We’ve all been there — scrolling through social media, spotting a stunning design, and thinking, “This is amazing, I could do something with this.” Maybe you even screenshot it for later. That moment of admiration is totally normal, and yes, it’s how creativity often works — one spark leads to another.

But here’s the tricky part: when does inspiration cross the line into imitation? There’s a difference between being creatively influenced and replicating someone else’s hard work. The quote “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” may sound nice, but in design, it’s also a fast track to losing your credibility.

This issue is especially relevant in the Indian jewellery market, a diverse ecosystem that includes couture artisans, mass-market retailers, and indie designers — all coexisting alongside a booming imitation market. When original designs are copied and mass-produced, it damages the brand identity of the creator, dilutes the uniqueness of their work, and erodes the value of true craftsmanship.

Being inspired is natural — but respecting originality is essential.

Let us have a look at what ace Jewellery Designers/ Brands from the industry have to say about Plagiarsim & Inspiration in jewellery designs:

Avama Jewellers

Abhishek Kajaria, Founder and Owner

1. How do you identify and cultivate your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) as a jewelry designer in a market full of competition?

At our luxury jewelry brand, our Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is rooted in innovative craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of our clients’ desires. We push the boundaries of design while staying true to our brand’s aesthetic..

 2. What steps can designers take to ensure they are drawing from a broad range of influences rather than just one or two sources, in order to create more original and diverse designs?

To create original and diverse designs, we encourage our designers to draw inspiration from various sources, including art, architecture, nature, and cultural heritage. We also foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among our team members, which helps to stimulate creativity and innovation.

3. What to do if your jewellery design is being copied? What are the legal implications to such plagiarism?

If we find our jewelry design is being copied, we promptly protect our rights by sending a cease-and-desist notice, seeking legal advice, or taking other actions to stop the infringement.

 4. In your experience, how does acknowledging the influence of other designers in your work contribute to your growth as a designer, and how do you ensure that your own originality still shines through?

Recognizing the influence of other designers is vital for our growth. By acknowledging their contributions, we can learn from their experiences and create something original. We maintain our uniqueness by staying true to our brand’s vision and aesthetic.

    Mahabir Danwar Jewellers – Vijay Soni, Director

1. How do you identify and cultivate your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) as a jewelry designer in a market full of competition?

 At Mahabir Danwar Jewellers, our USP lies in the fusion of heritage craftsmanship, innovative design, and exclusivity. We stay true to our brand ethos—blending timeless elegance with modern creativity. Through research, trend awareness, and our signature design language, we ensure every collection tells a unique story and evokes a personal connection, setting us apart in a crowded market.

• What steps can designers take to ensure they are drawing from a broad range of influences to create original and diverse designs?

 Originality comes from exploring beyond the obvious. Designers should:

 • Draw from varied sources like architecture, nature, and fine arts
 • Study global and historical craftsmanship
 • Experiment with new materials and techniques
 • Avoid trend-chasing and focus on building a personal voice
 By broadening their creative lens, designers can avoid unintentional imitation and develop truly distinct designs.

• What to do if your jewelry design is being copied? What are the legal implications of such plagiarism?

 To protect designs:

 • Register copyrights, trademarks, or design patents
 • Take legal action, such as sending cease-and-desist notices
 • Document the design process for proof of originality
 • Raise awareness through industry platforms
 Proactive protection is key to preserving exclusivity and creative ownership.

• How does acknowledging the influence of other designers help your growth while maintaining originality?

 Acknowledging others’ work promotes learning and innovation. However, we ensure originality by:

 • Using inspiration as a base, not a blueprint
 • Infusing personal storytelling and brand identity
 • Innovating through design, materials, and craftsmanship
 • Continuously evolving our creative voice
 Respecting influence while transforming it ensures our work stays authentic and uniquely ours.

