Shopping for jewelry in Pakistan usually comes down to three choices: gold, silver or artificial jewelry. There’s a fourth option many people haven’t tried yet: resin jewelry with real preserved flowers, handmade by an artist in our Lahore studio. Here’s an honest resin vs gold jewelry comparison, with silver and artificial pieces too, to help you choose.
The quick answer
Buy gold or silver if you want lasting value or an investment. Buy artificial jewelry if you just need something cheap for one event. Choose resin jewelry if you want something light, affordable, safe for sensitive skin and truly unique, a piece nobody else at the gathering is wearing. Just know that resin is not an investment and can scratch if handled roughly.
Resin vs gold jewelry, silver and artificial at a glance
| Gold | Silver | Artificial / imitation | Gullrung resin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Very expensive | Moderate to high | Low | From about Rs. 500 to around Rs. 6,500 |
| Weight | Heavy | Medium | Varies | Lightweight |
| Uniqueness | Classic designs, often similar | Classic designs | Mass-produced, same pieces everywhere | Handmade with real flowers; designs rarely repeated |
| Sensitive skin | Usually fine | Usually fine | Often irritates | Anti-tarnish coated, safe for sensitive skin |
| Tarnish | Doesn’t tarnish | Tarnishes over time | Tarnishes quickly | Anti-tarnish coated frames |
| Water | Fine | Can darken | Can fade or tarnish | Can get wet; wipe dry |
| Care | Professional cleaning | Regular polishing | Often short-lived | Wipe with a dry soft cloth; no repolishing service |
| Resale / investment | Strong | Some | None | None; it’s wearable art, not an investment |
| Gifting | Big-occasion gift | Thoughtful gift | Casual gift | Hand-carved wooden box, handmade gift card, waterproof ziplock |
Gold and silver: real value, real worries
Gold and silver have something resin never will: lasting value. They can be passed down, resold or kept as security, and for bridal sets that matters to many families. The downside is cost, since gold is expensive, and the worry of wearing it out. Many people now keep their gold at home and simply don’t feel safe wearing precious metal to university, the market or on public transport. Gold is also measured in karats, which tell you how pure a piece is.
Artificial and imitation jewelry: cheap, but everywhere
Artificial jewelry is popular in Pakistan for good reason: it’s affordable and copies trending designs fast. But it’s mass-produced, so you’ll often spot the same piece on someone else. Many imitation pieces tarnish or lose their shine quickly, and some irritate sensitive skin.
Neither gold nor silver: our black and rose-gold pieces
If you’re not a fan of imitation and don’t want to wear precious metal for security reasons, there’s a third way: pieces set in black frames, on black chains or black leather cords, and pieces with rose-gold toned bezels. They’re clearly neither gold nor silver, and they overflow with uniqueness. People see the dark frames and the unique flower compositions and ask where you bought them. You won’t find them in the market, only at Gullrung.
Black frames, chains and leather cords
- Niloofar-e-Gulzar Blue Floral Almost Gothic Pendant: an ornate dark black frame and bold black chain around yellow daisies, forget-me-nots and gypsophila on a vivid turquoise backdrop.
- Noor-e-Siyah Sea Green Floral Pendant: a black base on a heavy tapered black chain, with orange, red, purple and white blooms against sea-green resin.
- Durr-e-Bahaar White Multi-floral Pendant: an ornate black filigree bezel on a black leather cord, holding buttercups, forget-me-nots and baby’s breath.
- Gul-e-Aabi Gothic Blue Floral Ring: a gothic-style black filigree bezel around yellow and white blossoms on vivid blue resin. The same dark look, on your hand.
- Shabnam-e-Siyaah Black Floral Pendant: yellow and white flowers on a deep black backdrop, with a dark metallic base and a bold black leather cord.
- Noor-e-Amethyst Violet Fusion Pendant: purple petals in purplish resin on an antique bronze base, paired with a sturdy leather string and clasp.
- Flora-Fused Pendant: deep red flowers and delicate foliage in resin with an antiquated finish, for a vintage feel.
Rose-gold pieces
- Zar-e-Rung Black Floral Pendant: red mini roses, buttercups and marigolds on a deep black resin backdrop inside an ornate rose-gold bezel. Black and rose-gold in one.
- Zar-e-Gul Pink Floral Pendant: pink daisies, verbena and mini roses in pink resin, framed in an ornate rose-gold bezel.
Each piece is handmade, and designs are rarely repeated, so if one speaks to you, don’t wait too long. Curious about the names? Read the meaning behind our Urdu names.
What makes resin jewelry practical
- Light to wear. Comfortable for a full day at the office or university.
- Kind to skin. Our golden-toned metal, brass and alloy frames are anti-tarnish coated and safe for sensitive skin.
- Easy care. Pieces can get wet; just wipe with a dry soft cloth. We don’t offer a repolishing service, so treat them gently. See our resin jewelry care guide.
- Honest limits. Resin can scratch if it’s knocked or handled roughly, and it has no resale value.
Resin vs gold jewelry: which to choose when
- Bridal: gold for the family set and its value; a resin piece with real flowers makes a lovely mehndi or keepsake accessory.
- Everyday, office or university: resin. Light, affordable and no security worry.
- Gifts: resin arrives ready to give in a hand-carved wooden box with a unique handmade gift card and a waterproof ziplock bag.
- Travel: leave the gold at home; resin pieces can get wet and are easy to pack.
Wear a hijab? See how to style bracelets and scarf pins with a hijab. New to resin? Start with our resin jewelry buyer’s guide for Pakistan.
FAQ
Is resin jewelry better than gold?
Not better, just different. Gold holds value; resin is about affordable, unique, everyday style. Resin is not an investment.
Will Gullrung jewelry turn black or irritate my skin?
Our frames are anti-tarnish coated and safe for sensitive skin.
How much does Gullrung jewelry cost?
Prices range from about Rs. 500 to around Rs. 6,500.
Do you deliver across Pakistan?
Yes, we deliver nationwide across Pakistan and overseas. Message us on WhatsApp 0336 9999223.
Find something nobody else is wearing
Browse our pendants, bracelets and rings, or chat with us on WhatsApp 0336 9999223 and we’ll help you pick a piece.