: Search for "14k solid gold" and look for highly-rated shops like Chico Jewelry or Olivia Jewelry . Small independent jewelers often have much lower overhead than big-box stores.

Gold jewelry has a reputation for being an "investment," but walking into a luxury mall can quickly make you feel like you need a second mortgage for a simple chain. The good news? You can find stunning, real gold pieces without the steep markups if you know where to look.

: A top choice for sustainable, hypoallergenic jewelry. Their pieces are water-resistant and often start under $40.