The Best Affordable Jewellery on the High Street, Hands Down

last updated 7 December 2021

I've admittedly become a bit of a snob when it comes to jewellery. After years of wearing statement gemstone necklaces which didn't last long before the "jewels" began to fall out and cocktail rings which, yes, enviably made my skin green, I swore off cheap jewellery and instead began saving up for higher-quality pieces. I don't have a flush budget by any means, but for every 10 bits of affordable jewellery I passed on, I was able to put whatever I saved towards something, at the very least, gold-plated. High-street jewellery, however, has come a long way since then, and I'm incredibly impressed at what I've seen on offer this season.

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Although I'm sure it's unintentional, the high street appears as if it has made a collective effort to refine its jewellery offering. Everywhere I turn, from Arket and Marks and Spencer to Zara and Jigsaw, jewellery keeps catching my eye. Indeed, there are statement pieces for which the high street is known and that there's absolutely a place for in every jewellery collection, but there are more delicate options, too, should you prefer the fine, layered look.

Discovering the high street's beautiful bounty of affordable jewellery comes at the perfect time as we curate our party outfits and finish off (or, in some cases, start) our Christmas shopping. I know time is precious right now, so I've rounded up the best affordable jewellery from the high street for you. Scroll on to see it, categorised by store. Something tells me you'll be just as impressed by these finds as I was.

1. MARKS AND SPENCER

Marks and Spencer

14kt Gold Plated Pearl Drop Hoops

Baroque pearls are one of the biggest jewellery trends of the last few years, and M&S creates the best affordable homages out there.

Marks and Spencer

Semi Precious Tag Multirow Necklace

Take all the effort out of layering your necklaces with this dual number, complete with a beautiful semi-precious stone.

Marks and Spencer

Gold Tone Signet Ring

Fashion people always gravitate towards signet rings.

Marks and Spencer

14ct Gold Plated Mini Hoop Earrings

I've never met a pair of hoop earrings I didn't like. Plus, these are gold-plated.

Marks and Spencer

Short Heart Shaped Pearl Effect Necklace

See? I told you M&S does pearls best.

2. ZARA

Zara

Rhinestone Earrings Plated in 24k Gold

These 24k-gold earrings are on my wish list.

Zara

Taurus Star Sign Necklace

I've got a thing for zodiac necklaces.

Zara

Twisted Bracelet With Gemstones

This beautiful bracelet is gold-plated and made from 925 sterling silver.

Zara

Initial Necklace

Such a sweet stocking filler.

Zara

Sparkly Hoop Earrings

I have hoops from Daphine like this that I wear all the time.

3. JIGSAW

Jigsaw

Jewelled Hoop

These earrings feel very special—I don't have anything like them in my current collection.

Jigsaw

Ebrel Chain Bracelet

I'm a sucker for chain bracelets, but the addition of T-bars? This is perfect.

Jigsaw

Hammered Hoop

A great alternative if silver is more your style.

Jigsaw

Hammered Disk Ring

I've seen this in real life, and it looks so expensive on.

Jigsaw

Jewelled Charm Bracelet

The ideal way to dress up a black roll-neck.

4. ARKET

Arket

Chunky Gold-Plated Necklace

Arket's jewellery collection is small but perfectly formed. This, for me, is its hero piece.

Arket

Wide Gold-Plated Armlet

These bangles are on my wish list.

Arket

Chunky Silver-Plated Ring

Chunky rings are a thing right now, and this wide band is ideal for minimalists.

Arket

Gold-Plated Rhinestone Earrings

If jumbo hoops feel like too much, try these huggies instead.

Arket

Chunky Silver-Plated Bracelet

Yes, there's a bracelet to match Arket's brilliant chain necklace, both of which are available in gold and silver.

5. THOMAS SABO

Thomas Sabo

Ring

You might not think the words "affordable" and "Thomas Sabo" should go together, but the brand has lots of chic pieces under £100 to choose from right now.

Thomas Sabo

Anklet

I wear this dainty anklet year-round.

Thomas Sabo

Hoop Earrings With Stars

These make for a really gorgeous gift.

Thomas Sabo

Cord Chain

Stylish on its own or as part of a stack.

Thomas Sabo

Single Earring White Stone Gold

Wear this single earring with a stud in the opposite ear, and finish with an updo to show them off.

6. WHISTLES

Whistles

Sun Disc Necklace

The ultimate everyday necklace.

Whistles

Gem-Drop Earrings

I rarely opt for coloured gemstones, but these green numbers are too pretty to resist.

Whistles

Silver Chunky Chain Necklace

Another excellent chain necklace for you to consider.

Whistles

Chunky Curved Hoop Earrings

I'm really into chunky hoops right now, too.

Whistles

Bulbous Ring

This will look so polished paired with a burgundy manicure.

Next Up: 5 Affordable Outfits Made of Classic Pieces We Already Own

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.