Upgrading my jewelry - YouLookFab Forum

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Upgrading my jewelry

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I’ve not been much of a jewelry person, but as I’m trying to improve my outfits I’ve found that I wear more of it. I think I need to improve what jewelry I’ve got. The only expensive pieces I have are my wedding ring and a few things my parents gave me that I don’t wear much. Most of the rest of it is Claire’s or department store-level stuff. I’m not much for ornate or fussy; I like clean lines. I find that since I’m tall and big dainty pieces look out of proportion, but I don’t feel comfortable wearing big, statement jewelry. I only wear silver and silver-toned stuff, never gold. I’m not looking to buy a lot of fine jewelry or spend a lot, I’d just like to upgrade to a nicer level of costume jewelry, if there is such a thing.

Any suggestions? I am near San Francisco if there are local places to look, or I’m happy buying online if it’s a reputable place.

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from ashleyreid

Louise

Veteran

I find ebay great for 1 off pieces x

Kristine

Veteran

How about vintage jewelry? Ebay's a good source, you could also check nicer thrift or consignment stores. I like vintage jewelry because it has a lot of character but usually isn't overly showy.

Since joining YLF I've become a fan of pearls. They're not expensive really and are a nice simple classic. I'm surprised by how much they can dress up an outfit or add contrast to dark tops. I found a cheap strand of imitation pearls at a thrift store and like it so much I'm going to upgrade to real pearls. So maybe you can take a look at your cheaper jewelry to identify the styles you love enough to find in nicer versions.

Kate

Veteran

I now get most of my jewelry from etsy.com. There are so many stores on there that you're sure to find something you like, most things are handmade or vintage, you can sort by price to stick to only things in your price range, and everyone I've communicated with is friendly and willing to answer questions for fulfill special requests. I highly recommend checking it out!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I bet you can find tons of stuff in San Francisco! I like etsy, ebay and Cost Plus World Market a lot.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Try street fairs too.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Museum gift stores often have interesting pieces, too.

Isabel

Veteran

There was just a thread on this :

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....or-jewelry

qvc and hsn....the steel jewelry is inexpensive, super durable, and really modern.

Vix

Veteran

Oh, the museum shops are a GREAT idea; I always seem to lust after something I see in them!

Don't have much to add to the resources above...I've had good luck with all...just wanted to riff on the thrift/consignment store idea a little by saying that IME antique furniture stores often have some cool jewelry pieces mixed in with other items.

The nice thing about jewelry with semi-precious stones is that $80 - 100 goes quite far! Ditto for nicer vintage necklaces etc.

Have fun exploring!

[I know you're not really looking for wacky/fun unsigned costume jewelry, but if you were $10 will often let you leave with something "unique" to say the least!]

Debbie

Veteran

Try Stein Mart if there is one in your area.

JewelryGirl

Try Silpada or Morgan Dane, you won't be disappointed!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

This very sweet talented lady has over 800 items in her store (prices from $10 - up) and is happy to send you whatever length necklace you want at no extra charge http://stores.ebay.com/BeYOUni.....om-Jewelry

Carole

Veteran

You might check out Vera Wangs collection at Kohl's. I've found some very fun and inexpensive pieces there. I have been stalking etsy.com for awhile now, and would love to order some of the beautiful handmade pieces available and the prices are surprisingly affordable! I just get so overwhelmed looking, I can't decide and give up.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone. I will investigate them and report back! I can check out Cost Plus and Kohl's easily, and will keep a look out at antique fairs and museum shops etc.

JewelryGirl, do you have experience with Morgan Dane or Silpada? It looks like from their websites that you have to buy through a representative at a party, like Tupperware. The styles look nice but IME those situations lead to a lot of upsell.

I've looked at etsy but the 'one-off' aspect concerns me - can you return things just for not liking them? Sometimes you can't tell how something will look until you are able to try it on yourself, but I don't want to negatively affect an artisan's living just because I'm picky.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Laura, I've been upgrading my jewelry slowly over the last few years. In one instance I was able to join a jewelry-obsessed friend of mine on a trip to a local jeweler that was closing; that was a great experience because not only did I get some great pieces (chocolate and grey pearls, among them) I learned a lot following her around the store.

Now I mix cheaper with good, and I skim through the jewelry sections at nearly every store I go to. I need to touch and try things on before I buy, so I rarely order online. Banana Republic has some of the best costume jewelry around, and it's always different from other stores. LOFT has great colors and basics. Kohls is super-cheap but the variety is astonishing. I haven't dipped my toe too deep at Nordies, but they are probably my next store to haunt more often. (I am distracted because the jewelry is too close to the shoes. LOL!)

Mandi

(website)

Hi

Check out my site, http://www.deisgnsbymandiboutique.com

I made my online boutique around exactly what you are looking for, quality costume jewelry for a good price. I'll ship everything to you for free too.

-Mandi

NK

I know I'm late to respond, but I've posted before about how much I love the jewelry counter at TJ Maxx. They usually have a huge variety and I always find something (usually sterling silver) that I love at a decent price.

I'm finding more and more that I prefer real stuff to costume. I'm tired of throwing away discolored jewelry that I didn't think I'd worry about because I didn't pay much for it in the first place. And I'm noticing a prickly feeling on the back of my neck lately when I wear my costume necklaces.

Most of my current jewelry collection comes from TJ Maxx, QVC, Silpada, Target, or department stores. I also like Cost Plus World Market and Stein Mart for fun costume pieces.

ashleyreid

For online stores you can check out these sites:

- http://www.zales.com
- http://www.b2cjewels.com/
- http://www.www.preciousglow.com/