National News
Gold discounts in India widened this week to their highest point in nearly eight months
Gold discounts in India widened this week to their highest point in nearly eight months, as a surge in prices to a record high dampened demand, while customers in other key hubs also remained on the sidelines. Indian dealers this week offered a discount of up to $39 an ounce over official domestic prices, including 6 per cent import and 3 per cent sales levies, up from a discount of $10 to $21 last week.
Indian dealers this week offered a discount of up to $39 an ounce over official domestic prices, including 6% import and 3% sales levies, up from a discount of $10 to $21 last week.
“Jewellers are not keen on building high-cost inventory at the end of the financial year, as they are busy closing accounts,” said a Mumbai-based dealer with a bullion-importing bank. India’s financial year runs from April until March 31.
India’s gold imports are set to tumble 85% in February from year-ago levels, reaching their lowest levels in 20 years, as demand is dampened by record-high bullion prices.
In China, the world’s largest consumer, gold traded at a discount of $1 to an $18 premium over spot prices. Meanwhile, dealers in Hong Kong charged premiums ranging from par to $2 per ounce.In Japan, bullion was sold between a discount of $3 and a premium of $0.5, a trader said. In Singapore, gold traded between a $0.50 discount and a $3 premium
National News
Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds Raises INR 275 Crore To Strengthen Vertical Integration and Accelerate Retail Expansion Across India
The INR 275 Crore Funding Will Bolster Manufacturing, Innovation, and Retail Expansion As Limelight Targets 200 Stores Nationwide By 2027.
Limelight Diamonds, India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery brand, has successfully completed an INR 275 crore strategic funding round led by the Company’s core promoters, the Bhathwari Group, along with participation from key strategic partners from the jewellery industry. The round also saw strong participation from several of the Company’s franchise partners, reinforcing their confidence in Limelight’s long-term vision, business fundamentals, and growth trajectory.
The capital has been raised through a combination of equity and cash consideration and will be utilised towards strengthening the Company’s vertical integration capabilities, expanding manufacturing infrastructure, enhancing design and innovation capabilities, and accelerating retail expansion across India.
At a time when the national conversation is increasingly focused on strengthening domestic industries and reducing dependency on imports under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Make in India” vision, Limelight Diamonds believes the lab grown diamond sector is uniquely positioned to become a globally competitive Indian luxury category. Lab grown diamonds represent a modern, technology-led manufacturing opportunity for India. With strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, skilled craftsmanship, and growing consumer demand, the category aligns closely with India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing and export hub.
Commenting on the milestone, Pooja Madhavan, Founder & MD, said:
“This funding round is a strong validation of Limelight’s vision and the growing potential of the lab grown diamond industry in India. At a time when Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ vision is driving focus towards domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness, we believe lab grown diamonds present a significant opportunity for India to lead a new-age luxury category globally. This investment will help us strengthen Indian manufacturing, accelerate retail expansion, and build a world-class brand from India for the world.”

Limelight Diamonds also confirmed that its retail expansion plans remain firmly on track, with aggressive growth planned across metro cities, Tier I, and emerging Tier II markets. The Company aims to significantly increase its national retail footprint through a combination of company-owned and franchise-operated stores, with a target of adding 100 stores in 2026 and scaling up to 200 stores by 2027.
The funding comes at a time when consumer interest in lab grown diamonds is witnessing rapid momentum globally, driven by evolving preferences, value-conscious luxury consumption, sustainability considerations, and increasing acceptance among younger consumers.
With a strong retail network, vertically integrated operations, and growing investor confidence, Limelight Diamonds is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s next-generation jewellery revolution.
BSC Advisors served as the financial advisor to Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds for this strategic fund raise.
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