
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See? I told you M&S does pearls best.
These 24k-gold earrings are on my wish list.
I’ve got a thing for zodiac necklaces.
This beautiful bracelet is gold-plated and made from 925 sterling silver.
Such a sweet stocking filler.
I have hoops from Daphine like this that I wear all the time.
These earrings feel very special—I don’t have anything like them in my current collection.
I’m a sucker for chain bracelets, but the addition of T-bars? This is perfect.
A great alternative if silver is more your style.
I’ve seen this in real life, and it looks so expensive on.
The ideal way to dress up a black roll-neck.
Arket’s jewellery collection is small but perfectly formed. This, for me, is its hero piece.
These bangles are on my wish list.
Chunky rings are a thing right now, and this wide band is ideal for minimalists.
If jumbo hoops feel like too much, try these huggies instead.
Yes, there’s a bracelet to match Arket’s brilliant chain necklace, both of which are available in gold and silver.
You might not think the words “affordable” and “Thomas Sabo” should go together, but the brand has lots of chic pieces under £100 to choose from right now.
I wear this dainty anklet year-round.
These make for a really gorgeous gift.
Stylish on its own or as part of a stack.
Wear this single earring with a stud in the opposite ear, and finish with an updo to show them off.
The ultimate everyday necklace.
I rarely opt for coloured gemstones, but these green numbers are too pretty to resist.
Another excellent chain necklace for you to consider.
I’m really into chunky hoops right now, too.
This will look so polished paired with a burgundy manicure.
