Due to an outrageous surge in the price of gold, the demand for artificial jewellery has increased dramatically ahead of Eidul Fitr.
Unique designs are being introduced in markets to match the demand for artificial jewellery. The colour and luster of the artificial jewellery are the focus of women who throng various shopping centres and bazaars.
As the preparations of women and girls are in full swing for Eid, artificial jewellery items are being bought to suit the designs and colours of their clothes. Due to high inflation and low purchasing power, women are trying to buy matching jewellery up to Rs1,000. These artificial jewellery items include light necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings.
Currently, the trend of selling locally made artificial jewellery is high. There are centres in many areas including Liaquatabad, PIB, Saddar, Bohri Bazaar, Tariq Road, Hyderi Market, Shaheed Millat Road, Metro Mall, Gulf Centre, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Ranchor Line and Karimabad. Bolton Market is considered one of the biggest markets for artificial jewellery.
Women from humble backgrounds can fulfill their desire to accessorise their outfits by purchasing the more affordable artificial jewellery. Buyers say that they cannot help but buy such items on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. Most of the preparations for Eid are done by the women and girls of a family.
Keeping it light
Due to the hot weather, women from different walks of life prefer lighter jewellery. Those from middle-class families are also worried about inflation during Eid shopping. They say that modern designs and standard artificial jewellery are also becoming more expensive by the day.
In such a situation, it is not even possible to buy artificial jewellery of different brands. At the same time, working women say that there is no point buying heavier and more expensive artificial jewellery on Eid as these items cannot be used for office wear after the occasion is over. They say that light and elegant pendants/rings etc can be worn as a matter of routine.
Shopkeepers say that due to high prices, women belonging to humble backgrounds prefer to buy light jewellery of Rs500 to Rs1,000. These include single different types of necklaces or pendants, earrings or tops and rings. It is purchased according to the colors and matching of the clothes.
Due to unemployment and high prices, housewives and girls in different areas are also selling artificial jewellery online through various social media platforms. These women are selling items on the mohalla level. These goods are of low cost, but maintain a beautiful design.
Markets are abuzz
The president of Bolton Market's artificial jewellery association, Anwar Mamoo's, has been keeping shop for around 35 years. He says that many types of jewellery are being sold nowadays, but the highest selling items in the city include manjus, zircon, patra and farshi.
"Our shop has jewellery ranging from Rs100 to Rs20,000. Zircon jewellery is the most expensive because the raw material is imported."
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2022.
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