By Invitation
Mangalsutra market glows with steady 11% growth rate
by Tanvi shahÂ
Director & Head – CareEdge Advisory & Research

Tanvi shah -Director & Head – CareEdge Advisory & Research
The gems and jewellery market has clocked a healthy CAGR of 11% from CY20-24, to reach at Rs. 8,110 billion in CY24. A similar growth trajectory is expected to continue in the next 5 years. Furthermore, bangles and chains hold a large share in the overall jewellery market. As consumer preferences evolve, the Indian jewellery sector is undergoing notable transformation. Central to this shift is the Mangalsutraâa piece that embodies both cultural heritage and modern sensibility. Traditionally revered as a symbol of marital unity and prosperity, the Mangalsutra has maintained its cultural significance while aligning with contemporary aesthetics and changing lifestyles.
The Mangalsutra market has grown at over 10% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years and estimated to be Rs 190 billion in CY24(E). With the consistently rising number of weddings in India, the market is set to expand steadily and is expected to surpass Rs 250 billion by CY29.
Weddings: The Prime Driver of Demand
Weddings remain the key driver of Mangalsutra purchases, with the ornament continuing to symbolize matrimony across communities. As weddings evolveâespecially with greater financial independence among millennial couplesâbuying behaviours are also shifting. While 80â82% of wedding expenses are still covered through savings, around 10% rely on loans and 6â8% liquidate assets.
In 2024, India recorded 124.3 lakh weddings, marking a strong post-pandemic momentum. This upward trend continued from earlier years and is expected to accelerate, with weddings projected to reach 180.8 lakh by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.8%. This growth is also fuelling demand for bridal jewellery, underscoring the wedding sectorâs resilience and its rising contribution to the national economy.
Chart 1: Total Number of Weddings in India, CY2024-32

Source: Industry Sources, CareEdge Research
Source: Industry Sources, CareEdge Research
The rise of destination weddings and thematic ceremonies has prompted demand for multiple Mangalsutra designs. Brides now seek elaborate gold pieces for traditional rituals and minimalist styles for more modern or informal functions. This shift has encouraged jewellers to diversify their offerings, enabling repeat purchases beyond the initial wedding.
Evolving Designs: A Fusion of Style and Sentiment
Although traditional Mangalsutrasâcharacterised by black beads and gold linksâcontinue to dominate, capturing a 62% share of the market in CY24, the preference for modern alternatives is rising. Designs featuring sleek lines, diamonds, and mixed metals now comprise 32% of the market and resonate particularly with younger, urban consumers who prioritise versatility and style.
Chart 2: Indian Mangalsutra Market: Break-up by Design (% share) for CY24(E)
Source: CareEdge Research
Customisation has emerged as a notable trend. Consumers increasingly request bespoke elements, including unique pendant shapes, gemstone settings, and tailored chain lengths. Presently, customised Mangalsutras account for approximately 5% of the market. Jewellers are responding by embracing advanced design technologies and personalised consultations, enabling them to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Material preferences reflect shifting choices considering prices
Gold remains the market leader in Mangalsutra, and 22K gold accounts for 52% of the share because of its long-standing tradition of symbolizing security and affluence. Nevertheless, an price increaseâfrom around Rs 67,175 per 10 grams during April 2024 to Rs 90,050 as of 24th April 2025âhas forced consumers to question their decisions, tending towards lighter or affordable options.
Chart 3: Indian Mangalsutra market breakup by material type (% share) for CY24(E)
Â
Source: CareEdge Research
Note: Others include Beads, Synthetic Metals, Semi-Precious stones, etc.
Silver Mangalsutras, now commanding a 31% share, offer an affordable and wearable alternative. Their simplicity appeals to younger consumers who seek practical, everyday options. Meanwhile, diamond Mangalsutras hold a 12% market share, gaining popularity among those who value elegance and symbolic distinction. Fusion designs, incorporating gold, silver, and diamonds, are also gaining ground as jewellers strive to serve a broader demographic.
Market Outlook: Strong sentiment supporting healthy sales growth
Gold Mangalsutras continue to represent nearly 52.3% of the total market, but interest in alternative silver or diamond variants is also attracting more consumers. Going forward, these changing consumer preferences will encourage many new replacement and repeat purchases, creating fresh opportunities for jewellers.
In contrast to the overall demand for gold jewellery, which declined by 2.3 percent year-on-year in CY24, the Mangalsutra market demonstrated remarkable resilience by maintaining double-digit growth. As weddings continued and consumer preferences evolved, the Mangalsutra adapted accordingly embracing new and exciting designs without compromising its cultural significance.
A commitment symbol and a personal style will keep it constantly relevant in India’s jewellery landscape, full of diversity and dynamism.
By Invitation
Indiaâs Next Decade in Jewellery Exports: Scale, Discipline & Global Positioning
By Darshan Chauhan, Director –
Sky Gold Ltd.
Indiaâs jewellery export journey has been built on generations of craftsmanship, entrepreneurial resilience and an unmatched manufacturing ecosystem. From artisan-led workshops to technologically advanced facilities, the country has steadily earned global recognition as a reliable sourcing destination. Yet the coming decade represents a transition. The conversation is no longer only about producing more; it is about exporting smarter, operating with discipline and positioning India as a structured global partner rather than merely a manufacturing base.
The global jewellery trade itself is undergoing a quiet transformation. International buyers today evaluate suppliers through a wider lens. Design capability and competitive pricing remain important, but equal weight is now given to compliance, transparency, delivery consistency and financial stability. Export relationships are becoming long-term strategic partnerships rather than transactional buying arrangements.

