Buying artificial jewellery online can be exciting—you see a beautiful necklace, a stylish pair of Jhumkas, or a sparkling Kundan set and immediately start imagining how it will look with your saree or suit.
But a beautiful photograph is only one part of the buying decision.
Before you order artificial jewellery, it is worth checking the material, finish, size, weight, stone setting, clasp quality, product measurements, seller information and return policy. A few minutes of checking can help you choose jewellery that looks good, feels comfortable and suits the occasion.
Whether you are shopping for a wedding, festival, family function, office wear or everyday styling, this simple guide will help you make a more informed choice.
What Is Artificial Jewellery?
Artificial jewellery, also called imitation or fashion jewellery, is designed to give you attractive jewellery styles without the cost of precious-metal jewellery.
Depending on the design, artificial jewellery can include materials such as jewellery alloys, brass, stainless steel, synthetic stones, glass stones, beads, pearls and decorative plating or finishes.
You can find almost every popular Indian jewellery style in artificial versions, including:
- Kundan jewellery
- Meenakari jewellery
- Jhumkas
- Chandbalis
- Chokers
- Long necklaces
- Pendant sets
- Mangalsutras
- Bangles and Kadas
- Bridal Chura
- Rings
- Maang Tikka and other accessories
The important thing to remember is that “artificial” does not automatically mean “poor quality.” The quality can vary considerably from one product to another, so knowing what to check is important.
1. Check the Jewellery Material
The first thing to look at is the material used to make the jewellery.
Different materials can affect the jewellery’s weight, appearance, durability and suitability for regular use. When shopping online, check the product description for available material information instead of assuming that every gold-coloured item is made in the same way.
For example, a lightweight alloy piece may be comfortable for a long wedding function, while another design may feel heavier because of its construction and decorative elements.
If the material is clearly mentioned by the seller, it gives you a better idea of what you are buying.
A useful question to ask
Before purchasing, ask:
What is the base material and what type of finish or plating does the jewellery have?
This is especially useful when you are comparing two products that look almost identical in photographs.
2. Look Carefully at the Plating and Finish
A major part of an artificial jewellery piece’s appearance comes from its surface finish.
Gold-tone, rose-gold, silver-tone, antique and oxidised finishes can all create very different looks. The quality and thickness of a plating or surface finish can also influence how the jewellery looks after repeated use.
However, remember that fashion jewellery should not be treated exactly like solid precious-metal jewellery.
Perfume, sweat, moisture, cosmetics and household chemicals can affect some finishes over time. That is why proper care matters even when you buy a well-made piece.
If you want your jewellery to stay attractive for longer, keep it dry, wipe it gently after use and store it separately.
3. Inspect the Stones and Decorative Work
Kundan, American Diamond-style stones, crystals, pearls and colourful stones are commonly used in artificial jewellery.
When buying online, zoom into the product photographs if possible. Look for:
- Even stone placement
- Neat decorative work
- Secure-looking stone settings
- Consistent colours
- Clean edges
- Symmetrical patterns
- Properly finished surfaces
A design may look beautiful from a distance but reveal uneven work when you look closely.
For elaborate jewellery such as bridal necklaces or Kundan sets, close-up photographs are particularly useful.
4. Check the Size and Measurements
This is one of the most important steps when buying jewellery online.
A necklace that looks medium-sized in a photograph may be smaller or larger than you expect. Product photography can sometimes make jewellery appear different in scale.
Always check the measurements given by the seller.
For necklaces, look for:
- Necklace length
- Pendant size
- Width
- Drop length
For earrings, check:
- Overall height
- Width
- Drop length
For bangles, check the available size carefully.
Indian bangle sizes such as 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 are commonly used, so knowing your suitable size before ordering can save you from an uncomfortable fit. You can also refer to a dedicated Indian bangle size guide on Saavra when checking your size.
5. Consider the Weight
Jewellery that looks stunning may not necessarily be comfortable to wear for several hours.
