Don’t Waste £200 on That “Gold” Necklace
That necklace? It’s not gold. Here’s what you’re really paying for.
Don’t spend your hard earned money on a “gold” necklace without reading the fine print first—the bit they’ve hidden away in a drop-down menu. You might be shocked to discover it’s not actually gold. It’s plated brass, which means it’ll start flaking and fading faster than you can say “buyer’s remorse.”
As a jeweller, I know exactly what that necklace costs to make, the mark-up they add onto it, and how much you’re being overcharged for something that’ll likely fall apart in less than a year, if it even makes it that far. If you’re paying that much, you deserve jewellery that actually lasts.
Gold-plated jewellery is the fast fashion of the jewellery world. It’s costume jewellery that's pretty enough to look at (maybe) but flimsy by design, and it'll turn your skin green. It shouldn’t cost anywhere near £200. It shouldn’t even cost £100. That's just a scam with fancy marketing.
The worst offenders are the brands that gift their jewellery to influencers.. Who only ever seem to wear it when it's an ad. One brand in particular (you know the one…) loves to market itself as “luxury.” But it’s all just plated brass with eye-watering prices! I’d love to see what those pieces look like after a year… probably a flaky, tarnished mess.
When I started my jewellery brand over a decade ago, I was fed up with all this nonsense. Overpriced, poor-quality jewellery that won't even last a season, let alone the entire year, and most of it is ugly AF.
If solid gold isn’t in your budget, you don't have to settle for overpriced plated brass. Gold-fill and sterling silver are where it’s at. I make all my pieces from 925 sterling silver and 14k gold-fill—no extortionate mark-ups, no cheap plating—because everyone deserves beautiful jewellery that lasts.
Gold-filled jewellery has a thick layer of real gold over sterling silver, so it's as durable as it is beautiful. You can read all the nitty-gritty details here if you’re curious, but trust me: it’s the best option if you want quality without breaking the bank.
Instead of wasting your money on a £200 plated brass necklace, buy these instead:
Layering Necklaces
Layering necklaces is an easy way to get more out of your jewellery. What I’m really talking about, though, are those barely-there chain necklaces. They’re simple, timeless, and never out of place—whether you’re layering them up with other necklaces or letting them shine on their own when you can’t be bothered to put in any effort.
My everyday staples are a gold satellite chain and a snake chain. One’s delicate and dainty; the other’s a little bolder, just enough to stand out. They’re the kind of necklaces you can throw on with anything—from a basic T-shirt to your fanciest dress—and they still look like you’ve got it all figured out.
Stacking Rings
Stacking rings are the ultimate cheat code for accessorising with minimal effort. Multiple minimalist rings with a little texture or unique detail make them striking enough to get noticed without overpowering an outfit. Find your perfect combination and you'll never take them off.
Here’s what I wear daily: a tiny cubic zirconia ring on one hand that stacks perfectly with my wedding band—a braided gold ring. On the other hand, there’s a fidget ring stacked on top of a chevron ring, and a beaded band next to them. Together, they’re effortless but still feel special, and they work with every outfit.
Earrings
Earrings have a magical way of making you look put-together, no matter what you’re wearing. Throw on a pair—even with the most basic loungewear—and suddenly, you look like you’ve made an effort (even if the rest of your outfit says, “I’ve given up for the day”). They’re classic, reliable, and always a good idea.
A pair of tiny studs or classic hoops can be so lightweight and subtle, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. They're the little black dress of your jewellery collection: understated, elegant, and wearable everywhere. They look great with everything and carries an outfit from day-to-night. No need to change a thing—they do all the work.
Enamel Charms
If you’ve ever looked at your all-black outfit and thought, “this needs something,” enamel charms are an ideal addition. They’re little pendants of joy that add personality to even the most boring outfit. A daisy, a smiley face, maybe something quirky like a durian fruit—whatever you like, there’s a charm for that.
I love how enamel charms manage to sneak a bit of fun into a minimalist wardrobe without taking over. Wear one alone or with a plain chain for a subtle detail, or stack them with other playful pieces. Either way, they’re proof you don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe to make it more fun.
Birthstones
When birthstones are done right, they're the perfect mix of meaningful and wearable. A small birthstone charm is an easy way to add a personal touch to your jewellery collection without it looking or feeling cliché or cringe. A birthstone necklace is a lovely piece to have or to gift to someone.
I’m a July baby, so that means ruby. Bright, bold, and—if I’m honest—not my favourite choice. But I’ve learned to love wearing it with an all-black outfit for a little colour drama, and it works. You don't have to force yourself to love your birthstone, like I did. Just pick one that you like the look of or one that reminds you of someone special instead.
I love your jewellery brand! So many great pieces.