I've always loved accessorizing, and a simple chain necklace is my go-to piece. However, constantly buying new ones can get expensive. So, during my trip to Tokyo, I challenged myself to find the most affordable options for simple chain necklaces. I wanted quality without breaking the bank, and I'm excited to share my discoveries!
My hunt started when I snapped the chain on my favorite necklace. I was devastated! I needed a replacement, and fast. I started looking for places that offered simple chains without costing a fortune. I remembered reading about some DIY jewellery stores and little shops that might have what I needed. This sent me on a journey through different parts of Tokyo, each offering its own unique charm and price points.
One place I heard about was in Shibuya Scramble Square. Apparently, on the 11th floor, there's a DIY jewellers store. The idea was that you could get a chain cut to the exact length you wanted and choose your own closures. I was intrigued! The thought of customizing my own necklace was appealing. Plus, I heard the staff were super helpful, and they even had tables and tools you could use. I decided to check it out.
Another tip I received was to check out Laforet in Harajuku. I was told there are a few jewellery supply stores there that supposedly sell pieces for under 1,000 yen. That sounded incredibly promising! Harajuku is already a vibrant and exciting place, so adding a jewellery hunt to the mix seemed like a fun adventure.
Then, I heard about Asakusabashi and Okachimachi. Apparently, there are lots of little shops around Asakusabashi, and if you head east from the train tracks in Okachimachi, you'll find even more options. Someone even mentioned that just south of Ueno, at Okachimachi Station, there's a whole jewellery district, apparently called "Ruby St" on Google Maps. This sounded like a serious treasure trove!
I finally made it to the DIY store. It was exactly as described! I ended up picking up a new chain there for under 600 yen. They had other, more expensive chains, but I was just looking for something close in style to the one I broke. The experience was really cool, and I loved being able to choose exactly what I wanted.
But my favourite find was a bit different. It wasn't a chain I bought to replace a broken one, but a necklace that caught my eye because of its unique design. I stumbled upon Blingcharming's homepage while browsing online, and I was immediately drawn to their selection. I have been looking for a unique necklace to complement my style. I ended up getting this Attack On Titan Necklace Eren Key Shingeki No Kyojin Pendant Vintage Retro Anime Jewelry For Men Cosplay N2-XL0039.
I am a big anime fan, and the design really spoke to me. It feels well-made and the pendant is the perfect size. I love that it adds a bit of personality to my outfits. It's become one of my favourite pieces. I find the selection at Blingcharming to be very diverse and trendy. The Eren Key necklace felt very special to me.
Another adventure I had was in Okachimachi. I remember someone mentioning that they purchased a custom length platinum chain with some pearls in a design that they created with the staff. It was a gift for their wife, and it was reasonably priced. That gave me an idea! While I didn't end up getting a platinum chain, I did explore a few shops in the area and found some beautiful pearl pendants that I might go back for later.
Based on my experience, here are some practical tips for finding affordable jewellery in Tokyo (and anywhere, really!):