How to build your jewellery collection without breaking the bank

Saturday, 21 March 2026

Clockwise from left: Mermma Cheyenne barrettefrom Penny Sage; 0palization necklace from Crushes; Honeybloom necklace; Akua Objects caddy/jewellery box from Tessuti; Underground Sundae earring from Plume Store; Zoe McBride cuff; Sophie Buhai hairclip from Simon James

Gold prices may be skyrocketing, but there’s plenty of other materials to adorn your body with, writes Georgie Wright.

All that glitters is not gold, which is just as well because the price of gold has soared over the past five years. Good thing there are plenty of other materials that jewellery’s being made from. Call it creativity, call it a recession indicator, either way – if you’re looking for something a bit different to adorn your body with, you’ll find it.

Chunky beads, sculptural pieces, brooches, pearls and more have been a growing fixture of the fashion set lately. And while I love a stack of fine metal necklaces as much as the next girlie, there’s something fun about remembering that jewellery doesn’t have to be a dainty little extra. It can be the main event.

So here’s a selection of bold and beautiful bits to play around with, with the added benefit of being a bit cheaper than a thick gold chain. Or just head to your local op shop, where you’ll inevitably find stacks of goodness to dive your magpie claws into.

Meadowlark necklace, $165

Take cues from all the tassels, fringes, cords and other dangly bits that have been swaying down the international runways of late.

Mermma Cheyenne barrette, $139, from Penny Sage

From left: Mermma Cheyenne barrette from Penny Sage; Jasmin Sparrow grey pearl necklace; Meadowlark necklace

Made in France using cellulose acetate - a high-quality plastic composed of around 70% vegetable fibers – this hair piece is both beautiful and better for the environment than other cheaper plastics.

Jasmin Sparrow grey pearl necklace, $950

Speaking of the environment, every now and again it pays to stop and think: isn’t it wild that these beautiful beads come from literal shellfish? Nature, huh. Let’s respect it.

Moss Pixie necklace, $280, from Bizarre Bazaar

Handmade in Tāmaki Makaurau, Moss Pixie’s avant garde, one of a kind creations are inspired by mythology and fantastical creatures like mermaids, nymphs and fairies. Making them truly fit for the magpies amongst us.

From left: Dion Hancy pounamu buttons from Frances Nation; 0palization necklace from Crushes; Moss Pixie necklace from Bizarre Bazaar

Dion Hancy Pounamu buttons, $48 each, from Frances Nation

Transform even the most basic white shirt with these beautiful buttons, carved by Hancy (Ngāti Kahungunu) in his Kaiapoi workshop.

0palization necklace, $75, from Crushes

Created by Tāmaki Makaurau-based queer and pasifika artist 0palization, these necklaces are both exclusively made from re-used materials, and an excellent addition to your decolletage.

Rhoda Nunn rosette brooch, $45

Sophie Buhai hairclip from Simon James; Honeybloom necklace; Rhoda Nunn rosette brooch

Brooches are back baby, and this one from Wellington’s Rhoda Nunn will have you feeling like you’ve won first place.

Honeybloom necklace, $139

Add a little chunk to your chest.

Akua Objects caddy/jewellery box,$88, from Tessuti

Get a cute little box like this, and strew jewels over your bedside table no more.

Underground Sundae earring,$190 each, from Plume Store

As someone who permanently lives in plain silver hoops, it’s nice to remind yourself that ears can have fun too.

Company of Strangers earrings,$360

A far more exciting version of aforementioned plain silver hoops.

Zoe McBride cuff,$850

A sculpture for your arm.

Sophie Buhai hairclip,$540, from Simon James

Cheap, no, beautiful, yes.