Love for artificial jewellery swelling

Against the backdrop of high prices of gold and diamond, jewel freaks are gradually turning towards imitation items in local market.

The availability, attractive designs and affordability of artificial jewellery have drawn the attention of ornament lovers.

Assistant Office Secretary of Bangladesh Jewelers Samity, Md Khurshid Alam Masud said 1 gram 22 karat gold is priced at Tk 6,270 while the price of 1 Vori of gold is Tk 73,133.28 (1 Vori is equal to 11.664 gram). The price of gold varies with the quality of karat.

According to the Diamond suppliers and businessmen, the price of a diamond nose pin starts from Tk 2,500 to Tk 50,000 or even more. So, heavy necklace or other diamond jewellery goes out of the reach of most lower-middle class, middle class and upper-middle class people.

But the temptation to put on gold ornaments is irresistible that has driven the market for artificial jewellery.

The leading market players of imitation jewellery are namely antic, oxidize, city gold, silver, stone, pearls, imitation, Ivory, Kundan, Manipuri golden colour plated jewellery, wood jewellery, etc.

The artificial jewellery shops are available in Chawkbazar, Rajdhani Super Market at Tikatuli, New Market, Chandi Chowk, Gausia Super Market, Taltola Super Market at Khilgaon, Mouchak Market etc.

In New Market and Chandni Chowk, there are some wholesale artificial jewellery shops where all types of jewellery are found which are imported from India.

Besides, some online jewellery shops also sell imitation items at an affordable price.

The price of Jhumka (earrings), necklace, Shitahar (long necklace), bangles, Tayra, Tikli, crown, amulet, payel, choker etc. varies from one other depending on the customer choice as to whether they would buy a single piece or a full set.

A full set of jewellery is known as Dulhan Set (Bridal package) and there is also semi-bridal or non-bridal jewellery set available in both wholesale and retail markets.

The semi-bridal ornaments are used in engagement or related programmes and non-bridal in formal parties or some corporate events.

A bridal set starts with the price ranging from Tk 6,500 to Tk 20,000 where semi-bridal from Tk 4,000 to Tk 7,500 and non-bridal from Tk 2,000 to Tk 5,000.

Md Sirajul Islam, proprietor of Ruper Tari Jewelers at Chawkbazar in old Dhaka, said: “People’s interest in artificial jewellery is increasing day by day. There are around 25 wholesale artificial jewellery shops here, and during occasions like marriage ceremonies, all businessmen make a good profit.”

“We are both wholesalers and retailers. Besides, importing jewellery from India or Thailand, we also make customized ornaments by our own artisans. We normally sell two or three bridal sets a day but the demand for non-bridal sets is more,” added Sirajul.

Another artificial jewellery shop owner at Chandni Chowk, Md Oliullah said: “We are somewhat worried about the threat of Omicron, but at the same time, we are also optimistic that we have some trusted regular customers and we provide home delivery services too.”

Jahid Hasan, manager, Livi Fashion Jewellery shop at Rajdhani Super Market in the capital, said the Indian TV channels play a key role in boosting the market for artificial jewellery in Bangladesh because most women here copy the style and designs of the ornaments of Indian celebrities.

A housewife Papia Sultana old The Business Post if one wants to buy a necklace made of 1 Vori of gold, it would require more than Tk 70,000, but with less than half the price of gold, one can get the full set of ornament.

“Then why would it not be worthwhile to go for imitation?” she posed a question.