For Indian exporters, this shift presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
One of the most significant changes ahead will be market diversification. The United States has historically driven a substantial share of Indiaâs jewellery exports, and it will continue to remain a vital market. However, concentration in a single geography exposes businesses to currency fluctuations, economic cycles and regulatory shifts. The Middle East has emerged as a strong growth corridor, supported by trade agreements, logistical advantages and evolving consumer demand. At the same time, regions such as Australia and parts of Europe are opening opportunities for exporters willing to meet higher compliance standards.
Diversification, therefore, is not about expanding aggressively into every market. It is about building balanced exposure that enhances stability while protecting margins.
Alongside geographic expansion, compliance is becoming a defining factor in global positioning. Responsible sourcing practices, traceability systems and governance standards are increasingly shaping procurement decisions. International brands are consolidating supplier networks and partnering with exporters who demonstrate reliability beyond production capability. In this environment, compliance should not be viewed as an external obligation. It strengthens credibility and enables access to premium markets where trust carries measurable value.
Equally important is capital discipline. Jewellery exports operate within a high-value commodity framework where gold price volatility directly impacts profitability. Elevated gold prices amplify the cost of inefficiencies, whether through excess inventory, unhedged exposure or extended payment cycles. Export growth in the coming decade will depend on closer alignment between procurement, treasury management and production planning. Structured hedging practices, bullion banking relationships and disciplined working capital management will increasingly separate stable exporters from vulnerable ones.
Manufacturing evolution will also play a central role. India already possesses scale; the next step is precision. Technology adoption, including CNC manufacturing, advanced prototyping and integrated digital production systems, enhances consistency while reducing wastage. Global buyers value predictability as much as creativity. When craftsmanship is supported by
process-driven manufacturing, Indiaâs competitive advantage becomes far more compelling.
At the same time, India must gradually move beyond being perceived solely as a cost-competitive supplier. Countries that have successfully strengthened their global positioning have invested in design identity, innovation and long-term brand perception. Indian exporters have the opportunity to shift the narrative toward reliability, creativity and manufacturing excellence. Building deeper partnerships with international buyers, rather than focusing only on order volumes, will help achieve this transition.
Sustainability is emerging as another critical dimension of export strategy. Renewable energy adoption, responsible sourcing and environmental accountability are becoming key evaluation criteria in developed markets. These initiatives are not merely ethical considerations; they are risk-management tools that safeguard long-term market access. Exporters who align early with global sustainability expectations will find themselves better positioned as international standards continue to evolve.
Domestic retail trends are also influencing export direction more than before. The growing demand for lightweight, versatile jewellery in India mirrors changing consumer preferences globally. Faster design cycles and data-led product planning are reshaping manufacturing strategies. Exporters who remain closely connected to consumer behaviour both domestically and internationally gain stronger foresight into demand patterns.
The next decade of Indian jewellery exports will therefore be defined by alignment: scale supported by systems, creativity supported by discipline and growth supported by governance. India already has the foundation, skilled artisans, manufacturing depth and strong global relationships. The opportunity now lies in strengthening operational maturity.
If approached with clarity and intention, India can transition from being viewed primarily as the worldâs jewellery workshop to being recognised as a trusted global partner in design, manufacturing and supply chain excellence. The future of exports will not depend solely on how much we produce, but on how confidently global markets rely on us.
In that shift lies the true potential of Indiaâs next decade in jewellery exports.

-
DiamondBuzz23 minutes agoPolished Prices Up, Rough Prices See Decline: AWDC
-
International News2 hours agoPrecious Metals Under Pressure: Diplomatic Shifts, Geopolitical Risk, and Central Bank Outlook AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
-
National News1 hour agoMCX Gold and Silver Face Volatility Amid Geopolitical Shifts
-
International News22 hours agoFED, Iran, and The Rupee- Three Forces Shaping Bullion’s Next Move AUGMONT BULLION REPORT


