Costume jewellery is a notoriously misunderstood accessory.
Often deemed cheap and unattractive due to its roots in imitation gemstone pieces and quickly tarnishing metals, costume jewellery nevertheless has an important role to play in the fashion world.
Providing yet another means of expressing ourselves, jewellery is far more than a symbol of wealth. Like magpies, humans are often attracted to sparkly, shiny things which elicit joy. In decorating ourselves with beautiful jewels, we ignite a small but powerful inner fire which burns brighter each time someone compliments us on our unique adornments. Believe it or not, opulence can be achieved without high-carat diamonds.
While the vast majority of us are thankful that the oversized owl and chunky plastic bead phase of the early 2010s is over, it remains difficult to remove the image of stacked plastic bracelets and drooping metal necklaces from our concept of costume jewellery.
But imitation jewellery has come a long way in the decade since this divisive fashion moment, as have our attitudes towards shopping in general. While this inexpensive jewellery previously resulted in overconsumption of pieces that would likely end up in landfill – high-street designers have flipped the deck and are producing far more sustainable, timeless and beautiful pieces inspired by designer trends which appeal to our desire to decorate ourselves, without overdoing it.
Recent collections by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli have seen a return to the brand’s surrealist roots, offering us gorgeously bizarre and uncanny oversized moments and putting striking pieces back on the forefront of the jewellery agenda.
Other adornments which are still going strong in the 2020s include the dramatic Greek aesthetic consisting of large golden coin pendants and Murano glass-inspired accessories. When it comes to summertime pieces, we’re still loving the juxtaposition between imitation pearls and colourful charms.
From high-quality plating to stunning glass beads, we’ve curated a selection of the best costume jewellery on the market right now for a dramatic, yet tasteful look.
Shop our top picks below.
Lily & Roo Gold Huggie Pearl Drop Earrings
Crafted using real freshwater pearls, these gorgeous earrings from Lily & Roo strike the perfect balance between a statement set of jewels, and a pair of earrings which can be worn on the daily. Available in solid sterling silver, 14ct gold plated sterling silver or solid gold with either crystals or real diamonds – it’s your choice to go as high-end as you’d like.
Buy now £89.00, Lily & Roo
Samara Turquoise Beaded Drop Stud Earrings
Handmade in Istanbul, these beautiful beaded earrings feature an arch design inspired by antiquity, red agate studs and strings of head-turning turquoise. Crafted from 21ct gold-plated recycled brass, they’re also a sustainable choice for green-minded jewellery lovers.
Buy now £69.00, Ottoman Hands
Casa Clara Nanea Wrap Necklace
Chokers are well and truly back, and we’re head over heels for Casa Clara’s range of floral, faux suede options. We think this scarlet-red orchid would look fantastic with a little black dress and some simple studs.
Buy now £35.00, Revolve
Hey Harper Copenhagen Bracelet
Chunky, Tiffany’s-inspired chain bracelets elevate even the most quotidian of outfits with ease. This inexpensive option has been crafted with stainless steel and a waterproof 14ct golden PVD coating which comes with a lifetime colour warranty.
Buy now £49.00, Hey Harper
Large Textured Knot Stud Earrings
Reminiscent of the type of costume jewellery that was popular in the 80s, these brass-based and 18ct gold-plated oversized knot earrings are both playful and sophisticated.
Buy now £30.00, Orelia
Statement Pearl & Glass Heart Necklace
Eye-catching, alternating pearls and beads make necklace a joyous accessory a brilliant addition to your costume jewellery repertoire.
Buy now £15.00, Orelia
Apple Tree Necklace
One for lovers of all things cottage-core, this wholesome apple tree necklace from Fable London features delicate hand-painted enamel details at a highly affordable price.
Buy now £27.00, Fable London
Juniper Multi Stone Hoop Earrings
The textured, bejewelled finish of this earrings from Oliver Bonas most definitely spark joy – offering an almost galaxy-like aesthetic.
Buy now £16.00, Oliver Bonas
Pearl Necklace With Red Glitter Heart
Make your biggest statement yet with this extra-large faux pearl necklace from Bimba Y Lola, which features a gigantic glittery red heart at the centre.
Buy now £85.00, Bimba y Lola
Very Berry Lampwork Glass Raspberry Drop Earrings With Flower Studs
Delicate, coquette jewellery is the name of the game over at I’mmany London and these berry drop earrings certainly fit the bill. We love the subtle floral stud detail on these playful yet elegant earrings.
Buy now £69.00, Wolf & Badger
Collier Azure Charms Flash Various
Though on the more expensive end of the costume jewellery spectrum, we couldn’t help but include this charming statement piece from By Marie. Plated with 24ct gold, the hand-enamelled fish pendants and wooden horn charm give this chunky necklace a surreal elegance.
Buy now £299.00, By Marie
Cynthia Red Fringes Earrings
The dramatic tassels on these earrings appeal to our inner lover of Tudor aesthetics, and we adore how the silhouette that they cast almost looks like a dancing lady. Crafted with 18ct gold plated brass and Swarovski crystal, you’re certainly getting some bang for your buck with this set.
Buy now £110.00, Black and Coral
