Imitation jewellery from China is flooding the imitation jewellery market in India, as imports from Indias northern neighbour

have already captured 30 per cent of the countrys domestic market. According to data from the ministry of commerce, India imported imitation jewellery worth about Rs 130 crore in 2011-12. During the period April-September 2012, Rs 60 crore worth of finished imitation jewellery was imported from China. However, according to the Imitation Jewellery Manufacturers Association (IJMA), this figure underestimates the actual level of imports, which are believed to be 10 times higher. Dumping from China is taking place in huge quantities. Over Rs 1,000 crore worth of imitation jewellery was imported by India. Chinese jewellery is cheaper than that made in India, as they make it on machines and produce it in large quantities. Thats why Indian traders now prefer to import finished imitation jewellery from China, said Nagendra Mehta, secretary of IJMA. He said, China has captured about 25-30 per cent of the Indian market and it is hurting Indian manufacturers in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India.

Chinese manufacturers are very tech-savvy and in India this sector is still unorganised. It is most important to promote the industry. This kind of show can help us to grow on the international front. At present Indias share of the international fashion jewellery market is less than one per cent, while China has a 25 per cent market share, Mehta said.

The demand for imitation jewellery has surged by over 85 per cent in the last one year on account of the sharp rise in gold and silver prices, according to a study by industry body Assocham. The Indian imitation jewellery market, which is presently about Rs 8,000 crore in size, is expected to grow to Rs 15,000 crore by 2015 owing to growing demand, Assocham said in the study.
The study said high prices of gold have changed customer preferences from fine jewellery to relatively inexpensive costume jewellery. About 75 per cent of the shopkeepers said women prefer imitation jewellery, as it is more affordable and can be customised, it said.

Refrence- Business Standard, published on Saturday, April 13, 2013 | 07:55 PM

The imitation jewellery market in India is pegged at Rs 8,000 crore and this is expected to touch Rs 15,000 crore by 2015. Moreover,India is the second largest manufacturer of imitation jewellery after China with an 8.5% share globally. The main factors contributing to this growth is the availability of skilled artisans, base metals and faux gems with Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh being important sourcing states. Imitation jewellery is largely made of brass, cast iron, nickel, plastic beads and stones, in place of precious metals and gemstones. Costume jewellery is all set to have a dazzling future. Demand for imitation jewellery has gone up by over 85% due to a drastic hike in gold and silver prices and an increased interest in gems and stones, as per a survey conducted by ASSOCHAM-Social Development Foundation (ASDF). Reference- The Times of India, published on Dec 1, 2012, 08.19PM