Women in the UK own unworn jewellery worth £6.2bn, study claims

But more than two-thirds of respondents wear same pieces ever day

Jack Peat
Saturday 11 May 2019 04:06 EDT
Comments
(Eva Katalin/iStock/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

On average, a woman’s jewellery box is home to around £186 of unworn earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets, a new study claims.

This extrapolates to £6.2bn of jewellery stored in boxes across the UK.

A poll of 2,000 women found 70 percent chose to wear the same pieces of jewellery from their collection every day, rather than branch out.

However, despite the lack of variety in their accessorising habits, purchasing new jewellery is one of British women’s favourite pastimes.

One in five admitted that buying new jewellery is their “favourite affordable luxury“.

According to stylist Nisha Grewel: “Pearls are having a resurgence and are firmly established as the must have gemstone of 2019.

“We saw pearls added to headbands, jackets and even denim on the Spring/Summer catwalks, offering a modern twist to a longtime classic.

“It’s a huge trend for the summer and is only set to continue.”

The majority of respondents owned a piece of pearl jewellery and a third of 18 to 24-year-olds said they had bought at least one pearl accessory in the last six months.

Some believed Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have made pearls popular again by updating the public’s image of the traditional gemstone.

SWNS

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in