Table of Contents
🛍 Introduction
Necklaces have always held a special place in South Asian culture — whether as a symbol of status, elegance, or tradition. But with the rise of fashion-forward artificial jewelry and the age-old value of real gold, buyers often find themselves asking: what’s the real difference between artificial and real gold necklaces? And more importantly, which one should you buy?
In Pakistan, this question is even more relevant. From weddings and festivals to everyday wear, jewelry choices are tied deeply to cultural expectations, affordability, and personal style. That’s why this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from materials and making to skin safety and longevity — so you can make an informed decision.
💛 What Exactly is a Real Gold Necklace?
A real gold necklace is made from genuine gold, either in pure form or as an alloy (a mix with other metals to improve durability). The purity of gold is measured in karats:
- 24K gold = 99.9% pure gold (softest and most expensive)
- 22K gold = 91.6% gold + alloy (commonly used in South Asian jewelry)
- 18K gold = 75% gold + alloy (durable and still valuable)
- 14K or 10K gold = less gold, more affordable, stronger
Real gold necklaces are considered high-end fine jewelry. They’re a long-term asset, often passed down generations.
🔍 Did You Know?
In Pakistan, 22K gold is most commonly used for bridal and traditional sets due to its bright yellow hue and decent durability.
✨ What Is an Artificial Necklace?
An artificial necklace — also known as costume jewelry, imitation jewelry, or fashion jewelry — is made from non-precious base metals (like copper, brass, or alloy) and then plated with gold-tone polish or a thin layer of gold (known as gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry).
Some artificial necklaces may also include synthetic gemstones, glass, or Austrian crystals to mimic the sparkle of real diamonds or kundan. While they may look like real gold, they are not made of precious metals and have no intrinsic material value.
🧾 Materials Comparison
| Component | Real Gold Necklace | Artificial Necklace |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | Pure or alloyed gold (18K, 22K, 24K) | Brass, copper, zinc alloy |
| Gemstones | Genuine stones (diamond, ruby, emerald, etc.) | Synthetic or glass stones |
| Finish | Polished real gold | Gold-tone plating or imitation finish |
| Durability | Lasts decades with proper care | May tarnish in months or years |
💡 Benefits of Real Gold Necklaces
Real gold necklaces are not just about aesthetics — they are an investment. Here’s what makes them special:
✅ 1. Long-Term Value
Gold retains value over time and often appreciates. In Pakistan, where gold is also seen as a form of savings, real jewelry holds cultural and financial importance.
📈 As of 2025, gold prices in Pakistan are hovering around PKR 220,000 per tola (approx.).
✅ 2. Hypoallergenic
Gold, especially in higher purities (22K and above), is gentle on skin and does not usually cause allergic reactions.
📘 Read more on gold purity from Investopedia
✅ 3. Prestige & Heirloom Value
In Pakistani culture, real gold necklaces are often given in dowries, Eid gifts, or as part of bridal sets — a sign of wealth and respect.
✅ 4. Custom-Made Luxury
You can design real gold necklaces to suit your taste. Skilled artisans in Pakistan can handcraft intricate filigree, meenakari, and kundan designs in pure gold.
🌟 Benefits of Artificial Necklaces
Artificial necklaces have their own set of advantages that make them extremely popular, especially among younger and trend-conscious buyers.
✅ 1. Budget-Friendly Glamour
You can achieve a luxury look without spending a fortune. Most high-quality artificial necklaces cost a fraction of real gold jewelry.
✅ 2. Huge Design Variety
Trendy designs like chokers, layered necklaces, pendant sets, and ethnic styles are easily available in artificial form. You can mix and match with outfits for events like Mehndi, Dholki, or parties.
🛍 Check out unique artificial necklace styles on TaazStudio
✅ 3. Perfect for Occasional Use
For one-time wear or destination weddings, artificial jewelry reduces the stress of carrying expensive items.
✅ 4. Lightweight & Comfortable
Most artificial necklaces are lighter than their real gold counterparts, making them perfect for long events or daily wear.
