Where to Find Affordable Gold Jewelry Online

If you love the look of shiny gilded pieces but don’t want to drop major cash, there are plenty of affordable options out there. The key is to look for jewelry that’s plated, vermeil, or brass, which are metal alloys that have been coated in a thin layer of precious gold. And if you’re really on a budget, consider shopping at Nordstrom Rack and Shopbop, which offer gilded beauties for under $50 (think this adorable hoop earrings).

On the pricier side of things, you can find plenty of high-quality gold jewelry online. Just keep in mind that “real” gold means a piece made from 18K or 14K solid gold. Pure, solid 24K gold is a bit too soft to be used for jewelry; instead jewelers use 18K or 14K solid gold, which contain more metal and are more durable.

For a more ethical gold option, check out jewelry from New York City-based Aurate. The brand designs, makes, and sells its pieces directly to consumers, which cuts out the traditional retail markup, so you can get a solid gold necklace or ring for less than you’d pay at a traditional retailer. Aurate also uses local production houses to streamline the manufacturing process, which passes savings onto you.

Another place to score gold jewelry at a reasonable price is Brooklyn-based Catbird, a purveyor of mainly dainty, stackable everyday jewelry from a roster of established and emerging designers like Wwake, Jennie Kwon, Faris, and Digby & Iona. You can even make an appointment to try pieces on in the store’s Soho location.

Lastly, if you’re in the market for a heirloom-worthy piece, check out online boutique Kinn. Its modern, timeless styles are meant to be mixed-and-matched and stacked together, and the jewelry is crafted using solid gold that’s sourced locally and ethically. The site is super easy to navigate and includes a handy ring-size guide, as well as a “complete the look” section for every product that shows you ways to style your purchase with other items in the collection.

The jewelry industry doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to ethical business practices, but many companies are trying to change that. Look for jewelry brands that have a dedicated page on their website highlighting their promises to the earth, as well as sourcing information and transparency for their diamonds and other stones.

If you’re looking for a jewelry gift that truly feels special, consider purchasing a bespoke piece from independent designer Erica Weiner. Her antique-inspired fine jewelry is a feast for history buffs, with pieces spanning the Victorian Era, Art Deco, and more—think ouroboros threaders and mourning rings. She also offers a ton of personalized options for those who need something more thoughtful and unique.