Imitation and Faux Jewelry Sales Up!

     This past year one thing that didn't slow down with the reeling economy was the sale of imitation and faux jewelry. There are several reasons this trend continued to rise in 2009 and we expect it to rise even more in 2010.

One of the major reasons that imitation jewelry and faux jewelry sales jumped again in 2009 was that the product continues to get better and better. As short as 5 years ago you could easily tell the difference between imitation or faux jewelry and the real thing. Back then manufacturers still used lower quality silver that became discolored and chipped easily. Today these manufactures use .925 sterling silver for the majority of the ring settings and other unique pieces. This makes for a much clear and classier look. The technology used for imitation and faux rubies and CZ was also much more limited. Today the can make rubies and CZ that look and feel just like the real thing.

Secondly, the struggling economy has caused a spike in the imitation and faux jewelry sales. Back in the ''dot com boom'' of the late 90's and 2000's many more people had an expendable income. These people often turned to expensive jewelry, sunglasses and handbags as a way to flaunt their current success and riches. Being caught wearing imitation or faux jewelry was a big no-no back then. Today this is not the case. Many people are being forced to penny pinch and keep a close eye on their budgets. While people are begin forced to do this they aren't so willing to give up some of the luxuries they have become accustomed to. One way of getting around this issue is by purchasing imitation and faux jewelry as new additions to their collection. They realize this will save them potentially thousands of dollars a year, without having to completely give up their jewelry fix.

According to most major studies imitation and faux jewelry sales were up a staggering 42% for 2009. Due to both items mentioned above I believe this number will grow again in 2009. I believe the imitation and fauxjewelry trend started in the middle of 2008, so I don't think the jump from 2009-2010 will be as dramatic as the leap from 2007 - 2009. Look for a 15% increase in 2010 and join the growing trend of imitation and faux jewelry.