Sales fell and became smaller as the environment and size decreased.

Fluctuations in the gold market and the economic crisis increased the price of Trabzon wicker, which is produced solely by hand in Trabzon and has a geographical indication, and negatively affected its sales. Since the price of Trabzon wicker, an essential accessory for weddings, in the known sizes has increased between 200,000 and 500,000 lira, jewelers have introduced smaller sized and lower carat wickers onto the market.

WE SELL 2-3 GAMES A WEEK

President of the Trabzon Chamber of Jewelers and Watchmakers Ali Yazıcı said that while they can sell at least two or three sets of wicker per week, they can only sell three sets of wicker during the wedding season.

– Rising gold prices, especially after the pandemic period, caused a decline in sales of Trabzon wicker, an indispensable accessory for weddings. People’s purchasing power is now insufficient. This year we were disappointed by sales in the domestic market. Since large rugs could not be sold, small, low-quality rugs began to be seen more frequently on the market. They are sold even if they are less than 14 carats. We resort to this type of studies to appeal to different budgets. For my part, I can say that we either sold three wicker sets or we couldn’t sell any. Before we could sell two or three sets of wicker a week. This situation is a natural result of economic conditions. If gold prices rise tomorrow, we will reduce the size.

DECREASE IN Türkiye, INCREASE ABROAD

Jeweler Selim Turan stated that sales of Trabzon wicker have decreased in Turkey but increased abroad: “Although before we could sell 21 or 23 rows of wicker, now we can only sell 15 or 7 rows. This situation is related to economic conditions. Those with economic power can buy it. Foreign sales of Trabzon wicker increased. It is shipped in large quantities, especially to Dubai and Middle Eastern countries. While today a workshop can sell more than 1 kilogram abroad, in Turkey there is a decrease. “Trabzon wicker jewelry has become a kind of luxury in Turkey,” he said.

SALES DECREASE BY 20 PERCENT

Gold producer Zeki Yıldız stated that the demand for lightweight bracelets has increased in the market:

– The women who weave the mat are paid a labor rate, which increases the cost. It is currently the heaviest gold mesh bracelet you can buy on the market. Wicker sales fell 20 percent along with economic conditions. In the market people buy bracelets with smaller weights and some prefer other priority needs instead of buying bracelets for the wedding. Wicker has become something of a luxury and people try to stay away from it because it can deteriorate over time.

Stating that their main needs are jewelry, the women said they did not want to buy Trabzon wicker due to financial difficulties.

One woman said: “The conditions are very difficult. Trabzon carpet used to be indispensable for weddings, but now it is not.” Rising prices put an end to traditions. “Due to rising costs, no one can buy traditional Trabzon jewelry because needs come first before jewelry,” she said.