National News
Jewellers Offer Affordable 18-Carat, 14-Carat Options as Gold Prices Surge
With Gold Prices Rising Sharply, Jewellers Adapt by Introducing More Budget-Friendly Jewellery Choices

Gold prices have seen a significant surge this quarter, crossing the ₹8,800 per gram mark, prompting jewellers to adjust their offerings to maintain customer demand amidst rising prices. The yellow metal’s price spike has been driven by global geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, leading many customers to reconsider their jewellery purchases during the busy wedding season.

According to Ramesh Kalyanaraman, the executive director of Kerala-based Kalyan Jewellers, “What happens usually is whenever there is a sudden spike of gold price or sudden fall of the gold price, the customer takes a pause to see the direction of what is happening. There have been three spikes almost in this (January-March) quarter. Of course, the pause cannot be more than 10-15 days.”
The price rise comes at a time when the wedding season is in full swing, a period which traditionally accounts for a large share of the jewellery industry’s revenue. Kalyanaraman notes, “almost 60 per cent of the revenue comes from weddings and related shopping.” However, he acknowledges that while customers may delay purchases in the short term, the wedding season eventually drives them to make purchases despite price fluctuations.
In 2024, gold prices increased by 26 percent, marking one of the best years for the precious metal. This surge had a tangible impact on jewellery demand, which declined by 2 percent to 563.4 tonnes in 2024 from 575.8 tonnes in 2023, according to the World Gold Council. Kalyanaraman adds, “customers typically walk in with set budgets. Therefore, when prices have gone up, their volumes may come down.”
In response to this shift, jewellers have introduced more affordable alternatives. For instance, Kalyan Jewellers has expanded its offerings in 18-carat gold, which provides a 15-20 percent price difference compared to 22-carat gold, making it more accessible to customers. “When you do 18-carat jewellery, there is a 15-20 per cent rate difference. That makes it more easy to buy jewellery even if the prices have gone up,” says Kalyanaraman.
Similarly, in the diamond jewellery segment, where gold is typically 18-carat, Kalyan has introduced 14-carat gold options to make products more affordable. This shift towards lighter, more budget-friendly pieces is part of a broader trend in the industry.
“We are also observing a shift in consumer preferences with a growing inclination towards lightweight, rose gold, and white gold, primarily among younger customers,” said Saurabh Gadgil, the Chairman and Managing Director of PN Gadgil Jewellers. “We also anticipate that by 2029, the demand for 18-carat gold will increase significantly, bringing further opportunities for growth in the industry.”

In terms of expansion, Kalyan Jewellers is planning to open 170 new showrooms in the upcoming financial year, including 90 under the Kalyan brand and 80 under its lifestyle jewellery brand Candere. Kalyan recently completed the buyout of Enovate Lifestyles, which operates the Candere brand, and is transitioning it to an omnichannel model. Kalyanaraman mentioned, “Candere is in a transformation phase. It was a 100 per cent digital company. The focus was completely online. From last year, we have started offline also. In the next financial year, we will start brand campaigns and store expansion will also happen.”
The company has set an ambitious ₹1,000 crore revenue target for Candere over the next 2-3 years. As part of its expansion strategy, Kalyan Jewellers is focusing on markets outside of southern India, with plans to open 75 of its 90 new Kalyan showrooms in non-southern regions, as well as international markets in the US, UK, and the Middle East.

National News
Joyalukkas Foundation Hands Over 50 ‘Joy Homes’ to Underprivileged Families in Karnataka

