# Synthetic Opulence Gem alternatives provide affordable luxury with an authentic twist. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Jul 8, 2016 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/synthetic-opulence ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Synthetic Opulence trend? **Synthetic Opulence:** In search of glamour while coping with financial instability and pervasive debt, Millennial consumers are accessorizing with nature-inspired materials and DIY options to achieve the look of luxury without breaking the bank. In contrast to the pristine perfection of laser-cut jewels, homemade ornaments also serve to satiate the appearance of authenticity and uniqueness that Millennials crave. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 18, 2015 to Jun 15, 2016 - Published: Jul 8, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Synthetic Opulence trend ### DIY Luxury Millennial consumers are seeking the glamorous look of luxury without breaking the bank through DIY and nature-inspired materials. ### Eco-Friendly Jewelry Designers are repurposing natural materials such as wood, repurposed paper, and edible salt to create unique handmade pieces of jewelry. ### 3D Printed Jewelry Additive manufacturing technology is offering cost-effective ways to create unique and intricate pieces of jewelry. ## What the Synthetic Opulence trend means for industry ### For Fashion and Accessories Designers are experimenting with alternative materials to create affordable, eco-friendly, and unique accessories. ### For 3D Printing Additive manufacturing is reshaping the jewelry industry, making it possible to create intricate and personalized pieces. ### For Sustainability Eco-friendly jewelry design is a part of the larger sustainable movement that is taking root in various industries. ## Workshop question How could your brand incorporate luxurious components to attract Millennial consumers without having to charge luxury prices? ## Trend signals for Synthetic Opulence Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 73%, activity 79%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 73% - Activity: 79% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Synthetic Opulence trend 5 featured examples from Sep 18, 2015 to Jun 15, 2016. - [Semi-Natural Wooden Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-and-resin): These Artistic Accessories are Made of Wood and Resin Materials (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion and accessories industry can benefit from using sustainable materials like wood and resin to create eco-friendly, artistic pieces of jewelry for the conscious consumer. - [Sophisticated Paper Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-jewelry): This Artisan Jewelry is Constructed With Repurposed Paper (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion and accessories industry can explore using repurposed materials to create sustainable and unique jewelry designs. - [Boyfriend-Made Engagement Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boyfriendmade-engagement-ring): Imgur User Jarvicious Creates His Own Custom Ring to Propose With (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Jewelry makers can capitalize on the trend of homemade engagement rings by offering affordable, beginner-friendly workshops, online tutorials, and customizable kits with a focus o… - [3D-Printed Crystal Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystal-jewelry): STONEDALONE Jewelry Pieces are Created with Additive Manufacturing (Category: Fashion) Implication: Transforming the jewelry industry by incorporating additive manufacturing to produce unique crystal pieces. - [Edible Salt Necklaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/added-nutrients): These Jewelry Pieces Feature Lickable Salt Pendants for Added Nutrients (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine fashion and functionality in innovative ways to offer consumers unique and practical wearable products. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)