Nothing beats a good few pieces of jewelry in the accessories department! When you want to take a kinda meh outfit up to the next level, you can instantly transform it when you have the right set of earrings, bracelet, and necklace. Y’all know I love accessories, and Nigel has bought me lots over the last 53 years. In fact, almost all of my “good” jewelry pieces are gifts from him. Of course, many times, he was working from a list of items I’d given him. But, he asked for the list so I’m not to blame what he buys, right? For our 20th anniversary, he upgraded my engagement ring.

Check Out a Few More Thrift Stores…
The right piece of jewelry completes your outfit, gives it that zhuzh we’re all after, and maybe aids in creating the aesthetic you want. But, what about when you’re on a budget and want to add some more expensive pieces to your jewelry box? A lot of hidden gems can be found in thrift stores, and in this case, quite literally. Some thrift stores lay out high quality pieces without even realizing it. It’s up to you, as a thrifter, to know when there’s a bit of genuine quality hiding amongst the jewelry cabinet they’ve got up front. And it’ll take some time and effort to find pieces like this, but if you enjoy accessory and/or fashion shopping, the process will be more than enjoyable! You can also check out Etsy for bargains…but make sure you look carefully at the items and descriptions.

Look at Lab Grown Diamonds…
Did you know it’s more than possible to create diamonds in a lab? Did you also know that they’re indistinguishable from naturally occurring diamonds? If you didn’t, now you do! Lab grown diamonds sell for around half the price (or less) than their wild counterparts. That makes lab diamond earrings a much more budget friendly option when you want to wear diamonds but don’t have the traditional disposable income for it. Similarly, the lower cost of a lab diamond means you can get bigger, more sparkly jewelry pieces for the same price as a small, low quality natural diamond. More carats for your buck, more options for your jewelry box. There’s no competition!
Make an Investment…
High-end, luxury jewelry often comes at a price that makes them a one off kind of purchase. As such, you should choose your these jewelry pieces very, very carefully. In fact, you should go into this like it’s an investment decision – because it genuinely could be. When you buy luxury jewelry, the value is going to appreciate over time. The gem or stone you buy now could have doubled in price within the next 10 to 15 years. So, even if you’re on a budget at the moment, you could more than make back the cost by the time you’re ready to retire.

When you’re on a budget…
High class jewelry can be a hard sell when you’re on a budget. You don’t want to spend more than your monthly wardrobe costs on a single ring or necklace. But at the same time, you would love to have a bit more luxury to wear from time to time! And thankfully, you can strike a balance here. Use the tips above to build a higher class jewelry box at a lower cost and enjoy your accessories!

Wrap it up, Marsha!
While we all know “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” I have discovered my playful World Finds kantha and Sylca jewelry is often what I reach for. At this moment in time, my aesthetic is more colorful and boho. My diamond jewelry doesn’t necessarily say what I want it to with these outfits. Nigel was just complaining I never wear my big diamond earrings. The biggest reason is my hair covers my ears. But, I do need to wear them more! So, can we talk? Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry? Are you a fan of vintage or thrifted jewelry? Do diamonds make your heart go pitter patter? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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I recently bought a new engagement ring, and when the jeweller looked it up, it had doubled in price because of the surge in gold. He honored the original cost. I was very pleased! I love accessories, they really make an outfit. Thanks for linking!
Wow! You are fortunate in that he honored the original cost. I was just thinking about how I would like to upgrade again for our 50th this year. I mean, if you’re going to dream, might as well dream big! I was looking at 5 carat diamonds (just the stone), and they were over $100,000!! By the time you added the setting (because of the cost of gold), I can’t imagine what it would cost. Mike has new car fever so we could definitely buy a new car for the price of humongous diamond ring! But, sometimes, it’s just fun to dream, right?
There is one thing that beats is: making your own accessoires! I do that all the time and it is such fun!
You are definitely right about that! I would love to make my own jewelry, but I’m afraid I don’t have the patience. I don’t really think I have the creative ability, either. You make beautiful pieces, Mie!
You are an expert at accessories! I need to get better at it! When I was teaching I always made a point of including the in my outfit. These days, I rarely do but I do love them!
Thanks so much, Laura! I love jewelry and always have. I think I do wear more now than when I was teaching although I did wear multiple bracelets at one time.
I love accessories! They really change up your look! You have such a great collection!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! I have always like accessories and wore arm parties before they were the thing! I bought so much jewelry on eBay when I was teaching and paid so little for it. I haven’t looked lately, but I’m betting the prices are probably triple what I had paid.
I wholeheartedly approve 😉
Thanks, Cat!
I love your wedding ring, engagement ring, and mom ring. Your simple diamond studs are gorgeous. You could tuck your hair behind your ear if you are comfortable with that.
I am a weird one I guess because I want the originals. In fact, I was upset that Tom’s best man gave the minister fakes as a joke and that our real ones weren’t blessed by him. I have had friends that have upgraded but I have no desire to do that. Tom is not a jewelry shopper anyway so it works out fine for us.
Thanks, Amy! I could try doing tucking my hair, but it’s a little too short (and very fine). I wear them more often than Mike realizes because he just doesn’t see them. Oh, I would have been so angry about the “joke!” There’s a story behind my upgrade. I was surprised when he upsized the diamond, though! I did have to have it reset as the setting got too worn, and I was afraid I’d lose the diamond.