The Sincerest Form Of Flattery: The Trickledown Effect of Celebrity Jewelry

Our culture is celebrity obsessed. We live and breathe famous people. We read magazines to see what they are doing and watch television channels devoted to their comings and goings. When are own lives do not seem nearly interesting enough we look to the famous few who live their splendidly isolated lives – isolated from any semblance of reality – and we think to ourselves, if only we were more like them

According to Randall Frost, writing on brandchannel.com, there have been many attempts to explain just what this need means. “One idea is that they serve to divert our attention away from deeper questions about the meaning of life,” he posits. “Another is that they provide us with a sense of belonging and recognition that outweighs any loneliness we may feel. Yet another idea is that celebrities provide us with the assurance that if others can succeed, so can we.”

While Frost views our celebrity needs in psychological terms, others, he writes, see celebrities in more economic terms, arguing that they are needed as role models for consumers. “Indeed, when we have doubts about which products to purchase, many of us turn to the famous for guidance. We not only purchase products endorsed by celebrities, but we also buy items intended to make us look more like celebrities.”

Nowhere is this celebrity-oriented purchasing more obvious than in the world of fashion – including jewelry.

Open almost any glossy women’s magazine and you will find a feature called Dress Like the Stars or Get the Style. These articles tell readers what their favorite actress or singer is wearing, and how they can get a celebrity look at shopping mall prices.

A huge industry has grown up around providing consumers with clothing, jewelry and accessories inspired by their favorite red carpet celebs. But while the stars are wearing high-end couture – made at high-end prices – the average woman is wearing mass market fashion at more affordable prices.

This month, IDEX Magazine looks at an industry far removed from the usual diamonds, gemstones and precious metals that usually grace these pages. We speak to some of the behind the imitation/inspiration companies and discover just what makes this ever-growing market continue to develop. We also sneak a peak at some of the celebrity jewelry blog and offer some ways for every retailer to get a slice of the celebrity market.

We look into the latest health scare involving children’s imitation jewelry and learn that while imitation is the sincerest form of flatter, sometimes it can be extremely dangerous. We examine the trend of the celebrity ambassador. And finally, we talk to Carole Tanenbaum, a vintage jewelry maven who explains just why a piece of jewelry does not have to be made from precious materials to be extremely desirable.