Joyalukkas Foundation handed over 50 newly constructed ‘Joy Homes’ to underprivileged families across Karnataka as a step toward improving the living conditions of marginalised communities. The initiative, part of the Foundation’s ongoing “Joy Homes” project, was formally marked by a key handover ceremony held at the NIMHANS Convention Centre in Bengaluru.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of the Joyalukkas Group, and attended by prominent dignitaries including Mohammed Rihan Nawab (CEO, Emmar Properties), Mohammed Rizwan Nawab (Vice Chairman, KSRTC), Chetan Kumar Mehta (President, Jeweller’s Association, Bengaluru), and Thomas Mathew (Executive Director, Joyalukkas).
The Joy Homes initiative is rooted in the Foundation’s broader commitment to addressing basic human needs through sustainable and inclusive development efforts. Each of the homes, measuring 500 square feet and built at a cost of ₹7.5 lakh, aims to offer not just shelter, but also dignity, safety, and stability to those often left at the margins of society. Beneficiaries of the scheme include families affected by poverty, natural disasters, chronic illness (such as Endosulfan exposure), and disability.
With the latest addition in Karnataka, the total number of homes provided under the Joy Homes initiative has risen to 414 across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. In a further expansion of the programme, the Foundation also announced a new project to build 50 additional homes in Telangana, extending the reach of its housing efforts across South India. Since its inception in 2009, the Joyalukkas Foundation has focused its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities on areas such as healthcare access, education, elder care, and women’s empowerment, prioritising interventions that address systemic gaps in underserved communities. Its healthcare initiatives include the monthly distribution of over 1,000 dialysis kits in Kerala, the donation of dialysis machines, the renovation of hospital wards, and ongoing support for palliative care and blood donation drives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation supported the education of over 300 children who lost a parent through scholarships under its “Joy of Hope” programme. In Thrissur, Kerala, the Foundation also operates a senior citizen care facility that includes a dialysis centre, palliative care unit, and other specialized services. Additionally, through vocational training in beautician skills and tailoring, over 200 women have been equipped with the means to achieve financial independence. The Joy Homes project reflects the Foundation’s belief that stable housing is a fundamental step toward social upliftment. By addressing a core need, it enables vulnerable families to focus on rebuilding their lives, accessing opportunities, and securing a better future.
National News
AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers Expands Legacy with New Showroom in Perambalur

Marking a new chapter in its illustrious journey, AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers has officially inaugurated its brand-new showroom in Perambalur, bringing its legacy of trust, craftsmanship, and tradition to a fresh audience. The grand opening on May 25, 2025, was celebrated with exclusive offers and warm local reception, adding another gleaming milestone to the brand’s growing footprint.

With this launch, AVR Swarna Mahal now proudly operates 20 retail outlets across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions, further solidifying its presence as one of South India’s most beloved jewellery destinations.
The Perambalur showroom promises a wide array of exquisitely crafted pieces across categories — gold, diamond, silver, and Vendi silver jewellery — designed to meet both traditional and contemporary tastes. To commemorate the launch, the store is offering special inaugural discounts:

AVR Shreesmaran, Director of AVR Swarna Mahal stated, “With every new store, we bring not just jewellery, but a heritage of trust and fine artistry. Perambalur is a significant addition to our family, and we look forward to becoming a part of the lives and celebrations of the people here.”

- AVR Swarna Mahal has built a reputation over decades for its exceptional quality, customer service, and commitment to purity. The new Perambalur showroom carries forward this tradition, offering a seamless shopping experience in an elegant, welcoming environment.
Customers can now explore a world where every sparkle tells a story, and where tradition meets timeless beauty — right in the heart of Perambalur. and both precious and semi-precious stones.
National News
Senco Gold Shares Rise as Q4 Profit Nearly Doubles to ₹94 Cr; EBITDA Margin Improves to 9.2%

Shares of Senco Gold rose 2.11% to ₹388.85 after the company posted a sharp rise in earnings for the fourth quarter ended March 2025. The company’s net profit nearly doubled — rising 94.1% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹94 crore — driven by strong revenue growth and improved operational performance. Revenue from operations for Q4 stood at ₹1,377.71 crore, up 21.1% compared to Q4 FY24.
Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 62.4% YoY to ₹85.08 crore, while EBITDA rose 44.8% to ₹127.01 crore. The EBITDA margin improved by 150 basis points to 9.2%, reflecting better cost efficiency and higher value sales.
Operating expenses for the quarter grew by 19.2% to ₹1,250.69 crore. The cost of materials consumed increased 21.6% to ₹1,146.46 crore, and employee benefit expenses rose 27.1% to ₹35.65 crore.
For the full fiscal year FY25, Senco reported a 20.7% increase in revenue to ₹6,328.07 crore. However, net profit declined by 12% to ₹159.31 crore due to a one-time impact from a customs duty cut in July 2024. Adjusted PAT for FY25 stood at ₹207.9 crore, a YoY growth of 10.1%.

Suvankar Sen, Managing Director & CEO, highlighted the company’s robust Q4 performance, with same-store sales growth (SSSG) at 18% and a 21% volume growth in diamond jewellery, which translated to a 38% rise in value terms. Company-owned outlets, contributing 64% of retail revenues, posted a 21% growth, while the franchise segment, contributing 36%, grew by 28% YoY.
The company opened five new showrooms in Q4, across COCO, FOCO, and FOFO models. Senco also saw a surge in old gold exchanges, which made up 40% of total sales, with 61% of that coming from new, non-Senco customers.
Senco Gold, a prominent national jewellery retailer, offers a wide range of products including gold, diamond, Polki, Platinum, Kundan, Jadau, silver, and both precious and semi-precious stones.
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