Accessories

How to Shop Mid-Range Jewelry & Brands to Watch

Grand Avenue Jewelry - bracelets and necklace

There is a time in each single budget fashionista’s life when she decides to outgrow jewelry. Obviously I really like that Forever21 shares fun, cheap bracelets and earrings…but a lot of these pieces are short-lived. When they don’t give me a rash or turn my skin green, they’ll wind up box for the rest of time.

Do not get me wrong. Such as what you might get by BaubleBar from SUGARFIX, I love a color pop. But in recent years, I’ve grown to dislike wearing heavy earrings and necklaces. From loving personality statements to respecting a more sophisticated style whisper Additionally, my aesthetic features softened.

Less is usually more — If it comes to jewelry — for me, anyway. That’s why I’m on the jewelry bandwagon that is mid-range.

Mid-range jewelry is technically”fashion jewelry” — in that it’s not made from genuine, solid precious metals. The problem is that there is a massive range of quality within that fashion jewelry space. At one end, you have the bracelet that is coated with a shiny paint of the Claire. On the higher end, you have a bracelet that’s electroplated using 14k gold. The latter is the territory of the jewelry line that is mid century. You’ll pay more and it’ll be well worth it.

How to Shop Mid-Range Jewelry

While shopping for pieces, keep these three concerns in mind.

How does the price compare to fine jewelry options?

A gold-plated piece should cost you much less than a piece made of 14k gold. This is not necessarily the way jewelry prices work in the market. A designer line might carry hefty price tags though the bits are gold-plated.

The best pieces feel and look luxurious, but still carry an affordable price . My comfort zone to get jewellery that is mid sized is from $50 t0 $125, based on the piece and the event.

How can it be created?

You should ask the question, although you’ll have to spend the word of the seller on just how a piece is made. Is the jewellery filled, dipped or plated? Just how long can you expect the finish? Are there any special care instructions?

Will the design be wearable next year and the season after that?

Lean towards designs which you may use regardless of what’s trending. You’re paying more so you need to plan on wearing it on the long run.

Mid-Range antiques Brands to See

Grand Avenue antiques

I’ve been seeing Grand Avenue Jewelry since they launched a (effective ) Kickstarter effort as Cy Collection. The line’s standout feature is that the delicate, feminine fashion. All these are timeless pieces that will match every outfit, from casual to formal, and season after season.

What I appreciate is that the quality of these bits. The earrings are light as could be and do not pull my lobes. And I could wear this necklace in the hottest of weather without a second thought.

Catherine Brock the Budget Fashionista wearing Grand Avenue Jewelry

The bracelet set has a milder quality to it, which is probably for the best. I’m less sensitive in regards to the weight on my wrists and have a tendency to be awkward with my palms. For me, any wrist wear that is too delicate runs the risk of being broken.

Catherine Brock wearing mid-range jewelry line Grand Avenue Jewelry

Grand Avenue pieces are plated with two layers of gold. The price points range from about $80. Learn more in GrandAvenueJewelry.com.

Ana Luisa Jewelry

Another line to see is Ana Luisa Jewelry. You’ll find quality bits from splashes of colour — with a little bit of pop to intriguing shapes and textures.

Catherine Brock wearing mid range jewelry line Ana Luisa jewelry

These earrings aren’t heavy, but they’re not lightweight either. I would say I wouldn’t necessary be drawn to the style of these blossom rings that are blue — but they sure look nice on. You could wear them to dress up a casual outfit or to work.

The hoop earrings are interesting, rather than being vertical to the earlobe, as the hoop faces forward. They are somewhat awkward to put to the post’s job, however they do create a statement.

Lastly, the necklace is a nice piece that will include a charge of bold blue to your ensemble. When — I would reach for this piece in summer time mostly.

Ana Luisa pieces are priced from $65 and up. Most of the pieces are dipped in 14K gold, even though they do provide some gold and silver options that were genuine. Learn more in AnaLuisa.com.

Grand Avenue Jewelry and Ana Luisa provided me with these bits , at no cost, so I could supply you.

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