Neeta Boochra Jewellery

Neeta Boochra, Founder

1)What steps can designers take to ensure they are drawing from a broad range of influences rather than just one or two sources, in order to create more original and diverse designs?

Indian jewellery designers have access to a vast and layered cultural heritage, but relying too heavily on a few well-known motifs (like Mughal, temple, or tribal jewellery) can limit innovation. To ensure originality and a broader creative palette, Indian designers can take the following India-specific steps to diversify their influences and evolve their design language:

Explore Regional Diversity: Study lesser-known jewellery traditions from Northeast India, tribal areas, and rural crafts like Dokra, Bastar, or Manipuri designs.

Blend Tradition with Contemporary Indian Art: Take inspiration from modern Indian artists, textile patterns, or architectural forms like stepwells or temple carvings.

Use Indian Literature & Philosophy: Draw abstract concepts from epics, folktales, and philosophies (Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi) to deepen your narrative.

Tap into Natural and Urban Landscapes: Let India’s diverse geography and cityscapes inspire shapes, textures, and forms.

Reimagine Obscure Historical Styles: Revive and reinterpret jewellery from lesser-known dynasties or rare styles like Chettinad or Satavahana-era adornments.

Collaborate Across Crafts: Work with artisans from weaving, embroidery, pottery, or painting to bring fresh perspectives and techniques.

2.            What to do if your jewellery design is being copied? What are the legal implications to such plagiarism?

If your jewellery design is being copied in India, you do have legal recourse, though the process depends on how you’ve protected your design. Here’s what you can do, along with the relevant legal implications under Indian law:

Collect Evidence

• Gather proof of your original design: sketches, CAD files, timestamps, emails, product photos, and public release dates.
• Take screenshots and purchase records of the copied designs for comparison.

Send a Legal Notice

• Through a lawyer, send a cease and desist notice to the infringing party demanding they stop production/sale immediately.

Take Civil or Criminal Action

• Civil remedies: You can seek injunctions, monetary damages, and destruction of copied goods.

3.            In your experience, how does acknowledging the influence of other designers in your work contribute to your growth as a designer, and how do you ensure that your own originality still shines through?

Acknowledging the influence of other designers is not only a mark of integrity but also a powerful tool for personal growth

Promotes Humility and Learning: Recognizing others’ impact keeps you open to learning. It reminds you that design is a dialogue, not a solo performance.

Builds Deeper Understanding: When you consciously study and credit a designer’s work, you often uncover why it resonates with you—materials, philosophy, structure—helping you better refine your own preferences and style.

Over the past year, GIVA has witnessed a growing demand for LGDs, driven largely by millennials and Gen Z. Ishendra Agarwal, CEO and Founder, GIVA speaking to JewelBuzz underscores the fact that  LGDs offer timeless beauty with lower environmental impact, aligning with modern values and redefining fine jewellery in India.  GIVA is leveraging their flexibility and affordability to democratize aspiration, delivering high-quality, customizable designs. As LGDs gain traction, GIVA aims to lead the shift toward a more inclusive, responsible, and innovative jewellery future.

1. Over the last year, consumer preferences have noticeably shifted toward conscious luxury. How is GIVA seeing this trend play out in terms of demand for lab-grown diamonds, especially among millennials and Gen Z?

 We’re seeing a clear shift in the way younger consumers define luxury. Millennials and Gen Z are leaning into purpose-driven purchases, where beauty meets responsibility. Lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) align perfectly with this ethos, offering timeless clarity and shine with a conscious edge. At GIVA, the response has been phenomenal. We’re witnessing a steady rise in first-time fine jewellery buyers choosing LGDs because they reflect both their style and values.

Our Mother’s Day collection was met with a fantastic response, especially popular were our earrings and pendant sets, along with 18K rings and earrings that saw strong customer interest.

2. Lab-grown diamonds are being touted as the next big thing in fine jewellery. What makes this category so exciting for GIVA, and how do you see it reshaping the future of the jewellery industry in India?

