'The 8 affordable pieces of jewellery I'd buy again.'

At the risk of sounding smug, there's rarely a day when someone doesn't ask me about my jewellery.

It might be the barista, or one of the lovely educators at my daughter's daycare, or a follower sending a DM on Instagram.

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The greatest investment I've made in my style is assembling a small army of gold adornments that bring me endless joy to mix and match daily, depending what I'm wearing.

I'm not really a shoe person or a handbag aficionado, but my eye for jewels borders on obsession: I can spot which styles are really high-end dupes, the ones that tarnish after a few wears, and the pieces that will have the best long-term payoff.

I can't tell you how to do your taxes, but I can tell you if your ring's going to turn your finger green.

Interestingly, the items that always get the most compliments or questions aren't the most expensive. They're the everyday styles I've collected from Australian brands.

Layered gold jewels with a casual fit is my go-to look.

Homegrown, mid-tier labels like By Charlotte, Arms of Eve, Porter, YCL, Cendre and Saint Valentine have cracked the code on semi-precious jewels that won't break the bank.

They might require a spend in the realm of $80-$200, but they're not at the level of a Cartier Love bangle, Bottega Veneta studs or a Van Cleef & Arpels pendant (you do you, but I'm not about to drop $9k on a necklace in this economy.)

My favourite multi-pack of huggie earrings cost less than 30 bucks and has lasted me three years of wear (true story! I'm wearing them right now.)

The dangly gemstone earrings and gold bracelet are by Arms of Eve, and the jewelled huggies are part of a multi-pack from Chuchka. The pearl bracelet is homemade.

If you're keen to add to your collection, here are 8 pieces from mine that you won't regret buying.

Shop the best mid-tier gold jewellery.

Chuchka Huggie DIY Combo Set 2, $29.

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I have lost count of the amount of people that have asked about these colourful huggies. The charms are interchangeable so you can create lots of fun ear stack combinations.

Saint Valentine Valentine Necklace, $125.

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Saint Valentine's signature necklace, with its tiny pear-shaped crystal, is a piece I rarely take off. It's the perfect dainty chain for stacking with other lengths, but shines on its own too - especially with pared-back evening looks.

Saint Valentine Aspen Tennis Bracelet, $175.

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I'm currently on my second Saint Valentine tennis bracelet, and only because my toddler accidentally broke the last one. It's even prettier in person and never fails to elicit compliments.

By Charlotte 18k Gold Vermeil Live In Peace Choker, $199.

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A By Charlotte piece is always a good idea, whether it's a gift for someone special or a treat to yourself. The tiny charms on this choker add a subtle sparkle to every outfit; I've been wearing mine for years.

Arms of Eve Lucy Gold Earrings, $89.

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These U-shaped earrings give the chunky gold hoop a sculptural twist - and they're serious compliment-magnets!

They go with any outfit, but I've been loving wearing them with workwear pieces like blazers and oversized shirts.

Arms of Eve Onyx Bracelet, $79.

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This menswear-inspired bangle has caught the eye of so many people. It makes a cool statement on its own and offsets jewelled and beaded bracelets beautifully.

YCL Jewels Charm Bar Block Necklace, $169 (for necklace only; charms extra).

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YCL offers customisable charm necklaces and bracelets - you start with the chain and build from there. I wear my necklace pretty much every day and love switching out the totems to suit my mood.

Medley White Topaz Huggie Earrings, $149.

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These huggies look so chic layered on the ear with different studs or hoops. The baguette shaped stones give the effect of diamond earrings, without the massive investment.

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