Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about finding that perfect gift for your special someone. If you’re looking to get her something sparkly without breaking the bank, earrings can make for an affordable and thoughtful present she’ll love. Earrings are a great Valentine’s Day gift because they are versatile, easy to wear every day, and come in tons of different styles at various price points. The key is knowing where to find cute and inexpensive pairs so you can celebrate the holiday in style on a budget.

I’ll share my top tips for scoring cheap yet chic earrings for Valentine’s Day. I’ll cover places to shop, what to look for, and specific stylish pairs that won’t drain your wallet. Let’s get started!

Shop Discount and Department Stores

One of the best ways to save money on earrings is to check out discount stores and the jewelry departments of department stores. Places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross have constantly rotating jewelry stock, so you can often find designer-quality earrings at a fraction of the typical retail price.

Department store jewelry sections like JCPenney, Kohl’s and Macy’s also regularly run great sales, coupon promotions, and clearance events on earrings around the holidays. Browse their Valentine’s Day gift sections for major savings on cute pairs. Sign up for email newsletters and check for printable coupons to save even more.

Some affordable and stylish earrings I’ve found at these spots:

• Heart-shaped diamond studs at TJ Maxx for $19.99.
• Pearl drop earrings at Marshalls for $12.99.
• Sterling silver hoops marked down to $24.99 at Macy’s.

Shop Online Discounts and Sales

Another easy way to find deals on earrings is to browse online discounts, sales and coupon codes. Many jewelry and accessory retailers run special promotions around Valentine’s Day.

Some worthwhile online shops to check out include:

• Baublebar: Trendy jewelry starting at $12 + extra 20% off sales.
• Banana Republic: Frequent earring sales starting at $17.99.
• Kate Spade: Sale earrings from $29 + surprise sales.
• Madewell: Earring deals from $15 + 25% off your purchase.

Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite stores and keep an eye out for sitewide discounts, free shipping codes and other earring sales being promoted for Valentine’s Day. Following retailers on social media can also clue you into upcoming deals.

Shop Small Boutiques and Etsy

Small businesses and makers on Etsy offer gorgeous handmade and vintage-inspired earrings often at lower prices than big name stores. You can find unique pieces while supporting independent artisans.

Etsy has tons of affordable options across styles, like:

• Delicate floral studs starting at $12.
• Geometric gold-plated drops for $18.
• Heart hoops made from upcycled materials for $14.

Local boutiques also have selections you won’t find at the mall. Ask if they have any sales or discounts on earrings for Valentine’s Day gifts. Some cute boutique finds:

• Evil eye studs from a local streetwear shop for $15.
• Birthstone drops from the gem store around the corner for $17.

Look for Classic Styles That Won’t Go Out Of Style

Delicate studs and huggie hoops are perennial earring styles that will stay in fashion for years to come. Opting for simple, classic silhouettes helps guarantee you get a lot of wear out of affordable Valentine’s earrings.

Some forever staples to look for:

• Diamond/cz studs in gold or silver
• Pearl studs or small drops
• Plain metal huggies and small hoops
• Small signet or monogram earrings

These classic earring shapes work for any age and style. You can find inexpensive versions nearly everywhere jewelry is sold both in-store and online.

Prioritize Metal Over Gems

The metal makes a bigger impact than large rocks when it comes to getting good value. Focus on finding earrings made with quality sterling silver, gold fill or gold plated metals over those with sizeable crystals or gemstones if budget is a main concern.

Well-crafted pairs made from sterling silver, 14k gold or metals with longevity like brass offer sophistication at affordable prices. Some examples:

• Petite knot studs in sterling silver for $25.
• Textured gold plated hoops for $19.
• Hammered brass drops for $17.

Quality metals paired with colorful enamel, tiny crystals or birthstones help create the allure of more expensive jewelry at a fraction of the cost.

Shop Sales After Major Holidays

One secret tip for scoring deals on earrings is to shop clearance sales AFTER the rush of a major gift-giving holiday has passed.

Retailers need to make room for new season inventory, so you can find leftover holiday styles marked way down. Here are some ideal times to shop:

December 26th – February – Shop after Christmas sales for festive earrings like reindeer studs, glittering snowflakes and jewel-toned drops.

January 2nd – February – Browse after New Year’s discounts on sparkly earrings that make great upcoming Valentine’s Day gifts.

February 15th – March – Look for slashed prices on red, pink and heart motif earrings after Valentine’s Day.

July 5th – August – Score patriotic red-white-blue earrings on clearance after Fourth of July.

Day after Mother’s Day – Find flower, leaf and pearl earrings marked down.

You can stock up on pairs to give as upcoming birthday, anniversary and holiday gifts throughout the year. Getting 50-75% off definitely helps you stick to a budget!

Choose Plated Metals Over Solid Gold

shopping tip for cheap earrings is to go for gold, rose gold and silver plated pieces rather than solid gold when possible. Vermeil and gold filled metals offer the same radiant finish at a fraction of the price.

Some affordable examples:

• Gold plated hoops for $16.
• Rose gold plated studs for $14.
• Silver plated drops with crystals for $19.

