Artificial jewellery captivates women

Rising crime rate in city restricts ladies from buying expensive ornaments

KARACHI:

As Eidul Fitr draws closer, the vibrant allure of artificial jewellery in the metropolitan city’s bustling markets grabs the attention of women.

With a rising demand for artificial jewellery, a variety of unique designs are making their debut in the market. While young girls are captivated by the charm of jhumkas, women increasingly opt for elegant zircon sets.

Locally crafted jewellery is becoming more popular among women due to its affordability. As the preparations for Eidul Fitr peak among women and girls, artificial ornaments are flying off the shelves to complement their attire.

In the wake of rising inflation and dwindling purchasing power, women are keen on acquiring quality jewellery that matches their outfits at reasonable prices. These artificial adornments include delicate pendants, bracelets, rings, and jhumkas.

In areas like Tariq Road, Bolton Market, Hydari Market, Metro Mall, Gulf Centre, Gulistan-e- Jauhar, Karimabad, Liaquatabad, and several other commercial hubs in Karachi, orders for Eidul Fitr artificial jewellery have surged.

Although ornaments from neighbouring countries are in great demand, the affordability of locally made jewellery remains a top choice of women.

Contrary to the bustling big shops in bazaars, temporary stalls are witnessing a surge in female clientele due to their comparatively lower prices.

Women express that Eid celebrations are incomplete without jewellery. However, due to the escalating street crime in Karachi, they opt for artificial ornaments to satiate their desire for adornment.

Anwar Mamun, president of the artificial jewellery market in Bolton Market, noted a spike in the demand for zircon sets among women for Eid festivities.

Light sets of zircon are priced at Rs1,200, while heavier sets fetch around Rs60,000. Jhumkas remain the focal point for girls, with Pakistani jhumkas ranging from Rs300 to Rs7,000, while imported from India and China priced between Rs1,200 to Rs12,000.

Hanif Khan, President of Tariq Road's artificial jewellery market, highlighted the diverse range of artificial jewellery available from Italy, Turkey, China, India, and other countries.

Pakistani artificial jewellery stands out for its quality, with Indian jhumkas priced from Rs1,500 to Rs5,000. Moreover, jhumkas from Pakistan and China are available for as low as Rs500 due to favourable trade relations with China, while Indian jewellery remains relatively expensive.

Compared to last year, there has been a decrease in the rush of women buyers, with many opting for more budget-friendly options.

In Tariq Road, women are primarily purchasing jewellery priced at Rs400 to Rs600, leading to a surge in demand for local jewellery.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2024.