Consumer Buying Behavior toward Lightweight Jewellery


Ms Puja Rai, Fashion Management Scholar, Department of Fashion Management Studies, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India, Daman Campus
Abstract
This study focuses on understanding consumer buying behavior toward lightweight jewellery by reviewing existing literature and research findings. Lightweight jewellery, which is simple, comfortable, affordable, and suitable for regular use, has gained popularity due to changing lifestyles, modern fashion trends, and rising gold prices. The study adopts a theoretical and qualitative research approach, analyzing recent journals and academic publications to identify key factors influencing consumer purchase decisions. The findings reveal a clear shift from heavy traditional jewellery to lightweight jewellery, driven by convenience, affordability, attractive designs, and ease of maintenance. Working women and young consumers emerge as the major customer groups, as they prefer jewellery that fits their daily routines and personal style. Online shopping, social media influence, brand trust, and emotional factors such as self expression and confidence also play a significant role in shaping buying behavior.
Introduction
Consumer buying behavior toward lightweight jewellery focuses on understanding how consumers think, feel, and make decisions while purchasing lightweight jewellery. Lightweight jewellery includes ornaments that are simple in design, comfortable to wear, affordable, and suitable for regular use. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preference from heavy, traditional jewellery to lightweight jewellery due to changes in lifestyle, fashion trends, and spending habits.
Modern consumers look for jewellery that matches their daily routine and personal style. Lightweight jewellery is preferred because it is easy to wear, requires less maintenance, and can be used for both casual and formal occasions. Factors such as price, design, durability, brand reputation, and availability play a significant role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Many buyers also consider emotional factors such as self-expression, confidence, and social status while choosing jewellery.
The rise of working professionals, especially women, has increased the demand for lightweight jewellery that combines elegance with comfort. Young consumers are attracted to trendy designs promoted through social media, online platforms, and celebrity endorsements. Additionally, online
shopping has made lightweight jewellery more accessible, allowing consumers to compare designs, prices, and reviews before making a purchase.
Understanding consumer buying behavior toward lightweight jewellery is important for manufacturers, retailers, and marketers. It helps them identify customer needs, develop attractive designs, set suitable prices, and create effective marketing strategies. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, lightweight jewellery has become an important segment of the jewellery market, reflecting changing fashion trends and modern consumer lifestyles.
Objectives
1. To review literature related to understanding buying behaviour toward lightweight jewellery.
2. To theoretically analyse the reviews
3. To suggest an appropriate plan of action based on the above given topic. Research Methodology
This research took a theoretical and qualitative approach and reviewed publications related to the field. A conceptual framework was developed, linking key findings with contemporary journals and academic articles. The data was analyzed based on themes to spot patterns and gaps, and to draw conclusions for future studies, especially in apparel and fashion management. The latest publications were included to stay up-to-date with industry trends. The selection process considered ethical aspects, giving priority to open-access and reliable publications.
Literature Review
1. Buying Jewelry Online: A Study of Buyer Characteristics for Buying Behavior Authors: U. L. Thamara Priyanthi Gunasekare & Methma Jayawardena
This study focuses on how consumers behave while purchasing jewellery through online platforms. Jewellery is considered a high-value and emotional product, so consumers are naturally more careful before buying it online. Since customers cannot touch, feel, or try the jewellery, they carefully check price, size, design, material quality, images, return policies, and brand trust.
The study explains that young consumers and working professionals are more comfortable buying jewellery online, especially lightweight jewellery, because it involves lower risk and is affordable. Consumers prefer lightweight jewellery online for daily use, casual wear, and fashion purposes. The research also highlights that clear product descriptions, high-quality images, and customer reviews increase trust and purchase intention.
This study is important for lightweight jewellery research because it shows that consumers treat lightweight jewellery as a fashion accessory, not as an investment, and online platforms play a major role in influencing buying behaviour.
2. A Study on Consumer Buying Behaviour towards Gold Jewellery in Coimbatore Authors: Aravind G & Dr. S. Jayanthi Sobhana
This research studies how consumers buy gold jewellery in Coimbatore city. Traditionally, gold jewellery is bought for weddings, festivals, family functions, and investment purposes. The study explains that Indian consumers emotionally connect gold jewellery with culture, tradition, and financial security.
However, the research clearly identifies a change in consumer preference. Due to rising gold prices, modern lifestyle, and changing fashion trends, consumers are slowly shifting from heavy gold jewellery to lightweight and designer jewellery. Consumers now prefer jewellery that is easy to wear, stylish, affordable, and suitable for regular use.
Factors such as price, purity, design, making charges, brand reputation, and resale value strongly influence buying decisions. Younger consumers and working women prefer lightweight jewellery because it matches modern outfits and daily routines.
This study supports the idea that lightweight jewellery is becoming popular because it satisfies both emotional and practical needs.
