Collection: Under $100

Where pieces start getting noticed

Under $100 is the bracket where jewellery stops being quiet. Larger stones, double strands, statement drops — pieces that someone across a table will comment on, which is a different job from the everyday stud that nobody clocks.

That isn't automatically better. Plenty of people want the piece nobody asks about. But if you're buying for an occasion, or buying the thing you'll wear to the things, this is the range where it lives.

What the extra money buys

Stone size. The single biggest factor. A larger labradorite cabochon gathers light from more angles than a small one and flashes properly rather than hinting at it.

Sterling silver settings rather than plate on most pieces here — heavier in the hand, and it patinas and polishes back rather than wearing through.

Double strands and layered designs, which do the layering work for you instead of requiring you to own three necklaces that happen to agree.

Full sets — necklace, earrings and bracelet cut from one stone rather than two pieces.

What to buy for what

For an occasion: a faceted drop or a larger centre pendant. Movement is what reads across a room, so a stone that swings beats a stone that sits.

For someone who already owns jewellery: a statement piece in a stone she doesn't have. Labradorite is the usual answer, because most people don't own it and everyone reacts to it.

For a milestone: a symbol rather than a stone. Tree of life, lotus, hamsa — these say something specific without you having to write it in a card.

Wearing a statement piece

One at a time. A larger pendant wants an uncluttered neckline and no competing necklace; a substantial ring wants the rest of the hand fairly bare. The mistake people make with statement jewellery is wearing two statements at once, at which point neither of them is one.

Pair down rather than across — a big pendant with small studs, a wide ring with a plain band.

Materials, and why nothing here is precious metal

Sterling silver, gold plate over sterling, and waterproof PVD stainless steel. No solid gold, and nothing priced as though it were. Stones are genuine unless the listing states lab-created, hydro quartz or glass — that disclosure sits in the same place on every product page.

Larger stones mean more surface to knock, so bezel settings hold up better than prongs on softer material. Labradorite, opal and turquoise are the ones to be careful with. The crystal care guide covers stone by stone.

Mystic Soul Jewelry — Canadian small business, Calgary, Alberta, since 2008.