The Best Formal Jewelry Under $50 That Looks Like It’s Over $500

Editor’s note: This article was last updated on January 17, 2024.

To quote How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, “Ladies, frost yourselves.” They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but our budget prefers imitation diamonds instead. The truth is, most people can’t even spot the difference between the two!

With wedding season seeming to last all year now, bills are starting to pile up — gifts and gowns galore! Don’t feel like you have to add to the expenses by buying formal jewelry. You can still shine with budget-friendly baubles that won’t break the bank. We went on a mission to find the best necklaces, earrings and bracelets under $50 that look like they’re over $500. Unlike with J. Lo, people will be fooled by the rocks that you got!

This Silver Necklace and Earrings Jewelry Set

silver necklace and earrings set
silver necklace and earrings set

Amazon

Silver lining! This set of silver and cubic zirconia jewelry looks like it’s from designer David Yurman. The pendant necklace and matching stud earrings are simple yet stunning! One reviewer reported, “Not only have they held up, but they look great and I get compliments on the set at work and with my family. 10/10 would buy for anyone.”

See It!

Get the Amazon Collection Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Halo Pendant Necklace and Stud Earrings Jewelry Set for just $36 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 17, 2024, but are subject to change.

These Crystal Drop Earrings

affordable-formal-jewelry-nordstrom-ettika-earrings
affordable-formal-jewelry-nordstrom-ettika-earrings

Nordstrom

 

Don’t go chasing waterfalls, unless they’re these waterfall earrings! Add some sparkle and shine to any special occasion with these crystal fringe earrings. Plated with 18-karat gold, these lightweight jewels will dress you up without weighing you down. One shopper declared, “These are so perfect.. lightweight, detailed design, perfect length you can wear them during daytime or night time. All Ettika jewelry is fabulous. I wear them in daylight and they look shiny and spectacular.”

Get the Ettika Sun Shower Crystal Drop Earrings for just $40 at Nordstrom!

These Vintage-Inspired Earrings

affordable-formal-jewelry-anthropologie-pearl-earrings
affordable-formal-jewelry-anthropologie-pearl-earrings

Anthropologie

Girl with the pearl earring! These earrings from Anthropologie are simple yet stunning! Every gal needs a pair of pearl studs in her jewelry box. They’re classic and chic and plated in 14K gold!

Get The Restored Vintage Collection: Pearl Post Earrings for just $44 at Anthropologie!

This Sparkling, Dainty Necklace

affordable-formal-jewelry-baublebar-necklace
affordable-formal-jewelry-baublebar-necklace

BaubleBar

Dazzle with this dainty cubic zirconia necklace! It’s simple yet eye-catching, and you know it will be long-lasting, as it’s made with 18K gold-plated sterling silver. How lucky are we to find it on sale? Grab it while it’s still in stock!

See It!

Get the Sophie 18K Gold Necklace (originally $78) for just $48 at BaubleBar!

This Rose Gold Tennis Bracelet

rose gold bracelet
rose gold bracelet

Amazon

All that glitters is (rose) gold! For a subtle pop of pink, try this gorgeous tennis bracelet made with cubic zirconia crystals on a gold-plated frame. According to one review, “This one is a real beauty — looks like a million bucks. Very happy with it — dainty on my wrist and just a beautiful style.”

See It!

Get the SWEETV Wedding Bridal Bracelet for just $23 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 17, 2024, but are subject to change.

This Gold-Plated Necklace and Earrings Set

gold necklace and earrings set
gold necklace and earrings set

Amazon

Sparkle and shine in this exquisite gold-plated necklace and earrings set! This review captured our thoughts perfectly: “We literally gasped when we opened the box! Looks very high quality and the way it shines you would think it’s real diamonds.”

See It!

Get the Weiman Jewelry Gold-Plated Cubic Zirconia Necklace and Drop Earring Set (originally $36) for just $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 17, 2024, but are subject to change.

This Shining Cuff Bracelet

affordable-formal-jewelry-baublebar-cuff-bracelet
affordable-formal-jewelry-baublebar-cuff-bracelet

BaubleBar

With its gold-plated brass and glimmering, diamond-esque stones, this skinny cuff bracelet is bound to earn you many compliments. It’s easier to put on than a typical clasp bracelet too, which is a big plus!

See it!

Get the Melissa Cuff Bracelet for just $48 at BaubleBar!

This Layered Lariat Necklace

affordable-formal-jewelry-8-other-reasons-necklace-revolve
affordable-formal-jewelry-8-other-reasons-necklace-revolve

Revolve

No need to worry about mixing and matching necklaces — you get a full stack with this multi-layered set. This goldtone lariat necklace is embellished with crystal accents and will look fabulous with a low-cut dress. “I can’t believe the look vs. price,” one shopper wrote, noting that it “looks high end for sure!”

See it!

Get the 8 Other Reasons Shrine Lariat for just $40 at Revolve!

wedding diamonds
wedding diamonds

Related: Best Wedding Jewelry for Brides Under $50 That Looks Like It’s $500

Bridal bling! Even though the most important piece of jewelry on your special day is your ring, it’s always nice to sparkle with a little extra jewelry. But throwing a wedding is expensive enough without factoring in additional costs. You don’t have to break the bank by splurging on diamonds and pearls! We’ve tracked down […]

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