Artificial & Imitation Jewellery Online in India

What is artificial (imitation) jewellery?

Artificial jewellery, called imitation jewellery in many shops, is jewellery made to look like gold, silver or gemstone pieces without being made of them. Instead of solid gold, the metal underneath is usually brass or a copper alloy, covered with a thin layer of gold, rhodium or an oxidised finish, and the "gems" are glass, cubic zirconia, pearls or kundan stones. In India the words artificial, imitation, fashion and costume jewellery are mostly used for the same thing. People often say "nakli jewellery" in everyday speech; it means the same.

The appeal is simple. You can wear a full bridal-looking set to a wedding, a pair of jhumkas (jhumke) to the office, or a bold pendant to a party, at a fraction of the price of fine jewellery, and without worrying about locker space or insurance. It is also easy to match several sets to several outfits.

Materials and plating, explained

Knowing what a piece is made of tells you how to wear it and look after it.

The base metal

Most Indian artificial jewellery is built on brass or a copper alloy. Both can be cast into detailed shapes such as temple motifs, peacocks and floral jhumkas, and both take plating well. Heavier pieces such as necklace sets and kadas are usually cast; lighter earrings may be stamped or wire-formed.

Plating and finishes

• Gold plating gives the warm yellow look. Pieces labelled "high gold" or "micro gold" simply carry a richer or thicker plated layer than basic gold tone.
• Rhodium plating gives a bright silver-white finish, common on American diamond (AD) pieces.
• Oxidised finish is a dark, antique grey-black on a silver-toned surface. It is deliberately dull, which is why it suits boho and festival looks.
• Antique finish is a deliberately aged, matte gold or copper tone, popular for temple and heritage designs.
• Anti-tarnish is a label for pieces finished with a protective coating. No finish is permanent: how long a piece looks new depends on how it is worn and stored.

Plating is a thin layer, not solid gold or silver. It wears gradually with use, and sweat, perfume and water speed that up.

Stones and settings

• Kundan is a traditional setting style where a stone, usually glass, is set into a gold-toned frame; it gives the rich, flat, jewel-like look of bridal sets. Polki and jadau are close cousins.
• AD / CZ means American diamond or cubic zirconia: clear, sparkling stones that imitate diamonds.
• Meenakari is coloured enamel work, often in pink, green and blue.
• Pearls and beads give a softer look and suit both ethnic and western outfits.

Styles you will see most often

Indian jewellery is organised by style as much as by type. These are the families most shoppers look for, with where to see them:

• Kundan jewellery: rich, statement pieces for weddings and festivals.
• Temple jewellery: South Indian inspired designs with deities, peacocks and lotus motifs.
• Antique jewellery: matte, aged-gold looks that pair well with silk and handloom sarees.
• Oxidised jewellery: dark silver-tone pieces for casual, boho and festive wear.
• American diamond (AD / CZ) jewellery: sparkle for parties and receptions.
• Anti-tarnish jewellery: our range of pieces listed with an anti-tarnish finish.
• Western jewellery and pearl jewellery: lighter, modern looks.

And by piece: jhumka and other earrings, necklace sets, pendant sets, bangles, kada, bracelets, maang tikka, nath, finger rings, payal (anklets) and hair accessories.

How to choose the right piece

By occasion

• Weddings and bridal events: a necklace set with matching earrings and maang tikka in kundan, polki or temple style. Heavier looks work best with plain or richly woven outfits.
• Festivals and parties: AD/CZ for sparkle, or antique and oxidised for a bolder, earthy look.
• Office and daily wear: small studs, hoops, slim bracelets and light pendants that are comfortable to wear for hours.
• Casual and college: oxidised earrings, beaded pieces and layered pendants.

By outfit

Rich silks and bridal lehengas carry gold-toned kundan and temple pieces. Pastel and printed outfits suit pearls, AD or light gold tones. Dark, simple outfits are a good canvas for one bold statement piece.

By budget

Weight, stone work and plating quality drive the price. A simple pair of studs costs far less than a full necklace set with matching earrings. Check the live price on each product page.

Care and storage: make it last

1. Put jewellery on last, after perfume, hairspray and make-up, and take it off before bathing, swimming, exercise and sleep.
2. Wipe each piece gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing it, to remove sweat and oils.
3. Store each piece separately in a pouch or a soft-lined box, away from direct sunlight and damp. Add a silica gel sachet in humid cities.
4. Keep pieces apart so stones and plating do not scratch each other.
5. Avoid water, harsh cleaners and rubbing with polish; they remove plating.

Gentle care is the single biggest factor in how long any plated piece looks good. Our Returns and Refunds policy explains what can be returned and when.

Buying from OyeKudiye

OyeKudiye is an Indian online store for artificial jewellery in Indian and fusion designs, made in India. Read more about OyeKudiye. Every piece is listed with photographs and a description. Orders of Rs 499 or more ship free (a flat Rs 100 shipping fee applies below that), cash on delivery is available across India, and you have 2 days (48 hours) from delivery to report a problem or return an eligible piece; the conditions are in our Returns and Refunds policy, and delivery times and charges are in our Shipping and Delivery policy. Free shipping, cash on delivery and the 2-day return window apply to orders delivered within India. Living outside India? International shipping is on request only: write to us with your country and the pieces you like, and we will confirm availability, delivery time and charges before you order. Questions about an order or a piece? Reach the team on the contact page.

Artificial vs imitation vs fine jewellery: a quick comparison

In short: artificial and imitation jewellery are the same category; the choice is between trendy, affordable and replaceable on one side, and permanent and valuable on the other. Many people own both.

Sizing and fit at a glance

• Bangles and kadas: measure the widest part of your hand (knuckles, with the thumb folded in) or an existing bangle that slides on comfortably. Indian bangle sizes are usually quoted in inches, such as 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 and 2.10; check the size chart on the product page. Adjustable kadas and openable cuffs forgive in-between sizes.
• Necklaces: choker sets sit snug at the base of the neck; princess length sits on the collarbone; long necklaces and harams fall below it. Many sets have adjustable back cords (dori).
• Rings: most artificial rings are adjustable; for fixed sizes, measure a ring you already own.
• Earrings: very heavy jhumkas and chandbalis feel lighter with ear support chains (sahara); look for it on the product page.