Lab-grown diamonds are more than a passing trend; they are fundamentally changing the definition and accessibility of luxury. GIVA is enthusiastic about their potential to merge innovation, ethical considerations, and elegance, appealing to today’s environmentally aware customers. LGDs provide greater design possibilities, promote sustainability, and offer more accessible price points, making fine jewelry more inclusive and forward-thinking. As their popularity increases, lab-grown diamonds are expected to significantly reshape India’s jewelry market.

3. Lab-grown diamonds offer the charm of fine jewellery at a more accessible price point. How is GIVA using this to democratize aspiration, making premium design and craftsmanship available to a wider audience?

We’ve always believed that luxury should feel personal and not out of reach. Lab-grown diamonds allow us to deliver exceptional craftsmanship, meaningful design, and lasting brilliance at a price point that’s more accessible.

At GIVA, we’re not just offering jewellery; we’re creating opportunities for more people to celebrate life’s moments with pieces that reflect both value and values. Whether it’s a first fine jewellery purchase or a conscious choice for love, LGDs are helping us democratize aspiration without compromising on quality or emotion.

4. Sustainability has become a buzzword across industries — but what does it mean in the context of lab-grown diamonds?

In the world of jewellery, sustainability means transparency, responsibility, and innovation. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments with significantly lower environmental impact. For GIVA, embracing LGDs is part of our commitment to a cleaner, kinder future, where beauty doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. And we’re committed to educating our customers about why that matters.

5. With LGDs offering more flexibility in size, shape, and quality — how has this impacted GIVA’s approach to product design and innovation?

Lab-grown diamonds have unlocked a new dimension of design freedom for us at GIVA. With greater flexibility in size, shape, and quality, we at GIVA are able to  now experiment with cuts and settings that were previously limited by cost or sourcing constraints.

This has led to bolder, more intricate designs and importantly, the ability to offer made-to-order pieces that reflect personal stories and preferences. From concept to creation, we’re able to deliver variety, brilliance, and customization at a pace and price that today’s consumer expects.

6. Do you foresee lab-grown diamonds becoming mainstream in India? And what role will GIVA play in building this next chapter of modern jewellery?

 Yes, we believe lab-grown diamonds are on the cusp of becoming mainstream in India. As awareness builds and barriers fall, LGDs will define a new era of jewellery that is aspirational yet ethical, premium yet personal. At GIVA, we see ourselves at the forefront of this change, driving education, expanding access, and building a brand that evolves with the modern consumer.

7. Trade and industry needs to strictly adhere to the ethical guidelines of LGD declaration. What is the level of this compliance in industry and retail trade?

Transparency is the cornerstone of trust in the jewellery industry, especially with an emerging category like lab-grown diamonds. While awareness and compliance around LGD declaration are steadily improving, there’s still work to be done across both trade and retail.

Leading brands and responsible retailers are taking clear steps to label LGDs correctly and educate consumers about their origin, quality, and value. However, consistent industry-wide adherence to ethical guidelines is critical to protect consumer trust and ensure the category’s long-term credibility. As the market matures, we expect stricter self-regulation and more informed choices, both from sellers and buyers.

Festivals and auspicious occasions are intricately woven into the tapestry of Indian culture and the Indian jewellery trade. Every second month comes up a festival or auspicious occasion and with it comes a downpour of discounts and deals. The Indian customer is ready to lap up the discount offers like milk and honey! So, like other retail businesses, the jewellery retail industry too, depends on seasonal offers and discounts to increase the sales.

Why do seasonal discounts and offers matter?

● The Indian calendar is dotted with festivals and occasions every month. Such festivities are normally associated with jewellery purchase to augur good fortune to the family. To attract customers, offering special festival discounts have become the norm.

● During festivals like Diwali or Pongal, the government employees get their bonus which is a bulk amount used often for investment in gold. To lure the customers to invest heavily in gold purchase, higher discounts are offered.

