A jewelry designer is furious after claiming a star piece from her new range had been “blatantly copied”.
Grace Tooze, the founder of Australian brand Lovestuck Lou, said she was heartbroken after finding a similar heart-shaped necklace advertised by a major accessories company for $39.95. Its version costs $170.
“The disappointment and frustration I feel knowing that I put so much energy, time and unique design into this collection just to be copied,” she fumed on TikTok.
Grace has been in business for 18 months and said the sold-out Lewie necklace was her best-selling item and the highlight of her most recent collection.
She said her life revolved around the brand and she devoted all her savings, energy and free time to its products.
Grace Tooze shows off her “signature” Lewie necklace
The “original” gold necklace has her brand logo in the center and is anchored on either side of the ear rather than at the top.
The one she believes to be a copy has a hole in the center of the heart – so the pendant acts more like a pearl. The logo is also missing.
People were quick to criticize the young businesswoman who claimed she had “never been so heartbroken.”
“Does this do anything special?” I’m sorry but I don’t think you can claim they copied you,” one woman said.
“It’s the least original design I’ve seen in my life. BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS? you have a heart and you put chains on each side, what are you talking about? “, wrote one woman.
“I was completely ready to be picked up until I saw it was a generic heart design,” said another.
Others echoed his argument that the design was unique.
She says this competitor’s necklace is too similar
“I have a necklace like this from Michael Hill, bought when I was 14/15 – so 2017? It’s a very basic design,” one woman said.
HELP, I EXPECTED IT TO BE LIKE A UNIQUE ARTISTIC PEACE. IT’S A HEART PENDANT,” shouted another.
A third said: “I have one identical to the one given to me by my grandmother in 1990.”
But other small business owners supported her.
“Shout it for all of us, the little girls in business who have been cheated by the big guys.” they say.
“Omg girl, yes I don’t know if I’m Delulu or not, but I have a small business and have seen the exact same product in many large retail stores with the same one.”
Grace took the opportunity to announce her ‘pre-sale’ necklace in the comments – as it is currently out of stock as a bestseller.
Dozens of people revealed they would order the original $170 necklace from her site.
