UPGRADING your jewellery may once have been an expensive endeavour – I, too, used to avoid buying inexpensive high-street jewellery out of fear it would only last a week or two or leave the dreaded green stain on my skin.
But, there’s good news – high-street bling has had an upgrade, and there are some pretty great pieces out there that won’t break the bank.
It turns out that some of our high-street faves have been keeping a close eye on the high-end market, and have taken some serious inspo from popular designers and luxury brands – everything from Dior to Anine Bing.
So, if you’ve had your eye on THOSE Bottega earrings, but don’t want to fork out over £500, or if a Cartier bangle has been on your wishlist for a while, I’ve found a few alternatives for you – and they don’t cost the earth.
Whether you’re after some serious statement-making earrings, a ‘Dior’ friendship bracelet replica or a VERY good Van Cleef dupe, keep reading.
SAVE: Earrings, £14, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
SPLURGE: Earrings, £560, Bottega Veneta – BUY NOW
Saving: £546
Initially spotted on Dua Lipa and then on Kylie Jenner, it’s no surprise they’ve become the It earring of the season.
They are truly the statement piece that can complete any outfit, from glamorous holiday attire to sophisticated workwear, but if you can’t quite splurge on the real deal (assuming you can even find them before they’re sold out – again!), these Marks & Spencer ones are the next best alternative.
They come in silver and gold — and they’re priced at just £14!
SAVE: Bracelet, £16, River Island – BUY NOW
SPLURGE: Bracelet, £6,100 – Van Cleef & Arpels – BUY NOW
Saving: £6,084
The Van Cleef & Arpels four-leaf clover became a luxury symbol back in 1968 and has been worn by celebrities and A-listers alike ever since.
Recently, social media influencer Molly-Mae has revived its popularity by wearing the matching bracelet and necklace set across her social platforms and to her 7.8 million Instagram followers.
However, the staggering £6k price tag is off-putting, to say the least.
Fear not, as River Island has unveiled a strikingly similar version, allowing you to achieve the same look for significantly less.
And if it’s not the bracelet you’re after, there’s a matching necklace and earrings, too – or you could even buy the whole set.
SAVE: BRACELET, £29, THOMAS SABO – BUY NOW
SPLURGE: BRACELET, £440, DIOR – BUY NOW
Saving: £411
Friendship bracelets are making a comeback, possibly influenced by Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour, as fans are purchasing and crafting their own bracelets to exchange with friends during the concerts.
Dior’s iconic J’Adior embroidered friendship bracelets have been a staple in the luxury designer’s core collection for as long as I can remember.
Each season brings fresh colours and designs, though they do come with a hefty price tag of £440.
If you want to embrace the trend outside of the stadium, but don’t have Taylor’s budget, look no further.
Mid-range jewellery brand, Thomas Sabo, has unveiled its latest collection featuring four beautifully designed options, and while they may not bear the J’Adior branding, they’ll look just as great to finish off your Era’s Tour ‘fit.
SAVE: Earrings, £14, Lovisa – BUY NOW
SPLURGE: Earrings, £225, ANINE BING – BUY NOW
Saving: £211
Anine Bing is a luxe brand known for its collection of classic wardrobe staples and a variety of gold-plated jewellery designed to complement any existing wardrobe.
This triple-knot pair of earrings is super-wearable and would take any outfit from day to night, making them the ideal gift.
While not excessively priced, they are best reserved for special occasions.
So, if you love this style, you’re in for a treat, because there’s a more affordable option available at Lovisa that looks nearly identical – so you can achieve the same look for a fraction of the price.
SAVE: Bracelet, £8, Boohoo.com – BUY NOW
SPLURGE: Bracelet, £3,450, Cartier – BUY NOW
Saving: £3,442
Best known for its “love” bracelet, the Cartier brand is one of the most prestigious luxury jewellery design houses in the world.
Secondary in popularity comes the “Juste un Clou” bracelet, designed in the form of a spiral nail and, as gorgeous as it is, its high-quality craftsmanship comes with a rather steep price tag.
So, for those of us who can’t quite justify the £3k-plus version, Boohoo has pulled through with a lookalike alternative, which is the perfect piece to complete any bracelet stack.
SAVE: Necklace, £26, Prya.co.uk – BUY NOW
SPLURGE: Necklace, £865, Tiffany & Co – BUY NOW
Saving: £839
The iconic Tiffany & Co heart necklaces, which gained widespread popularity after being famously worn by Elle Woods in the 2001 film Legally Blonde, have been a much-loved accessory for decades now.
Online jewellery store, Prya.co.uk has released a somewhat uncanny dupe of the favourable for under £30, so although it might not have the engraving, you can get the same look and save yourself over £800.
Chunky chains have made a comeback, so this is the perfect accessory to elevate every look – it comes in gold and silver, too.
FASHION expert Abby McHale has shared her thoughts on Superdrug jewellery...
Who would have thought the shop where you pick up all your beauty needs is also the place to go for jewellery.
Well Superdrug actually has a rather large jewellery section.
Online there are over 150 pieces to choose from and the best part is, most pieces are under £10.
You can even pick yourself up the likes of a watch for £9.99 – bargain.
Or you can stay bang on trend with tone drop earrings, chunky rings and layered necklaces.
So next time you run out of mascara and head into Superdrug take a look at its jewellery range as I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