Plated earrings have a base metal that’s coated in microns of gold, rose gold or silver. This gives the same effect for less. You can find inexpensive pairs plated with long-lasting metals like brass and sterling silver.

Solid gold pairs are an investment. For inexpensive pretty earrings, plated metals stretched your dollar further.

Mix Different Metals and Materials

Don’t be afraid to mix metals and fabrics when purchasing affordable earrings. Mismatched metals offer an eclectic, boho vibe. Adding fabrics like leather and lace injects style.

Some cute mixed media earring options:

• Gold hoops with leather charms for $18.
• Silver studs with lace overlay for $14.
• Rose gold drops with pearl accents for $16.

Blending metals, like silver with gold, and materials creates contrast and visual interest. This helps inexpensive earrings look far pricier than they actually are.

Seek Out Multipacks and Sets

Multipacks with several pairs and earring sets offer more bang for your buck. It’s often cheaper per piece than buying single pairs. Split up pairs in a set for two thoughtful coordinated Valentine’s gifts.

Some budget-friendly earring sets:

• Set of 3 delicate gold hoops for $19.
• Set of 5 engraved silver studs for $29.
• Set of 2 gold and pearl drops for $16.

You can find inexpensive earring multipacks at stores like Forever21 and accessories shops on Etsy. Seek out bonus deals like buy 2, get 1 free sales around Valentine’s Day.

DIY Earrings from Hardware Store Finds

If you’re crafty and want to personalize your gift, make DIY earrings using supplies from local hardware and craft stores. Simple hoops, studs and drops can easily be created on a budget.

Some ideas for homemade earrings:

• Hammer metal washers into textured studs.
• Cut jump rings to size and add beads for drops.
• Shape wire into small hearts or initials.
• Clip chain into sections for mini hoops.

Raid your craft stash or dollar bins for cheap supplies like decorative nails, chain, wire and charms to transform. Give your DIY earrings in sweet handmade packaging.

Shop With Discounts, Coupons and Rewards Programs

Take advantage of discounts, printable coupons and loyalty programs when shopping for affordable Valentine’s earrings.

Some ways to save:

• Use coupons from the Sunday paper at department stores.
• Sign up for email lists to get exclusive subscriber promos.
• Join rewards programs to earn points and birthday gifts.
• Ask about military, student and senior discounts.
• Open a store credit card for % off first purchase promos.

You can often stack store coupons on top of sale prices to maximize savings. Earning and redeeming points also helps offset the cost of earrings.

Comparison Shop Online for the Best Deals

One final tip is to comparison shop between jewelry retailers online and in your area. Being an informed buyer helps ensure you get the best deal.

• Search earring styles across stores.
• Sort by price low to high.
• Check return policies.
• Read product reviews.
• Calculate total cost with taxes, shipping.

Visit multiple stores, online shops and local boutiques. Doing a little research saves you money and headaches down the road.

FAQs

Are cheap earrings bad quality?

Not necessarily! Factors like design, metal choice and construction determine quality more than just price alone. Well-made sterling silver, gold plated and vermeil earrings can be very affordable. Shopping sales and buying classic styles also nets quality at low prices.

Where can I buy cheap real diamond earrings?

Real diamond earrings under $50 are very rare. For inexpensive sparkle, look for diamond simulants like cz and moissanite or petite pave diamond studs of .01 cts or less. TJ Maxx, discount jewelers and clearance sales are best bets for real diamonds under $50.

Should I buy gold or silver earrings for Valentine’s Day?

It depends on your recipient’s style. Warm gold pairs suit traditional tastes. Cool silver earrings work for modern and boho lovers. Rose gold is perfect for the girl in the middle. You could also get an inexpensive set with both silver and gold pairs to cover all bases.

Are sterling silver earrings expensive?

Not necessarily. Sterling silver earrings can be very affordable, especially for simple studs and hoops. Plated silver earrings offer the same bright white look for even less. Shop stores like Ross, TJ Maxx and sale sections for sterling silver earrings under $30.

What cheap earrings make good Valentine’s Day gifts?

Classic simple styles like huggies, studs and petite drops in silver, gold and rose gold are perfect affordable Valentine’s gifts. Heart shaped earrings, birthstone pairs and anything with crystals, pearl or rhinestones add romantic flair. Gift them nicely packed or with chocolate for extra sweetness!

Conclusion

With this guide, you’re ready to shop for gorgeous Valentine’s Day earrings even on a tight budget. Focus on discount stores, metal over gems and simple plated styles for the best deals under $30. But don’t sacrifice creativity – hit up Etsy, boutiques and the DIY route to find unique inexpensive pairs she’ll love.

Comparison shop and use coupons, rewards programs and clearance sales to maximize savings. Discover the key to crafting a memorable Valentine’s Day morning with your sweetheart by adding a thoughtful touch to your gift, such as finding cute cheap earrings for February 14th, and wrapping them thoughtfully or including a sweet handwritten card to convey just how special she is. Happy early Valentine’s Day!