Is Baublebar Worth It? We Put Its Trendy Jewelry To The Test To See How It Stacks Up

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Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider

Mixing metals is one of the most popular jewelry trends this year. I'm doing a version of that, except instead of mixing silver and gold, I'm mixing gold and plastic. Basically, I wear my favorite affordable fine jewelry with my kitschy, crafty pieces for a hard-to-pin-down aesthetic.

BaubleBar is a one-stop online accessory destination where you can find both fine and low brow jewelry, with an unmatched selection of affordable, trendy styles. Prices range from $24-$418, and since testing their pieces ourselves, we've learned it's a reliable source for tarnish-proof jewelry.

The female-led business was founded in 2011 by Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky. When Business Insider first covered BaubleBar's growth in 2015, we learned the retailer was tripling orders in fewer than five years. Since then, it has continued to hit the ground running with the launch of custom accessories — ranging from tote bags to phone cases to throw blankets — and a number of successful collaborations with franchises like Disney and the NFL.

Besides nameplate jewelry, Baublebar also has customizable throw blankets ($118 each) and phone cases ($75 each).

BaubleBar

Even if you're an impulse buyer, you're less likely to feel buyer's remorse when shopping here. Prices average around $30-$50, but there's also real gold and diamond investment-level pieces. The retailer also has frequent sales where you can pick up popular pieces at a discount.BaubleBar has seasonal tropical-inspired designs, as well as high-quality everyday pieces you can keep in your collection for a while.

We personally count BaubleBar as one of our favorite spots to stock up on affordable jewelry and can confirm that it holds up with time and wear. You can shop some of our top picks, below.

BaubleBar Ultimate Custom Bead Kit

The tackle box carrying case is full of colorful plastic, rubber, and glass beads.

Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider

I've been making kandi bracelets using kits like these since I went to my first rave with my college friend group. We would trade them among our immediate circle before the show, and give them away to new people we met at each set. I love this tradition because it's a return to a wholesome childhood custom.

I also gifted a BaubleBar's Ultimate Custom Bead Kit to my long-distance friend. We met at summer camp, so making bracelets together is a sentimental pastime. She's a big-time Swiftie, and as other Swifties will remember, friendship bracelets were a big symbol of the Eras tour.

Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider

BaubleBar's Ultimate Custom Bead Kit makes the feeling even more personal with cute little character beads (like cherries, smiley faces, and gummy bears) inside a compartmentalized carrying case. You can customize its front with a name or word (up to 9 letters). The kit will have 10 extra sets of letter beads of whichever name you choose.

My favorites beads are the tiny glass ladybugs and pink strawberries. I also really appreciated that it includes with four spools of stretchy string. This kit truly comes with everything you need to make wholesome handmade jewelry. You can also get it in a Bag Charm version, with 10 cords you can clip onto a handbag or lunch bag.

BaubleBar Fine Jewelry

Left: BaubleBar's Bennett Tennis Necklace ($148), Lisa Hoop Earrings ($44), and Maddie 18k Gold Ring Set ($90). Right: Jacqueline wears BaubleBar's bestselling Alidia rings ($48 each) stacked together.

Gabrielle Chase, Jacqueline Saguin/Business Insider

Consider BaubleBar a place for high-low jewelry. Yes, you can find bubbly monogrammed pendants and rainbow charms from its kids' collection, but you'll also find 18k gold pieces and trendy statement earrings for a more sophisticated edge.

I've worn my Maddie Gold Ring Set in the shower countless times, and they refuse to tarnish. Each have three tiny little distinguishing details, and they're the perfect width for stacking with my other rings and adding dimension to my look. I only wear my 18k gold Bennett Tennis Necklace for special occasions because it has a high shine, but I like the way it lays flat on my collar and doesn't pinch between the cubic zirconia stones.

Cons to consider

BaubleBar

You shouldn't expect to wear BaubleBar's more costume-y jewelry forever. For example, its collaboration with Target doesn't compare to its 18k gold pieces. Some are designed more for the sake of novelty than to be passed down as heirlooms, so the quality isn't totally consistent. That said, they still make thoughtful, affordable gifts for wedding parties and the like.

The bottom line

BaubleBar is one of our favorite places to shop for affordable fine jewelry. But beyond that, their wide style variety has personalized gifts to mark special milestones or even use as home décor. If you like all things girly and sparkly, then this is the online jewelry shop for you.

Shop all jewelry and accessories at BaubleBar here.