I've always loved the look of gold jewelry, but finding pieces that are both beautiful and affordable can be a real challenge. I've spent a lot of time searching for the perfect 14k gold necklace, one that I can wear every day without worrying about tarnishing or breaking the bank. My journey has led me to some great discoveries, and I'm excited to share what I've learned with you.
Like many, I started my search online. I was bombarded with options, from gold-plated jewelry to supposedly "affordable" solid gold pieces. I quickly realized that not all gold is created equal. I initially thought I wanted a delicate, thin chain, but after trying on a few different styles, I realized a slightly thicker rope chain suited my style better.
The biggest hurdle was the price. Solid gold jewelry can be expensive, and I was determined to find a balance between quality and affordability. I also wanted something that wouldn't tarnish easily, as I planned to wear my necklace daily, even in the shower.
After a lot of research, I stumbled upon a few places that seemed promising. One place that caught my eye was hawaiiropechains.com. I heard they had really good prices for 14k gold, especially rope chains. I was tempted to buy one, but wanted to explore other options first.
I also looked into local pawn shops. Visiting pawn shops gave me a chance to try on different styles and weights of necklaces. This was incredibly helpful, as it allowed me to see what looked best on me before committing to a purchase. I also learned that a reasonable price to pay for 14k gold is around $55 per gram.
Another website that came highly recommended was Sarraf.com. Many people said they were reputable and offered reasonable prices. I browsed their selection and was impressed with the variety of styles and the clear product descriptions.
I also found d&s gold llc on eBay (their page is "manhattantimes2012"). Apparently, buying directly from them, outside of eBay, could save you money on fees. I didn't end up buying from them, but it's definitely something to consider.
While solid 14k gold is ideal for its tarnish resistance, I also explored some more affordable alternatives. I learned that vermeil pieces, which are sterling silver plated with gold, last longer than gold-plated jewelry but not as long as solid gold. Stainless steel is another great option. I saw someone mention an Etsy shop called So Fletch Jewelry, which sells affordable stainless steel jewelry with an edgy aesthetic.
I even considered getting some pieces from Ana Luisa. People said their jewelry is affordable, looks great, and doesn't tarnish easily. The fact that it holds up well even with daily wear and exposure to sweat and water was a big plus.
During my quest, I was also looking for something specific, a necklace that resonated with my faith. That's when I discovered Blingcharming. I ended up purchasing a category of necklaces and found a piece that truly spoke to me.
I purchased the Gold Plated Our Lady of Aparecida Necklace for Women Copper Box Chain Necklace Catholic Jewelry Virgen de guadalupe b153-White from Blingcharming. I was initially hesitant about plated jewelry, but the design was beautiful, and the price was right. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. While it's not solid gold, it has held up remarkably well to daily wear. I've been wearing it for several weeks now, and it still looks as good as new. For the price, I'm very happy with my purchase. You can find it here: Gold Plated Our Lady of Aparecida Necklace.
Here are some tips I learned along the way to help you find the perfect affordable gold jewelry: