5 Affordable Luxury Finds You Can Buy at Costco

Shopping at Costco is all about finding great deals, but that doesn't mean your purchases have to be low-quality or even cheap.

We're getting closer to the Christmas shopping season every day, and if you're looking for some high-end gifts to give out without completely derailing your personal finances, you may want to consider some of these luxury items.

While not cheap, here are five luxury items you can buy at Costco for under $500.

1. Diamond stud earrings

Price: $429.99

A couple of years ago, I ordered a pair of earrings for my wife online and opened up the box to get a good look at them before I wrapped them up, only to find that it was completely empty. It was the most expensive box I've ever bought.

I didn't buy the earrings from Costco, but the company has .33-carat weight diamond earrings that can be picked up at the Costco warehouse, potentially saving you the hassle I experienced. The 14kt white gold studs come with 26 near-colorless diamonds. Just be sure to check the box before you wrap it up.

2. Osetra caviar

Price: $279.99

If you're planning to host a fancy holiday party, you may be able to do all of your shopping at Costco -- caviar included. Costco sells a two-ounce set of Pacific Plaza golden Osetra caviar for just $280, making it a great luxury item to buy at a semi-affordable price.

Costco says on its website that the facility that sells this caviar produces some of the "best amber gold Osetra the world has to offer" and that it will compare to the best caviar on the market.

3. All-Clad 11-piece non-stick cookware set

Price: $429.99

I'm not a good home cook, though I make a great fruit smoothie nearly every day. But if you're a legit home chef on the lookout for some high-end non-stick pans, Costco could be your best bet.

You can score an 11-piece set of All-Clad's pots and pans made with heavy-gauge hard anodized aluminum for under $430.

4. Citizen men's atomic watch

Price: $399.99

I've been thinking about getting a Casio calculator watch like the one I had when I was kid, but if your taste in watches is slightly classier than mine, then Costco has you covered. The company is selling the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Land atomic watch, which is powered by light, for just under $400.

It's no calculator watch, but considering that it has atomic timekeeping, synchronized time adjustment in 24 cities worldwide, and is water resistant to 200 meters, I guess it's pretty cool, too.

5. Authentic Wagyu Japanese A5 beef cubes

Price: $249.99

Costco is known for its $1.50 hot dog meal, but if you want to take your beef quality just a few notches higher, the discount warehouse can help you with that purchase, too.

Costco offers a three-pack of 16 authentic Wagyu Japanese A5 beef cubes wrapped in Applewood bacon for a cool $250. Wagyu beef is considered some of the best beef in the world, imported from Japan. It even comes with a certificate of authenticity, which I will demand for all of my meat purchases from now on.

How to find the best deals at Costco

If you're not into shopping for luxury items at Costco and just want to save money, here are a few tips.

• Download the Costco app: The Costco app will not only make it easier to see what's available in the store and online, but you can also click on the "Savings" link at the top of the app to see what deals are currently available.
• Check your mailbox: If you prefer the offline method, Costco mails out its Coupon Book every few weeks, showing some of the best in-store and online deals.
• Keep an eye on the gift card rack: Costco often sells gift cards that give you a lot of bang for your buck. For example, recent deals at Costco include discounts on airline gift cards, restaurants, and movie theaters.

Whether you're looking for luxury items or discount bulk items, Costco likely has what you're looking for. And if you score the Wagyu Japanese A5 beef cubes, I'm free this weekend. I'll bring a salad.