🤔 Why Material Matters for Skin & Longevity
If you have sensitive skin, the metal used in your necklace can cause irritation. Real gold, especially 18K and above, is skin-safe and doesn’t react with sweat or cosmetics.
On the other hand, some artificial necklaces contain nickel or low-quality alloys that may cause itchiness, rash, or discoloration, especially in humid climates like Karachi or Lahore.
📘 Read about jewelry-related skin allergies at Healthline
💬 Real vs. Artificial: What Do Most Pakistani Women Prefer?
There’s no clear winner — it often depends on:
- Budget: Not everyone can afford real gold for every occasion
- Purpose: Weddings = real gold, Parties = artificial
- Trends: Artificial necklaces evolve with fashion
- Convenience: Artificial is safer to wear while traveling or commuting
In fact, many women own both — real gold for investment and special events, and artificial for everyday glam.
Here’s Part 2 of the long-form SEO blog on:
💰 Real Gold vs. Artificial Necklaces: Price Comparison
The most obvious difference between artificial and real gold necklaces is the price tag. Let’s break this down.
💛 Real Gold Necklace Prices
Real gold is a precious commodity with international market value. In Pakistan, gold prices are heavily influenced by global rates, currency exchange, and local demand.
- 22K gold (most common in jewelry) is currently priced at around PKR 220,000 per tola (approx. August 2025).
- A simple chain or pendant in real gold may cost PKR 150,000–400,000, depending on weight and craftsmanship.
- Bridal sets easily go beyond PKR 1 million.
✨ Artificial Necklace Prices
Artificial necklaces, on the other hand, are made from inexpensive materials. Prices depend on design complexity, but even premium pieces are very affordable.
- A high-quality necklace set from a luxury artificial brand like TaazStudio might cost PKR 3,000–15,000.
- Bulk or seasonal fashion sets can go as low as PKR 500–2,500.
🔗 Curious about trending necklace prices? Browse Daraz Pakistan’s artificial jewelry section to explore popular ranges.
🧱 Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
🟨 Real Gold Necklaces
- Lifespan: Can last a lifetime or more.
- Resistance: Real gold does not tarnish or rust.
- Weakness: Softness of pure gold (24K) makes it prone to bending or scratching.
- Pro Tip: 18K or 22K is preferred for strength and longevity.
🟦 Artificial Necklaces
- Lifespan: Typically lasts 6 months to 2 years (depends on quality & usage).
- Common issues: Tarnishing, fading polish, broken chains, missing stones.
- Pro Tip: Choose nickel-free, high-quality brands like TaazStudio for better durability.
🧼 Maintenance & Storage
Real Gold Jewelry
- Clean occasionally with mild soap and warm water.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and excessive friction.
- Store in a velvet-lined box or jewelry pouch to prevent scratches.
Artificial Jewelry
- Always store in airtight plastic bags to reduce oxidation.
- Wipe gently with a soft cotton cloth after every use.
- Keep away from perfume, sweat, water, and humidity.
- For polished or stone-studded pieces, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
📘 For long-term care of artificial jewelry, check out Good Housekeeping’s jewelry cleaning guide
🎭 Real-Life Scenarios: Which One Should You Wear?
🎉 Weddings and Formal Events
- Real Gold is a traditional staple for brides and family members during Barat, Nikkah, and Walima.
- Artificial is ideal for guests, or destination weddings where security is a concern.
🏫 Work or University
- Artificial necklaces work great for students or professionals — lightweight, stylish, and low-risk.
- Real gold is best kept for special occasions or if you’re confident about secure surroundings.
📸 Photoshoots and Fashion
- Artificial offers bold, editorial looks — oversized chokers, layered necklaces, or colored stones — without breaking the bank.
✈️ Travel and Vacations
- Wearing real gold abroad or during travel can be risky. Artificial jewelry is worry-free and replaceable.
