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The affordable jewellery brands to know in 2024
From Loveness Lee to Missoma, the best demi-fine pieces to buy now
We've witnessed the rise and rise of demi-fine jewellery in recent years – in fact, searches for 18k gold-plated jewellery are up 100% since 2020. Before this affordable mid-point market arrived, women had to choose between costume styles made with cheap irritant metals (you know the kind that tinge your skin green) and expensive finer pieces expected to last a lifetime.
Here at Red, we always champion the capsule wardrobe and investment jewellery, but we're also aware that it can be tricky to get creative with just a few pieces in your repertoire. The beauty of demi-fine is that it's both affordable and good quality, so you can keep a few items on rotation, season after season. Since layering is a huge trend in 2024, you'll want a good collection of chains, pendant necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles and rings to stack to your heart's content.
Demi-fine jewellery is often made with sterling silver or gold vermeil, a process by which cheaper base metals are dipped in real gold to keep costs down. If it's made properly (watch out for flash plating or anything suspiciously cheap: yes, it probably is too good to be true) then it should last you a good few years. To preserve your plated treasures, avoid contact with water, perfume and beauty products and definitely don't exercise in it.
If you'd rather take the carefree approach (Margot Robbie has worn Missoma both to red carpet events and when surfing), there are ways around this. In a bid to be more sustainable, brands are considering the circularity of their pieces. Monica Vinader offers a five-year guarantee plus a lifetime repairs service, while Edge of Ember and Loveness Lee offer aftercare programmes whereby customers can pay for replating, repairs or cleaning.
Suitably convinced that demi-fine jewels are for you? Browse our guide to the best affordable jewellery brands before making your first purchase.
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