This matters particularly for:
- Large Jhumkas
- Bridal necklaces
- Heavy chokers
- Layered necklaces
- Large Chandbalis
- Multiple bangle sets
If the product listing provides weight information, check it before buying.
For weddings and long celebrations, lightweight designs can be a practical choice. You want to enjoy the event—not spend half the evening adjusting your earrings!
6. Check the Clasp, Hooks and Other Fittings
Small fittings can make a big difference to the usability of jewellery.
For necklaces, check whether the product has a suitable clasp or adjustable chain.
For earrings, look at the type of backing or hook.
For bangles, check whether they are openable, flexible or fixed, depending on the design.
For layered or bridal jewellery, also check how the different components are connected.
These details may not be the most glamorous part of jewellery shopping, but they can make the difference between a piece that is easy to wear and one that becomes frustrating after a few uses.
7. Think About Your Skin Sensitivity
Some people can comfortably wear many types of fashion jewellery, while others may experience irritation from particular metals or finishes.
If you have sensitive skin, pay closer attention to the material information and avoid making assumptions based only on the colour or appearance of the jewellery.
For earrings in particular, the post and backing come into direct contact with the skin, so this is worth considering before purchase.
If you already know that certain materials cause irritation for you, check the product details or contact the seller before ordering.
8. Choose Jewellery According to the Occasion
Not every beautiful jewellery piece needs to be worn everywhere.
Think about where you plan to wear it.
For everyday wear
Choose:
- Small earrings
- Simple pendants
- Lightweight bangles
- Delicate necklaces
- Minimal designs
For office or semi-formal outfits
Look for:
- Small studs
- Elegant pendants
- Medium-sized earrings
- Simple gold-tone or silver-tone designs
For festivals
You can experiment with:
- Kundan
- Meenakari
- Jhumkas
- Bangles
- Chandbalis
- Statement necklaces
For weddings
This is where heavier and more elaborate designs can really shine:
- Bridal necklace sets
- Chokers
- Long necklaces
- Kundan sets
- Maang Tikka
- Bridal bangles
- Chura sets
Saavra’s imitation jewellery collection includes different styles such as neckwear, earrings, bangles, chokers, long necklaces, pendant sets and mangalsutra designs, so you can compare styles according to your outfit and occasion.
9. Match the Jewellery With Your Outfit
One of the easiest ways to choose the right artificial jewellery is to start with your clothing.
A heavily embroidered lehenga already has plenty of visual detail, so an equally complicated jewellery set may make the overall look feel too busy.
On the other hand, a simple saree or plain suit can look completely different with a statement necklace or beautiful Jhumkas.
A simple rule works well:
Heavy outfit = balanced jewellery.
Simple outfit = jewellery can become the statement.
You can also coordinate colours. Gold-tone jewellery generally works beautifully with warm festive shades, while colourful Kundan or Meenakari pieces can add contrast to plain outfits.
10. Don’t Buy Only Because the Price Is Low
A low price can be attractive, but price should not be the only deciding factor.
Instead, compare:
- Material
- Finish
- Design
- Size
- Weight
- Product photographs
- Customer reviews
- Seller information
- Return conditions
A slightly more expensive piece may be better value if it has a more attractive finish, better construction and greater versatility.
Similarly, an expensive artificial jewellery piece is not automatically high quality.
The goal is to find the right balance between appearance, quality, comfort and price.
11. Read Customer Reviews Carefully
Customer reviews can be very helpful when buying jewellery online.
Don’t just look at the star rating. Read what customers actually say.
Look for comments about:
- Actual appearance
- Size
- Weight
- Finish
- Comfort
- Packaging
- Whether the product matched the photographs
- Whether stones or decorative elements stayed secure
If customers repeatedly mention the same issue, take it seriously.
Photographs uploaded by customers can also give you a better idea of how the jewellery looks outside professionally controlled product photography.
