I might not be the person to answer this since I don't actually wear jewelry, yet, but I'm seriously contemplating doing so, but here's what I've turned up so far:
*I second the ASOS, Novica, and 10000 Villages suggestions.
*There is actually the rare inexpensive jewelry online sample sale, like this Kenneth Cole one going on at RueLaLa now. But of course it's annoying to have to keep checking all the sample sale sites to see if such a sale is in progress. If you like modcloth stuff, http://www.swirl.com might have jewelry that appeals to you.
*I know search engines run our lives, but etsy is sooo much better if you just avoid that searchbar at all costs! Find just one item you like, using the Time Machine ^2 or one of the other methods on the "Buy" page, and then "see who hearts this item" to locate users with tastes that are similar to yours. (Ok, after describing this process I will admit it sounds tedious.)
Good luck ... to both of us...

Hi Maya - I am late to the party yet again!

I love Lane Bryant too. But I get most of my stuff from HSN or QVC. There stuff is decently priced and really good quality, especially during clearances. ( The wardrobe guy for Oprah recently said that these were his two favorite places for costume jewelry too !!! )

I am going to get this ring, sterling, chrome diopside ( which I LOVE ) and prasiolite ( which I also love ) for $60 + shipping !

http://jewelry.hsn.com/colleen.....id=5701925

I would also hightly recommend the steel jewelry at both sites. It is really inexpensive, of the moment and tough as, well, stainless steel. I have several pieces and love them.

IE :

http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.....ELBYDESIGN

I have found some great, fun and inexpensive pieces at Kohls, specifically Vera Wang's collection. I just spotted a bracelet there I am going back for:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....acelet.jsp

I've found some of my favorite pieces at garage sales and thrift/consignment stores. Other than that, I've purchased, and liked, jewelry from Fashion Bug and, believe it or not, Walmart (oh, and Shopko, back when we still had one).

I just opened an online jewelry boutique, http://www.designsbymandiboutique.com
I'd love for you guys to come visit! I also ship for free in the US.

-Mandi

Yeah, I also found a few cute things at Kohl's. They won't last forever, but, eh.

I also like World Market for funky jewelry.

I love that red flower, Maya! You need it.

I got the red flower and hated it. It was so cheap and sad looking in person, and much smaller than I expected

That stinks, I hate when you think an item is one thing but in real life it's something else.