Knock-off jewelry is jewelry designed to look like the designer original, but sold for a less expensive price. This is different than jewelry that is fake, yet marketed and sold as if it is the original -- this is an illegal practice. Knock-off jewelry, for this purpose, refers to jewelry that is inspired by the original piece, but is clearly marked as a replica of the original.
Knock-off or replica jewelry can also refer to jewelry that is designed to look as if it has precious stones in it, but instead has replicas. A ring made from cubic zirconia instead of diamonds is a good example of this. Knock-off jewelry can include any type of jewelry desired, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and brooches, among others.
The primary reason to purchase knock-off jewelry is, somewhat obviously, because the original is too expensive. Knock-offs are frequently created after awards shows, where celebrities are seen wearing particular pieces of jewelry that other people might like to own. Other knock-offs are inspired by more common designers, but are equally popular. Knock-off jewelry may be made of the same metals, including gold and silver, but usually contains imitation stones or pearls, as those are the most expensive features -- aside from the name of the designer.
Knock-off jewelry can be purchased online or in stores. It is very simple to find, and is almost always much less expensive than the original. You might also wear a replicated piece of jewelry if you are worried about damaging or losing the original. For example, if you do a lot of work with your hands or are always busy running around, you may not always want to wear an expensive diamond wedding band or pair of diamond earrings. A knock-off can look almost exactly the same, and if you lose it, you've only lost a small amount of money and a piece of jewelry that likely doesn't have as much sentimental value as the original.
Replicated jewelry can also make a nice gift. Even if it is not the expensive original, it can still look very nice. You might purchase knock-off jewelry for a wedding party, for instance -- in pictures, no one will be able to tell the difference, and you will be able to spend that money elsewhere. If you are looking to save some money, purchasing designer inspired, replicated jewelry is a great way to do it.