How to Build a Jewellery Collection on a Budget

As a teenager, my ears and fingers were cursed by the familiar green tarnish of cheap jewellery from the high street. That stinging feeling in your ears when an earring has gone bad isn’t something I want to experience anymore, so over the last few years I’ve tried to slowly build a collection of jewellery that will last a lifetime without paying a fortune. 

1.Second hand jewellery

It’s not rocket science, but if you can’t buy it new, then get it second hand! Charity shops and Vinted are positively swamped with jewellery that needs a new home. If you have the patience, there’s lots of high quality pieces out there that cost the same as new high street items. I also love looking in antique shops, as I’m sometimes surprised how cheap antique jewellery can be. As all Bargain Hunt fans know, if it’s hallmarked then the quality of metal you’ve purchased is guaranteed. It's definitely worth looking for hallmarks to make sure you’re getting value for money.

2.Tarnish free jewellery

Over the last few years there has been an increase in brands offering tarnish free jewellery in a whole range of styles. I’ve recently purchased some rings from Bohomoon to wear at a festival. It comes with a lifetime tarnish free guarantee, and so far I’ve seen zero signs of wear. They’ve got an incredibly large range of styles, from trending to timeless. Prices sit around £20, but there’s discount codes on the website and fairly regular sale.  There’s a lot of Bohomoon pieces on Vinted.

3.Handmade jewellery 

There are so many incredibly talented artisans making jewellery in this country, and buying pieces from them always feels special. From Liverpool’s Aloë to Wear and Resist, I couldn’t possibly name all of the fabulous makers that I’ve bought jewellery from over the years. I’m constantly surprised by their creativity and craftsmanship, and I will always make room for one more pair of earrings when I visit a crafts market.

4.Charm bracelets

Pandora bracelets have been a stalwart of jewellery for so many years, and I can see why their popularity endures. This year, I got a Nomination (aka Italian Charm) bracelet for my birthday. What I really like is that you have a completed bracelet from day one, so there’s no concern about it looking sparse. If you find the dangliness of a charm bracelet irritating, the flat Nomination charms may suit you better, although they do have some charms with dangles available too. I’ve enjoyed slowly building up my collection of charms, both from the shop and on (you guessed it) Vinted where you can get virtually every charm second hand. It’s also a great present idea to send to family if they struggle to know what to get you. 

5.Make your own jewellery 

For Mother’s Day this year, I took my Mum to a ring making workshop at a local jewellery school (the fabulous Beccy Gillatt school of Jewellery for anyone based in the East Mids/East Anglia). A talented jeweller showed us how to cut, join, shape and style a set of three stacking rings in just over three hours. We were in a small and wonderfully supportive group, which created a lovely learning environment. It was a great chance to learn a new skill, and dedicate some time to something just for you. I absolutely love my rings, and I’m incredibly proud of them. I’ve caught the jewellery making bug now, and my Mum and I want to try sea glass setting next.

Creating a jewellery collection doesn’t have to cost the earth, and I love taking the time to find pieces that I love and wear. Gone are the days of green fingers and earrings that leave you with a headache. 

Written by, Eleanor Patamia