3. Exploring Factors Affecting Buying Behaviour of Consumers Towards Purchasing Artificial Jewellery: A PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Kshitij Aryan Paul & Dr. Preety
This study focuses on consumer buying behaviour toward artificial jewellery. Artificial jewellery is closely related to lightweight jewellery because both are affordable, fashionable, and easy to use. The authors studied five main factors influencing buying behaviour: psychological, social, cultural, personal, and economic factors.
The research shows that price affordability, fashion trends, peer influence, social media, and lifestyle are major reasons why consumers prefer artificial and lightweight jewellery. Many consumers buy jewellery to match outfits, attend parties, or follow trends rather than for investment.
The study also explains that young consumers enjoy experimenting with different designs because artificial and lightweight jewellery is low-risk and budget-friendly. This research clearly shows that jewellery is no longer only a symbol of wealth but also a style statement.
This study strongly supports lightweight jewellery research by explaining how fashion consciousness and economic factors influence consumer behaviour.
4. Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Jewellery Products
Authors: Indian Journal (EBSCO Indexed – Various Authors)
This study examines general consumer buying behaviour toward jewellery products. It finds that consumers consider several factors before purchasing jewellery, such as brand image, design variety, price, promotional offers, trust in the seller, and store reputation.
The research highlights that modern consumers prefer organized jewellery brands because they provide transparency, quality assurance, and better designs. It also states that lightweight jewellery is becoming popular among working women, college students, and urban consumers because it is comfortable, affordable, and suitable for daily wear.
The study explains that lifestyle changes and busy routines have reduced demand for heavy jewellery, while demand for lightweight jewellery has increased.
5. Consumer Perception and Preference Towards Jewellery Products
Author(s):
Various Indian Researchers (BPAS Journals)
Detailed Explanation (Simple & Clear):
This study focuses on how consumers perceive jewellery products and what they prefer while buying them. The research shows that consumers today prefer jewellery that is light in weight, easy to maintain, fashionable, and reasonably priced.
Lightweight jewellery is perceived as modern and practical. Consumers believe it is suitable for office wear, casual outings, and daily use. The study also explains that consumers prefer designs that are trendy and match western and fusion outfits.
The research concludes that consumers no longer buy jewellery only for special occasions but also for everyday styling, which increases the demand for lightweight jewellery.
6. Factors Influencing Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Jewellery
Authors: Multiple Authors (BonView Press – JCBAR)
This study identifies major factors influencing jewellery buying behaviour. These include price, quality, brand trust, social influence, advertising, and design aesthetics. The study clearly explains that younger consumers are influenced by friends, family, celebrities, and social media trends.
Lightweight jewellery is preferred because it offers a balance between beauty, comfort, and affordability. Consumers feel more confident purchasing lightweight jewellery because it does not require heavy financial commitment.
The study concludes that jewellery buying behaviour has shifted from tradition-based decisions to need-based and lifestyle-oriented decisions.
Findings
the study reveals that consumer buying behavior toward lightweight jewellery is strongly influenced by changing lifestyles, fashion awareness, and economic considerations. There is a noticeable shift away from heavy and traditional jewellery toward lightweight options, mainly because consumers now prefer jewellery that is easy to wear, comfortable, and suitable for regular use. Lightweight jewellery is seen as more affordable and practical, especially with rising gold prices, which makes consumers more price-conscious. Design, variety, durability, and brand reputation play a key role in attracting buyers, as consumers look for stylish and modern jewellery that matches their personal identity and daily activities. Working women and young consumers emerge as the most significant customer segments, as they prefer elegant yet simple jewellery that can be worn at offices, colleges, and social gatherings. The growth of online shopping has further supported this trend by providing easy access to multiple designs, transparent pricing, reviews, and return policies, which reduce perceived risk, particularly for lightweight jewellery. Social and psychological factors such as peer influence, social media trends, celebrity endorsements, confidence, and self-expression also strongly affect purchase decisions. Overall, the findings indicate that jewellery is increasingly viewed as a fashion and lifestyle product rather than an investment, especially among urban consumers, highlighting the growing importance of lightweight jewellery in the modern jewellery market.
Conclusion
In conclusion that consumer buying behavior toward lightweight jewellery has changed significantly in recent years. Consumers today prefer lightweight jewellery over heavy traditional jewellery because it is comfortable, affordable, stylish, and suitable for everyday use. Changing lifestyles, increasing fashion awareness, and rising gold prices have made consumers more practical and value-conscious in their buying decisions. Factors such as attractive design, price, durability, brand trust, and availability strongly influence purchase behavior. Working women and young consumers are the key drivers of demand, as they view jewellery more as a fashion accessory and a means of self-expression rather than an investment. The growth of online shopping and social media has further increased the popularity of lightweight jewellery by making it easily accessible and trend-driven. Overall, the study highlights that lightweight jewellery has become an important and growing segment of the jewellery market, reflecting modern consumer needs, evolving fashion trends, and lifestyle-oriented purchasing behavior.
References
Gunasekare, U. L. T. P., & Jayawardena, M. (2024). Buying jewelry Online: A study of Buyer Characteristics for Buying behavior. Journal of Comprehensive Business Administration Research. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewjcbar42023728
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