📦 Pros & Cons Summary
| Feature | Real Gold Necklaces | Artificial Necklaces |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (investment) | Low (affordable) |
| Durability | Excellent with care | Moderate to low, depends on quality |
| Skin Sensitivity | Hypoallergenic | May cause irritation if poor-quality |
| Style Variety | Traditional, timeless | Trendy, seasonal, wide selection |
| Occasions | Weddings, heirlooms | Casual, parties, travel |
| Maintenance | Minimal, gentle care | Requires careful handling |
| Resale Value | High | None |
🧭 How to Choose: Artificial or Real Gold?
If you’re still unsure about which type of necklace to buy, here’s a helpful guide to simplify your decision.
🔹 Choose Real Gold Necklaces If:
- You’re buying for a wedding, Nikkah, or lifelong event
- You want a long-term investment
- You plan to pass it on as heirloom jewelry
- You have sensitive skin and prefer hypoallergenic options
- You prefer a timeless, classic style over trend-based looks
🔸 Choose Artificial Necklaces If:
- You want budget-friendly fashion jewelry
- You love changing styles often
- You’re buying for a photoshoot, event, or casual gathering
- You need lightweight, hassle-free jewelry
- You’re looking for safe travel accessories
💬 Tip: Many Pakistani women now mix both — wearing artificial for fashion flexibility and real gold for long-term value.
🛍 Buying Guide: What to Look for
✅ When Buying Real Gold Necklaces:
- Always check for hallmark certification (22K, 18K, etc.)
- Buy from reputable jewelers with proper gold weight and labor breakdown
- Ask for a receipt and ensure the seller provides authenticity documentation
- Prefer designs with secure clasps and strong chains
📘 For a global perspective on hallmarks, check World Gold Council’s guide
✅ When Buying Artificial Necklaces:
- Look for nickel-free, lead-free materials for skin safety
- Choose pieces with anti-tarnish coating
- Buy from brands that offer clear photos, materials list, and customer reviews
- Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent rusting
🛍 Explore quality artificial jewelry collections at TaazStudio — known for trendy and skin-friendly designs.
🧠 Expert Tips
💡 1. Match with Outfit Neckline
- High neck: Wear a long, layered necklace
- V-neck: Opt for a pendant or Y-necklace
- Strapless: Go bold with a choker or collar necklace
💡 2. Consider Skin Tone
- Warm tones (wheatish, dusky): Yellow gold or copper-plated looks great
- Cool tones (fair, pale): White gold or silver tones stand out
💡 3. Test Before You Commit
- Try wearing artificial jewelry first to experiment with styles.
- Once you find a timeless design you love, invest in a real gold version.
💡 4. Mix & Match for Impact
- Wear a real gold chain and layer it with fashion necklaces to blend elegance with style.
- Add artificial pendants to real gold chains for a trendy hybrid look.
❓FAQs: Artificial vs. Real Gold Necklaces
🔸 Q1. Can I wear artificial necklaces daily?
Yes, but choose high-quality pieces and clean them often to avoid tarnishing. Avoid wearing them while sweating or showering.
🔸 Q2. Are artificial necklaces safe for sensitive skin?
Some are, especially nickel-free options. Always check the metal composition before buying. If you have skin allergies, stick to real gold (22K or higher).
🔸 Q3. How long do artificial necklaces last?
With good care, they can last 1–2 years. Without care, they may tarnish in weeks.
🔸 Q4. Can artificial jewelry turn skin green?
Yes — especially if the plating wears off and base metal reacts with sweat. It’s a common issue with low-quality imitation jewelry.
📘 Learn more about skin reactions to fake jewelry on Healthline
🔸 Q5. Is it better to gift real or artificial jewelry?
Depends on the occasion and your relationship with the person. Real gold is perfect for family and milestone events; artificial jewelry works well for casual gifting.
📝 Final Thoughts
In today’s fast-changing world, there’s no single “right” choice between artificial vs. real gold necklaces. Both have their own strengths:
- Real gold offers long-term value, prestige, and purity.
- Artificial jewelry delivers affordable fashion, variety, and trendiness.
Most modern Pakistani women choose both — investing in real gold for big events, while using artificial jewelry to express their everyday style.
So whether you’re looking for timeless beauty or trendy elegance, understanding the differences between artificial and real gold necklaces empowers you to make the perfect choice for every occasion.