● Certain auspicious days like Dhanteras or Akshaya Tritiya are specifically linked with gold purchase as families buy gold on these days and worship God with gold coins.

● Occasions like Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are being highlighted recently to push sales further with special offers.

● Certain festivals like Varalakshmi Pooja, Karva Chauth or Vijayadashami have become occasions for women to buy new jewellery. With gold being such a high-priced commodity, frequent purchases are not easy for an average customer. Thus, the only option for a retailer is to offer such discounts and offers during festivals to boost sales.

How to boost jewellery sales using seasonal discounts and offers

• Read your customers Assess the footfall of customers during festive seasons. This

may vary from one shop to another shop in another location depending onthe type of customers you cater to- For example. middleclass customers find it convenient to purchase gold during Diwali, New Year or Akshaya Tritiya. For theaffluent, every day is an occasion.

● The locality your store is in- If your store is located in a North Indian niche, you can expect customers during Dhanteras. In a South Indian locality, Akshaya Tritiya, Onam, Uganda, Pongal, Diwali or Dussehra are the best for buying gold. In a Muslim dominated area, sales are bound to shoot only during weddings. Christians normally purchase gold for their engagements and weddings or during Christmas. Make a list of the days or occasions where you had maximum sales. Some festivals may attract crowds to your store but how many actually bought and why? Analyse.

How seasonal discounts are decisive factors in increasing Jewellery sales

1. Offer a seasonal discount only if it is worth it.

During a festival, every jeweller in town is offering a discount and the competition is intense. Do not just join the competition blindly and offer heavy discounts. Instead, evaluate whether giving a discount of this size has worked for you earlier. If not, you can test-market by offering this discount moderately for a few days and judge the outcome. Offer a seasonal discount only if you think it is worth the trouble. or if you are desperate to liquidate stock.

2. Be different in your discounts

10% off on making charges, zero wastage- all this has become common phrases during festive time. Try something different.

● Tanishq offered a 20% discount on making charges with an additional 5% with State Bank debit and credit cards

● GRT offered silver items free for the weight of gold etc.

● PC Jewellers has cleverly coined its discount deal as “20% off on diamond jewellery” and “20% off on making charges of gold jewellery”. Here the 20% looms large and draws the customer to the store.

● Durga Jewellers of Bangalore goes a step further with its ‘Buy 1, get 2 ” offer on Solitaire jewellery.

3. Make an impact with the discount offer

Evolve print or social media campaigns based on this discountoffer and spread the word around. Intimate your customers of this offer by email, SMS, voice call, WhatsApp or FB messages. Make sure that your discounts make an impact on the customer and draw her to your store. Kamdhenu Jewellers of Chennai has marketed this ad across Facebook and received good response.

4. Special discounts as a mark of loyalty or regular purchase.

Discount depends on your discretion. Turn it into a favourable asset. Yes, it is possible if you offer discounts to

● Loyal customers who have been purchasing jewellery from you for ages, from generation to generation.

● Customers who have brought in many referrals through friends and relatives.

● Frequent shoppers who make small but regular purchases. This not only enhances your customer loyalty but also assures of more purchases in the future years.

The How, When and Why of discounts

It is not just the discount that matters. It is the How, When and Why that matter.

1. How– How do you present your discount? A 20% off on diamond jewellery sounds lame but a Celerio car or an LCD TV sounds huge. The price of both may be equal but, to the customer, yes, the physical representation as a car has great bearing like in this ad.

2. When -When to offer the discount? Offer discounts when your competitors are not even close. Make a difference in the timing of the discount to render it exclusive.

3. Why –Why are you offering the discount? Convey the reason for the discount to the customer- as a

● Festive gift

● Profit-sharing measure

● Mark of the customer’s loyalty.

This will increase the respect and trust among your regular customers. Dishing out discounts, anyone can do. But offering well thought out discounts is the key to successful jewellery retailing.