Editor’s Note
Once dismissed as mere imitation, fashion jewelry has transformed into a powerful trendsetter in India’s style landscape. This article explores its journey from taboo to a celebrated form of self-expression.
Fashion jewelry had the reputation of being an inexpensive substitute for precious metals, which led to its initial dismissal as “copy,” “replica,” or “imitation.” But in the past decade, it has rejected these classifications and established its own identity. Now hailed as ‘fashion jewelry’, it’s a major player in India’s changing fashion narrative rather than an afterthought.
With a new wave of advancement, technologies like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) are enhancing the industry. These technologies are strengthening the design of fashion jewelry by making it lightweight, easily customizable, and cost-effective. Thus, they improve the look and feel of the jewelry and make it more durable.
Earlier, the fashion jewelry industry in India was highly fragmented because of the local distribution model. However, with the rise in quick commerce and online stores, consumer behavior is becoming easier to understand. This is helping businesses understand what works in the market and subsequently fill the gaps and cater to customers. Fashion jewelry has broken past its metro-city niche. Digital-first brands are now delivering trendy, high-quality collections to tier II, tier III, and even rural markets, democratizing access to fashion.
The fashion jewelry market in India is not just a local trend; it’s a global phenomenon. While the market is currently at a nascent stage, it holds immense potential for organized growth. With growing digital penetration and increasing consumer demand, the market is poised for a significant boost and potential expansion. This global potential is set to shape an exciting new chapter for the industry.
With the continued influence of these three forces—changing preferences, technology, and e-commerce—the industry is poised for significant expansion, driven by increasing consumer acceptance and spending, making fashion jewelry a truly “fashionable” experience.