Artificial, Imitation and Fashion Jewellery: What Is the Difference?

In India, artificial jewellery, imitation jewellery and fashion jewellery are three names for largely the same thing: jewellery made from base metal and simulated stones rather than solid gold, silver or natural gemstones. The names differ in emphasis, not in material. This guide explains how the terms are used, what the pieces are made of, and how to choose and look after them. Sirini makes gold-plated imitation jewellery in Mumbai.

What each term usually means

Artificial jewellery is the everyday Indian term for any non-precious jewellery. Imitation jewellery stresses that a piece imitates a fine-jewellery design, such as a Kundan or Polki set, without using the precious materials. Fashion jewellery stresses style and trend: pieces designed to be worn for a look or an occasion rather than held as an investment. Costume jewellery is the Western term for the same category. In practice shops use the words interchangeably, so check the product description for the material rather than relying on the label.

What it is made of

Most artificial or imitation jewellery has a base of brass, copper or an alloy, finished with a thin layer of gold-tone plating. The stones are usually glass or other simulated stones, and the pearls are shell or simulated. At Sirini the base is brass or copper with gold plating, set by hand in the Kundan style, with Meenakari enamel on many pieces. None of it is solid gold, diamond or natural gemstone.

Is artificial jewellery real gold?

No. Gold plating is a very thin surface layer over a base metal, so the piece has no meaningful gold value and cannot be resold as gold. What you pay for is design, craftsmanship and the look of fine jewellery at a fraction of the price and weight. Our gold-plated vs solid gold guide compares the two in detail, and real gold or imitation for your wedding helps decide function by function.

When imitation jewellery is the smarter choice

Imitation jewellery suits pieces you will wear a handful of times: a bridal set for one wedding, festive pieces for Navratri or Diwali, or a statement piece to match a single outfit. It also lets you wear a full set without the security worry or cost of carrying real gold. For daily wear, lighter pieces are easier to look after. See necklace sets, earrings and bangles, or browse the Kundan and Meenakari collections.

Pieces to look at

To see what imitation jewellery looks like in real listings, look at the photographs of the Cocktail Kundan Necklace Set at Rs 2,960, the Antique Kada at Rs 3,600 and the Diwali Kundan Jhumkas at Rs 6,320. Prices were read from the live catalogue on 4 October 2026 and can change.

How to look after it

Plating wears fastest through sweat, water and perfume, so put jewellery on last and take it off first, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and store each piece in a pouch. Our care and storage guide has the full routine. If you have sensitive skin, ask about the material before you order.

What Sirini stocks and how it ships

All Sirini jewellery is gold-plated imitation jewellery made in Mumbai on a brass or copper base, not real gold or diamonds. Shipping is a flat Rs 150 across India with cash on delivery available. Defective, damaged or wrong items can be exchanged within 7 days, but change-of-mind returns are not offered. WhatsApp +91 98331 14467 or visit our Santacruz West showroom. Unfamiliar terms are explained in our jewellery glossary.

Common questions

What is the difference between artificial and imitation jewellery?

In everyday Indian usage, none that matters. Both mean jewellery made from base metal and simulated stones instead of precious materials. Imitation stresses that it copies a fine-jewellery design; artificial is the general term.

Is fashion jewellery the same as imitation jewellery?

Largely yes. Fashion jewellery stresses style and trend, imitation jewellery stresses that it resembles fine jewellery, and both are made from non-precious materials.

Is artificial jewellery real gold or silver?

No. It is base metal with a thin plating. Sirini's pieces are gold-plated over brass or copper and are not real gold, silver or diamonds.

Does artificial jewellery turn black or lose its shine?

Plating can wear with time, mostly from sweat, water and perfume. Wiping each piece dry and storing it in a pouch slows this down.

Can I wear imitation jewellery every day?

Yes, though lighter pieces suit daily wear better, and plating lasts longer if you keep it away from water and perfume.

Can I return imitation jewellery if I change my mind?

Sirini does not offer change-of-mind returns. Defective, damaged or wrong items can be exchanged within 7 days, so check the design with us on WhatsApp before you order.

Read next: Gold-plated vs solid gold jewellery · Imitation, moissanite and real diamond jewellery · The complete guide to Kundan jewellery.