A woman’s guide to the all-occasion collection of lovely & affordable jewelry
Most women are not expecting diamond tennis bracelets in this year’s Christmas stocking. Traditionally, Christmas and Valentine’s Day are that perfect opportunity for your man to shower you with an expensive piece of jewelry, but faced with costly food, fuel and energy bills, there’s not much left over. No reason to fret! You just need to adjust with a new strategy for outfitting your jewelry wardrobe. Affordable jewelry is what’s chic today. Here are a few suggestions on putting a new face on your jewelry collection, with stunning, avant garde results.
The price of gold has skyrocketed, so that plain, 14-karat gold serpentine necklace may now go on a wish list for a while. In the meantime, check out gold plated necklaces and bracelets as an alternative. Over a period of years, the plating may thin, but then again, you won’t have to take out a loan to buy these pieces. By the time that happens, you might again easily afford the real deal. If not, it’s easy enough to replace it with another gold-plated, affordable jewelry piece. Just be sure to store your jewelry in a lined jewelry box to protect the finish.
Trendy costume jewelry relies on good design and color for an attractive look. This type of affordable jewelry is great for day and casual wear and allows you to have earrings, necklaces and bangles that are versatile enough to mix and match throughout your entire wardrobe. Being so inexpensive, you can have lots of great pieces on a very limited jewelry budget.
Other good sources of affordable jewelry pieces may be found at arts and crafts fairs, retro and consignment type shops. Even flea markets and garage sales will turn up some quite original jewelry. Individual jewelry artists sell their designs at arts and crafts fairs, providing you with quality workmanship, creative designs and completely affordable jewelry prices. Semi-precious stones, like garnets and turquoise, set in a good design, are every bit as attractive as some of the precious stones.
Ethnic jewelry is another great way to create a well-rounded, standout jewelry collection. Native American jewelry is one example. Native American craftsmen create beautiful pieces, using turquoise, amber, carnelian and other semi-precious stones. A watchband, made of silver with inlay work, is truly a conversation piece. Ring designs may include ornate carvings in silver. If your town doesn’t have a Native American jewelry shop, you’ll find beautiful collections online.
Maybe pearls are your thing, but genuine pearls are expensive. Look for faux pearls as an affordable jewelry alternative. Besides, technology has made it next to impossible for the average person to discern the difference between genuine and fake. No one, but a jeweller, will know!
Bracelets and bangles create an easy fashion splash for any costume. These are some of those fun fashion accessories, a display of your unique personality and fashion sense.
Period costume jewelry adds yet another dimension to your affordable jewelry collection. For example, Renaissance styled pieces are very elegant, in keeping with a night at the ballet or other party occasion, but don’t break the bank.
Our last idea may be one of the best: sign up for a jewelry making class and learn to design and make your own! This is the least expensive option and you’ll not find anyone else wearing the piece – unless you choose to give it as a gift for a friend.
I don’t usually wear any jewelry but I must admit that when I wear em I always pick out the best AND the most expensive, but I want to look my best at a lower cost especially with the prices today are skyrocketing up. So I looked at the net for elegant jewelries that cost low and I found these very cute bangles! AND they complement my hands and skin tone.