Counterfeiting has long plagued luxury brands, often justified by claims that it makes high-end designs more accessible. But as the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) notes, counterfeit goods harm businesses of all sizes, lead to job losses, and increase costs for consumers.
Parisian jeweler Marie Lichtenberg has taken a bold step to counter this issue by embracing her own “counterfeit” concept. In 2023, she launched the Raiz’in Collection, an affordable alternative to her iconic lockets, after noticing a surge in low-quality imitations.
“Raiz’in is a true ‘counterfeit’—studied, developed, distributed, and loved by us,” says Lichtenberg.
Affordable Luxury with a Twist
The Raiz’in Collection offers jewelry that mirrors Lichtenberg’s signature style and craftsmanship but uses materials like 24k gold-plated brass, enamel, and mother-of-pearl resin instead of 18k gold and gemstones. With prices starting under $500, these pieces bring her designs to a broader audience while maintaining meticulous quality.
The 2024 Raiz’in Collection, launched just in time for the holidays, is now available online and at select retailers like Maxfield in Southern California. New designs feature motifs like the evil eye and sunburst, echoing her high-end scapular pendants but at a fraction of the cost.
Jewelry That Gives Back
What sets Raiz’in apart is its philanthropic angle. A portion of the collection’s proceeds is donated to Make-A-Wish France, supporting critically ill children. “Raiz’in allows us to reinvent our classics while making them accessible and contributing to a meaningful cause,” Lichtenberg explains.
Redefining Counterfeiting
“Beyond the fun, Raiz’in is useful…. For once, counterfeiting will help fund something other than terrorism or drug trafficking,” she adds. With six colors and three pendant sizes, the collection delivers exquisite charm with a positive impact.