What Exactly is Artificial Jewelry?

At its heart, artificial jewelry (also known as fashion or costume jewelry) is wearable art designed to look like high-end “fine” jewelry without the exorbitant price tag. Unlike fine jewelry made from solid precious metals like 24k gold or platinum, artificial pieces are crafted from various base metals like brass, copper, or nickel. These are then plated with a thin layer of gold, silver, or rhodium and embellished with synthetic stones, glass, or beads to give them that signature “wow” factor. It’s all about the aesthetic and the craftsmanship rather than the intrinsic value of the metal itself.

The Logistics: What is the HSN Code?

If you are a business owner or a curious shopper, you might come across the HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code. This is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products.

For artificial jewelry, the HSN code is:

7117

Under this category, different sub-codes exist depending on the material (like base metal plated with precious metal). For most decorative fashion jewelry, 7117 19 is the most common classification used in trade and GST invoicing in India.

Which City is Famous for Artificial Jewelry?

India is a global hub for exquisite craftsmanship, but one city stands above the rest:

Rajkot, Gujarat

Rajkot is often hailed as the “Capital of Artificial Jewelry.” The city is world-renowned for its intricate designs, particularly in antique and gold-plated jewelry. Thousands of artisans here work tirelessly to create pieces that are exported all over the globe.

Honorable Mention (Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh): Famous specifically for “Imitation Gold” or Chilakalapudi jewelry, which uses a unique plating process that stays shiny for years.
Honorable Mention (Jaipur, Rajasthan): While famous for real gems, Jaipur is also a leader in high-end “Kundan” and “Meenakari” fashion jewelry.

How is Artificial Jewelry Made? (The Art of the Craft)

The process usually starts with a “base” mold made from metals like brass (for durability) or zinc alloy (for intricate detailing). Once the shape is cast, it undergoes electroplating, where a microscopic layer of real gold or silver is bonded to the surface using an electric current. The final “sparkle” comes from hand-setting stones like Cubic Zirconia (CZ), high-quality glass crystals, or synthetic resin. At Anoira, we focus on this “finishing touch” because that’s what makes a piece look expensive and elegant.

Why is it Becoming More Popular than Real Jewelry?

Versatility: You can own 50 different styles of artificial earrings for the price of one pair of solid gold ones. This allows you to match every outfit perfectly.
Travel Safety: Whether you’re heading to a destination wedding or a vacation, wearing “imitation” pieces gives you peace of mind. You can look stunning without the constant worry of loss or theft.
Trend-Forward: Fine jewelry is often “classic” because it’s a huge investment. Artificial jewelry allows you to experiment with bold, trendy, and avant-garde designs that might be out of style next year.

How Long Does the Shine Last?

Unlike solid gold, which stays yellow forever, artificial jewelry has a “lifespan” based on how it’s treated. On average, high-quality gold-plated jewelry can maintain its original luster for 1 to 3 years with regular wear. However, because it is a layer of gold over a base metal, factors like humidity, sweat, and chemicals (perfumes/lotions) can cause the plating to eventually wear thin. This is why we call it “Fashion Jewelry”—it’s designed to evolve with your style! With a little bit of “TLC” (Tender Loving Care), you can extend that sparkle significantly.

Why Choose Anoira?

At Anoira, we don’t just sell accessories; we curate confidence. We understand that you want to look like a million bucks without having to spend it. Our collections are designed to bridge the gap between “trendy” and “timeless,” ensuring that whether you’re heading to a wedding or a workday, your jewelry speaks for you.

What Exactly is Artificial Jewelry?