Trust us, people who like to “dress well” every day own these 7 expensive-looking jewelry items (and they don’t break the bank).
If you ever stare at your closet and think about the outfits you wear on repeat, we bet the suspects would look like – solid tank tops, white tees, high-waisted jeans, relaxed trousers and midi skirts. But do you know what can really take your basic outfits to bougie? No, we’re not talking about a full wardrobe overhaul (we know you’re too lazy for that). We’re hinting at *drum roll* the right jewelry. Just throw on a few layered necklaces or modern pearl earrings the next time you wear your black tank top, and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
The best part is that since these jewelry items are timeless and versatile, investing in them won’t really feel like you’re draining your bank account. Plus, they can help you transition your favorite staples from desk to dinner to even a resort weekend and vice versa.
Ahead: 7 jewelry items that are right on trend and just what you need to make your outfits look pricey and chic.
The smartest decisions of your life await.
7 Expensive-Looking Jewelry Items Every Woman Must Own
1. Modern Pearls
Remember Audrey Hepburn’s iconic pearl necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Well, there’s a reason pearls are considered timeless (after all, every generation of women swears by them). They can make any outfit look luxurious.
But perhaps you don’t want to flaunt a pearl strand the grandma way. No problem, a modern take on this classic will still work like a charm, thanks to the trend of mixing uniquely-shaped pearls with gold chains and other materials. Style a chic pearl station necklace or a pair of drop earrings over your shirt and jeans outfit, and consider your look elevated in seconds!
Freshwater cultured pearl jewelry is a great way to perk up your OOTD without breaking the bank. They’re also perfect to dress up your desk-to-dinner looks (yes, you can wear pearls to the office). Don’t forget to pick some Japanese Akoya cultured pearl jewelry if perfectly round lustrous pearls have been on your wish list for ever.
Our Top Modern Pearl Picks:
2. Layered Necklaces
Layered necklaces look great with simple t-shirts, button-down shirts and basic tops.
Want to know how to layer necklaces like a pro? It’s easy! Choose chains in varying lengths and add some whimsical pendants to jazz them up.
And if you’re all ready to get in on a popular celeb-endorsed trend, we suggest you get a tennis necklace for your jewel box RN! Whether you pair your sparkly diamond necklace with more diamond necklaces or plain metal chains, it is one piece of jewelry that’ll make you look rich in an instant (just like Mrs. Biebs here).
Our Top Layered Necklace Picks:
3. Statement Bracelets And Bangles
Another quick and easy way to take your everyday look from drab to fab is by arming yourself with statement bracelets and bangles. You can play around with different styles and gemstones to jazz things up. Pick an all-metal (gold and silver are both pretty popular) piece for a bit of edge or go old-school with a gemstone tennis bracelet.
Here’s a rule for wearing statement jewelry. A statement piece is usually worn solo. But that’s the fun thing about fashion… you can get as creative as you like when it comes to unapologetically flaunting your personal style. So, don’t hesitate to pair your favorite statement bracelet or bangle with other pieces (including a watch) to create an impressive stack on your wrist.
Our Top Bracelet Picks:
4. Not Your Average Hoops
Going for ‘effortlessly elegant’ in the name of elevating your OOTD? We’ve got you covered! All you need is a pair of hoop earrings. You can choose striking gold hoops if you love that edgy-retro vibe or pick asymmetrical and geometrical hoops for that grunge look. And if you’re a lover of all things color like us, here are three words for you: colored gemstone hoops. They will add the perfect pop of color to your OOTD and transform your look within seconds.
Our Top Hoop Earring Picks:
5. Edgy Rings FTW
There’s nothing like chic rings on your hands to glam up the look of your most basic outfits. Opt for this season’s dope rings with elevated details like multi-shape stones, colored gemstones and split shanks.
Want this Brooks Nader-approved diamond crossover ring for that humblebrag moment of your own? Get it right here at Angara. Or choose a two-stone ring with your favorite gems for a serious pop of color.
Psst… Want to know how to make jewelry look expensive? Just keep things fine, minimal and clean.
Our Top Edgy Ring Picks:
6. Playful And On-Trend Motifs
Cheap jewelry that looks expensive is something every woman secretly dreams of (after all, we all want to be bougie on a budget). And it’s true: sometimes less can be more. More often than not, you’ll come across moments that call for understated elegance and the occasional touch of whimsy, like a casual walk in the city or dinner at your parents’ place.
The easiest and most fun way to elevate your outfit for these occasions is to add a few charming motifs to your jewelry. We’re talking cross, initial, celestial and puffy heart pieces (yes, these styles are celeb favorites too).
Our Top Motif Jewelry Picks:
7. Drop Earrings
TBH, any type of drop earrings will make your outfit look undoubtedly sophisticated, but it’s the cascading gemstone earrings that feel fresh right now because of the whole soft-glam era trend. And drop earrings with gems like pink sapphires, blue topazes and golden-yellow citrines simply scream elegance. So, if you’ve been wondering how to perk up that basic turtleneck or cotton top you love so much, you can trust drop earrings to get the job done.
Our Top Drop Earring Picks:
Here’s a bonus tip (‘cause we love you): Besides jewelry that makes you look rich, don’t forget to style your ‘fits with silk scarves, statement watches, chic belts or rectangular sunglasses for that ‘wow’ factor. Throw on a stylish bag to finish your look in style!
FAQ
1. What makes one’s jewelry look expensive?
Fine craftsmanship with lustrous metals and precious or semi-precious stones make jewelry look expensive. Pairing the right pieces of jewelry with your outfit is also key to a classy look.
2. Which is the most expensive gemstone?
Precious gemstones including tanzanite, black opal, diamond, ruby and emerald are amongst the most expensive gemstones available.
3. Which metals are used in expensive jewelry?
Precious metals like gold, silver and platinum are typically used in expensive jewelry. Platinum is considered the best pick when it comes to premium fine jewelry.