04.12.2025 18:25
Due to the fluctuations in gold prices, some citizens are turning to imitation gold, which is less expensive. Especially in Eminönü and its surroundings, imitation gold shops offer a variety of products ranging from Trabzon bracelets to five-in-one pieces and from twisted bracelets to gold belts. Experts warn that long-term use of imitation gold can lead to health issues, with some cases even requiring intensive care.
In recent years, the upward trend in gold prices has led gold jewelry enthusiasts to seek alternative solutions. Those who cannot wear gold due to its high price when attending weddings or in daily life have found a solution in imitation gold. Imitation gold, which is more affordable, is sold in most shops. Experts warn against imitation gold, stating that it can lead to health problems with long-term use.
Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay stated, "Exposure to such accessories or fake products can cause skin problems in the future. Stay away from fake jewelry and fake products. A product has a certain value. If you find it at a lower price, or if you are not buying from a licensed place, or if you find a suitable product at a very cheap place, stay away from it," he said.
"THE MOST PREFERRED AJDA BRACELET; WE SELL IT FOR 450 LIRA" Jeweler Mustafa Şahin said, "Citizens have been focused on selling for a few days. The price of gold per ounce has started to decrease. They believe that a positive news will come from the talks between America and China, so the price of gold has started to come down. Therefore, there are currently few buyers in the market." Imitation gold seller Engin Nerede stated, "Most people prefer us because they cannot afford real gold; they prefer gold-plated items. They wear these. Currently, the most preferred items are Ajda bracelets, Trabzon braids, and Ankara braids. An Ajda bracelet we have is a product dipped in gold plating. We sell each for 450 lira. Trabzon braid is currently 750 lira with us. In the Grand Bazaar, it ranges between 200,000 and 300,000 lira. Our Ankara braid has thin and thick versions in the Grand Bazaar, and it varies according to its weight. We sell each for 400 lira. Since gold is on the rise, the demand for our so-called fake gold-plated products is higher," he said.
"YOU MAY BUY THE SMALLEST ONE BUT WEAR THE REAL ONE" Filiz Çakır, who prefers real gold over imitation, said, "We came to look at gold. We are in the engagement preparation for my daughter. That's why we came to look for gold. Prices have dropped a bit in the last few days, as you know. Now we are looking. There were Trabzon woven bracelets. We asked about their prices. We are looking, hopefully, we will buy. Gold prices have risen, but I have never bought or worn fake gold for myself, nor do I prefer it. You may buy the smallest one, but you wear the real one," she said.
"MY BODY DID NOT WANT TO WEAR IT" Zuhal Akçay said, "I used to wear it before; but other imitations caused me allergies. Now I have to use imitation out of necessity. Thank God my allergic reaction has passed. I was going to buy an Ajda bracelet. Because prices are very high, I had to look at imitation. Imitations are 500 lira, 600 lira, quite reasonable prices. Due to high gold prices, I prefer imitations. I was itching; I had redness; my body did not want to wear it; but now that I can't wear gold, I can say that after trying a few times, my reactions have decreased," she said.
"THERE ARE THOSE WHO NEED INTENSIVE CARE" Experts warn about imitation gold, which is sold at lower prices and is difficult to distinguish from real gold. Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay, a faculty member of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, stated, "Fake gold or fake accessories, jewelry, etc., can contain nickel, cadmium, lead, or other heavy metals, and they generally do mix. If metals like nickel are mixed in, and if the person has a tendency to allergic reactions, swelling, redness, itching, edema, and fluid accumulation can develop in the areas they come into contact with. In fact, metals like nickel that enter the skin with sweat can penetrate deeper, causing more severe allergic reactions. Sometimes, if a person is atopic allergic, this reaction does not remain limited to the area of contact. Wearing a fake earring or fake necklace does not only cause a reaction in that area. Severe reactions that can spread throughout the body, even requiring emergency and intensive care, such as shortness of breath, respiratory arrest, and drop in blood pressure, can also occur. Due to these types of metals, skin discoloration, darkening, especially in areas like the neck and armpits, or irregularities in skin color can also occur," he said.
"IT CAN CAUSE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DELAYS" Prof. Dr. Kutlubay stated, "Due to the presence of metals that should not be in fake gold or fake accessories, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, various coronary disorders or growth delays can occur, and even some endocrine problems in children can arise. Although the systemic effects of these types of metals passing through the skin into the bloodstream are very low, if a person is continuously exposed to them for years, there is a theoretical possibility of more serious health problems arising due to these metals," he said.
Kutlubay stated that imitation gold can cause growth and developmental delays in children, saying, "If the metals in these accessories mix with the blood in high amounts, they can lead to growth and developmental delays, certain hormonal problems, and early puberty in children; however, this requires prolonged exposure to such metals or accessories for decades. The duration can vary based on the individual's immune system, skin structure, and the immune system of the skin, which can be ten years or twenty years. Exposure to such accessories or fake products can cause skin problems in the future. Stay away from fake jewelry and counterfeit products. A product has a certain value. If you find it at a lower price, or if you are not buying from a licensed place, or if you find a suitable product at a very cheap place, stay away from it," he said.
.