Editor’s Note
This analysis highlights the stark dynamics of the global imitation jewelry trade, where China dominates production and the U.S. leads consumption. The extraordinary price premium for Italian exports underscores how brand and design can redefine value even within this market.
The global imitation jewelry market was valued at $90.4B in 2024 and is projected to reach $109.3B by 2035.
The United States is the largest consumer, accounting for 42% of global volume, followed by China.
China dominates global production and exports, responsible for 71% of export volume in 2024.
Italy commands the highest export price at $117,729 per ton, indicating a premium market segment.
Import prices vary drastically, from over $93,000 per ton in Germany to around $2,000 per ton in Nigeria.
Driven by increasing demand for imitation jewelry worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.9% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 470K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $109.3B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
In 2024, the amount of imitation jewelry consumed worldwide rose significantly to 425K tons, surging by 6% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 429K tons. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the global consumption remained at a lower figure.
The global imitation jewellery market value surged to $90.4B in 2024, jumping by 87% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption recorded a resilient expansion. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
The United States (179K tons) remains the largest imitation jewellery consuming country worldwide, comprising approx. 42% of total volume. Moreover, imitation jewellery consumption in the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, China (76K tons), twofold.
Italy (8.7K tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 2% share.
In the United States, imitation jewellery consumption increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: China (+0.7% per year) and Italy (+0.5% per year).
In value terms, the United States ($8.4B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($1.4B). It was followed by Italy.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value in the United States was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (+2.7% per year) and Italy (-1.2% per year).
In 2024, the highest levels of imitation jewellery per capita consumption was registered in the United States (528 kg per 1000 persons), followed by Italy (147 kg per 1000 persons), Mexico (63 kg per 1000 persons) and China (53 kg per 1000 persons), while the world average per capita consumption of imitation jewellery was estimated at 53 kg per 1000 persons.
In the United States, imitation jewellery per capita consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2013-2024. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Italy (+0.6% per year) and Mexico (-1.7% per year).
Global imitation jewellery production stood at 502K tons in 2024, picking up by 13% against 2023. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 26%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.