12. Check the Return and Exchange Policy
This is especially important when buying online.
Before placing your order, understand:
- How many days you have to request a return
- Whether jewellery can be returned after opening
- Whether the product must be unused
- Whether original packaging needs to be retained
- Whether certain jewellery products are non-returnable
- Whether exchange is available
For example, Saavra’s current return policy states that eligible returns are generally accepted within 3 days of delivery and that artificial jewellery should remain unused, undamaged and in its original condition with required packaging and accessories. Always check the current product-specific terms before ordering because policies can change.
13. Buy From a Seller With Clear Product Information
A trustworthy online jewellery listing should provide enough information for you to understand what you are buying.
Ideally, look for:
- Clear product photographs
- Product dimensions
- Available sizes
- Material information where applicable
- Product description
- Price
- Delivery information
- Return information
- Seller or brand information
If a listing gives very little information, it becomes harder to judge whether the product is right for you.
14. Consider Versatility Before You Buy
Here’s a simple trick that can help you shop smarter:
Ask yourself whether you can wear the jewellery with at least three outfits.
For example, a classic Jhumka might work with:
- A saree
- A kurti
- A salwar suit
A versatile necklace may work with both festive and wedding outfits.
This approach helps prevent your jewellery box from becoming full of beautiful pieces that you only wear once.
15. If You’re Buying Through an Affiliate Recommendation
Sometimes a jewellery guide may include links to products available on other shopping websites.
For example, if you want to compare additional artificial jewellery options on Amazon, you can view this recommended jewellery option on Amazon.
This type of link may be an affiliate link, which means the website may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, without necessarily changing the price you pay.
The important thing is to use the product information, photographs, specifications and customer feedback to decide whether the item is right for you—not simply because it appears in an article.
How to Check Artificial Jewellery in 60 Seconds
Before clicking Buy Now, run through this quick checklist:
☐ Is the material mentioned?
☐ Is the size suitable?
☐ Have I checked the necklace or earring measurements?
☐ Is the weight comfortable for the occasion?
☐ Does the stonework look neat?
☐ Are the hooks, clasps and fittings suitable?
☐ Have I checked customer reviews?
☐ Have I checked the return/exchange policy?
☐ Will this jewellery match my existing outfits?
☐ Am I buying it because I genuinely like it rather than only because it is discounted?
If you can answer these questions confidently, you’re much closer to making a sensible purchase.
How to Make Artificial Jewellery Last Longer
Even good-quality fashion jewellery needs proper care.
Keep it away from water
Avoid wearing artificial jewellery while bathing, swimming or doing activities that expose it to excessive moisture.
Apply perfume before wearing jewellery
Allow perfume, body mist, lotion and other cosmetics to dry before putting on your jewellery.
Store pieces separately
Keep necklaces, earrings and bangles in separate compartments or jewellery pouches to reduce scratches and tangling.
Wipe after wearing
Use a soft, dry cloth to gently remove sweat and residue after use.
Avoid unnecessary chemicals
Household cleaners, sprays and other chemicals can affect jewellery finishes.
Store it in a dry place
Humidity can be particularly unhelpful for some fashion jewellery finishes, so a clean, dry storage area is preferable.
Final Thoughts
Buying artificial jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated.
The key is to look beyond the photograph. Check the material, finish, measurements, weight, stonework, fittings, reviews and return policy. Then think about whether the design actually suits your outfit, occasion and personal style.
Artificial jewellery gives you the freedom to experiment with different looks—from traditional Kundan and Jhumkas to contemporary chokers, pendants and statement pieces—without needing to invest in precious jewellery every time.
If you are looking for Indian-style artificial jewellery, you can explore the imitation jewellery collection at Saavra and compare different styles for everyday wear, festivals, parties and weddings.
And remember: the best jewellery purchase isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. It’s the piece that looks beautiful, feels comfortable and gets worn again and again.
