We’ve received a number of requests to talk a little bit about jewelry…and we are happy to oblige!
Chrissie is a ‘jewelry’ person, who likes to switch up her earrings daily, compared to other friends who wear a wonderful pair of diamond studs every day and never take them off. Recommending jewelry can be tricky, however, as there are so many price points and so many different design directions. From a small artist to Costco – there are great options at all ends of the price and retailer spectrum. And jewelry is just so very personal.
So we decided to feature a combination of the following:
- Larger sites/stores that offer a wide range of options/prices
- Resale sites
- Smaller sites that offer a variety of styles and/or artists
- Individual sites of specific brands/artists.
- A variety of price points.
We hope you’ll find some new resources that work for you, whether you’re in search of something special for yourself, a gift for a friend, or an item for a daughter. And if nothing else, these sites are just fun to look at/scroll through!
Larger Stores With a Wide Range of Options/Prices
Costco has only a 14% max markup on jewelry – including diamonds! A friend of ours shopped all around for diamond studs and ended up with the most beautiful, and cost-effective, pair from Costco that are her ‘one and done’ pair she never takes off! Chrissie has a pair of earrings from here her husband gave her that she loves as well. Might be worth the membership if you don’t already have one!
Whether you’re looking for a more ‘traditional’ style of high-end jewelry from Bloomies own line, or for an item from designers like Roberto Coin, Adina Reyter, David Yurman or many others, this is a terrific option. Plus, they have great sales, and a good return policy.
Nordstrom is another great option for jewelry as they have everything from nice lower-priced gold plated and cubic zirconia options to beautiful 14k/18k and gem designs from top artists. They also have a good return policy.
We are big Quince fans and their jewelry is terrific. They have fine jewelry basics, primarily hoops and studs, at great prices. Amazing return policy.
Pre-Loved Jewelry
TRR is always a great place to look for pre-loved jewelry at great price points – tons of great options! Be sure to check the return policy before purchasing.
Don’t laugh at this one! Goodwill has an online auction site (no ‘buy it now’ options – all auctions) where there are treasures waiting to be found. No returns though!
We don’t need to describe this one to you. If you know what you’re looking for, there is tons to be found here.
Jewelry Sites that Offer Variety of Styles and/or Designers
The site (and retail locations) represent over 120 fine jewelry designers. It’s a great place to look for a special gift as they have unique pieces and, given the scope of artisans they represent, something for everyone. They have an ‘under $250’ segment, a wedding design segment, and everything in between.
She sells beautiful items made of 14k gold, diamonds and gemstones with modern and traditional designs. If you live in the Bay Area you can request to go to her atelier and browse in person – it’s a delight! Be sure to check exchange/return options if purchasing online.
Marketing towards a more budget shopper, Mejuri is a great choice, selling fine and semi-fine, often more delicate-looking, rings, earrings, and necklaces. It has gold vermeil (a thick layer of 18k gold over sterling silver) pieces that are great for basics/stacking.
Handcrafted jewelry made in Bali. Chains, pendants, rings and more from a variety of metals, with many of the pieces being mixed metals. Some are made from wax molds (hence the name) and all are beautiful.
Fine everyday jewelry designs, sustainably made with over 95% recycled gold and recycled diamonds. Leans towards daintier designs. Good selection of signet rings and chains. Huge variety, and varied price points.
Good for less expensive fashion items like a pave flower necklace or their dot-necklace.
Individual Designers’ Sites
Justine McGregor Jewelry – Pretty pearl necklace. Custom-designed diamond rings. Love this look of the white tee with the necklace!
Ilissa Michele Jewelry – All necklaces and charms. Chain necklaces that you can add charms to easily. Good for layering. Lots of lobster clasps that let you mix/match easily.
One of Chrissie’s favorite necklaces is by this Venice, CA-based designer who works in 14k and precious stones to create one-of-a-kind pieces. She can add a locket/charm of your own into the piece as well, as she did for Chrissie. Check out her instagram and DM her if interested in her pieces.
Primary collection is made of recycled gold vermeil, sterling silver, gold plated or silver plated items and there is also a recycled collection. Bracelets, necklaces, rings etc. Simple geometric designs. Lots of variety of bold, current shapes as well as more traditional options. High fashion appeal at affordable prices. Uses recycled gold. Worn by Kate Middleton…if that matters to you! Also sold at Nordstrom.
She makes beautiful chains and ‘locks’ that enable you to mix and match to create unique looks.
Custom-made fine jewelry as well as ‘ready-to-wear’ high-end pieces.
One-of-a-kind sculptural hand-made high-end jewelry.
Unique modern, fine jewelry designs with a quietly bold aesthetic, often utilizing an ‘oculus’ design feature. Custom work is available as well.
Very popular recently via their use of lab-grown diamonds and stones and their strong placement with online influencers. Stylish classic pieces as well as more avant-garde options, with affordable prices given that the stones are lab-grown. Named for the owners grandmother, with pieces that look like a fancy, super stylish grandmother (like hers) would have worn.
If you like clean and bold…her rings are just….WOW. Looks like you have to contact her for pricing/order.
Known for her beautiful pearls and her ‘flyer’ earrings, Gabrielle Sanchez is one of Chrissie’s favorite jewelry designers. Whether you want the neutrals of her pearls or the vibrancy of her other stones, her pieces are beautiful.
Julia Parish Jewelry
Beautiful high-end designer of 18k/20k rings, necklaces, rings and more, often with a slightly chunkier look and beautiful stones.
Tina is a friend of Joanne’s and we both have her necklaces and LOVE them. She uses different metals and interesting chains that can often mix/match pendants. She does custom work and also has some items on her site. DM her for more options if you like her style as she shows a limited selection on her site.
We love these affordable simple designs in sterling silver. Great gift for young women.
