Group 1 - The popularity of "sand gold" jewelry has surged this year as consumers seek affordable alternatives to rising gold prices, with many believing these products resemble gold in appearance but are much cheaper [1][2] - "Sand gold" is primarily sourced from countries like Vietnam and Myanmar, with claims of being color-consistent and resistant to fading, priced around 200 yuan [2][10] - Many merchants use creative naming strategies to market "sand gold," often mimicking well-known brands, while the actual content of these products is often unclear, leading to consumer confusion [4][10] Group 2 - The majority of "sand gold" jewelry is made from brass with a thin layer of gold plating, which can wear off over time, contradicting claims of durability [8][10] - The production cost of these brass-plated items is around 10 yuan, but they are sold for significantly higher prices in markets and online, creating a perception of value that does not reflect the actual material [10] - Testing has shown that these items primarily consist of copper-nickel alloys, which can release nickel, a common allergen, raising concerns about long-term wear and potential skin reactions [12][14] Group 3 - Legal experts indicate that merchants engaging in false advertising regarding "sand gold" may face severe penalties under Chinese law, including fines and imprisonment, if found guilty of misrepresenting their products [16]

Core Insights - The rising gold prices have led consumers to seek alternative jewelry options, particularly "sand gold" which mimics the appearance of gold at a lower price point [1][3] - "Sand gold" jewelry is marketed as a cost-effective substitute for gold, with claims of durability and color retention, but many products do not contain actual gold [5][10] Industry Overview - The "sand gold" products are primarily sourced from Vietnam and Myanmar, with a claimed gold content of around 5% [5] - Many merchants use misleading names and marketing tactics to enhance the perceived value of "sand gold" jewelry, often leading to inflated prices [5][10] Product Composition - Most "sand gold" jewelry is made from brass with a thin layer of gold plating (0.05 microns), which can wear off over time [8][10] - The production cost of these brass-plated items is approximately 10 yuan, but they are sold for 40 yuan or more in markets and can reach over 100 yuan online [10] Health Concerns - Testing has shown that many "sand gold" items are primarily copper-nickel alloys, which can release nickel at levels exceeding national safety standards, posing allergy risks to consumers [11][13] - There have been reports of consumers experiencing allergic reactions after wearing "sand gold" jewelry, leading to complaints on consumer platforms [13] Legal Implications - Legal experts indicate that the misleading marketing practices in the "sand gold" industry could lead to criminal charges for producers and sellers under Chinese law if they are found to be misrepresenting their products [15]