Set to rule the world

Metal chains and earrings, pendants, bangles, glass beads, bone and horn necklaces... All made in India are the new age signature at fashion showrooms abroad.

Infact, imitation jewelry from India never had it so good in foreign markets, which till now were dominated by Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese products.
"Imitation jewelry exports, which stood at mere Rs 77 crore during 1995-96 today have risen to over 200 crore annually. India`s share in the seven billion dollar imitation jewelry market is just 1.15 per cent, but there is huge potential for Indian products," says Rakesh Kumar, executive director, Exports Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

"The American and European markets, which are the main importers of imitation jewelry were till now flooded with exports from Korea, China and Taiwan. But then all of their products are made of plastic, which is no more in demand," he says noting "Indian jewelry is made of clay, beads, metal, bone and horns. Our USP is ethnic and environment friendly imitation jewelry," he says.
"Our exporters are aware of the market demand. They were till now exporting beads and unfinished products. But now the stress is on manufactured items," he says.

"We have another advantage over Chinese - though their products are priced at half compared to ours, but they match us nowhere in quality. Our jewelry is hand-crafted which foreigners like very much," says Rais Ahmed, who has been exporting to Australia and Europe for past 10 years.