Contributed by Info Guru Lindsay Shugerman

The right necklace can complete an outfit, make a statement or start a conversation. But what kind of necklace has that power? The obvious answer is diamonds. After all, it’s hard to ignore a sparkling chain of diamonds!

Fortunately for those of us who don’t have diamond necklace budgets, there are many kinds of costume jewelry necklaces that can also work their magic on your look.

Here are some great choices in affordable jewelry that add something special without draining your bank account.

Statement Pieces

Go big, go bold

A dramatic statement piece can have all the impact of diamonds without the hefty price tag. Selecting a stunning necklace like this one can turn a simple outfit into an attention-grabbing fashion. Pair it with the coordinating earrings, or mix and match different pieces in similar colors or shapes for a one-of-a-kind look.

Elegant reproductions

Revisiting an earlier era

Recreate the glamour and elegance of a bygone era with a reproduction piece. This Art Deco necklace does a wonderful job of capturing the look of priceless estate jewelry, but at budget-friendly costume jewelry prices. (Don’t worry…we won’t tell!)

The sparkle of gemstones

Let the color shine through

Gemstone jewelry is a wonderful way to add color and impact to your look at an affordable price. Select semi-precious or simulated gemstones to compliment your outfit. Or pick a single stunning necklace as your signature piece, like this amamzing sapphire and cubic zirconia pendant. No one but you will know it’s costume jewelry.

Go with a classic

Simple choice, beautiful look

Sometimes the best choices in costume jewelry pieces are the most classic. A simple locket suggests romance, loyalty and a commitment to things that matter. Victorian Trading Company understands the heart of a true romantic, so they offer classic lockets at costume jewelry prices. All you need to do is add a photo of your beloved, and the look is complete.

Original looks

Because it doesn’t have to be a copy

Costume jewelry doesn’t have to be a copy of something more expensive. It just means affordable. And that’s true even if the work is new and creative. Each design is a work of art, not a duplicate of another, pricier look. That means you get a truly unique look that fits within your budget.

Offbeat designs

When jewelry doesn’t look like jewelry

What if someone made a necklace something that didn’t look like jewelry. And then people wore it. Would it be jewelry? We think so, because that’s exactly what Michael Stars has done with this simple, stamped key on a chain. One key, one word, one plain chain. Costume jewelry redefined. Nice!

Costume jewelry isn’t about cheap. And it’s not about skipping over style. Today’s choices in costume jewelry necklaces can take you anywhere you want you look to go, from glam chic to industrial grunge. The only thing it doesn’t have is the big price tag. And I think we can all happily live without that!