National News
Retail Gold Sales Drop 25% Amid Rising Prices, Lightweight Jewelry in Demand
A 4% rise in gold prices in March has led to a significant 25% decline in retail gold sales at jewelers and a 60% drop in Zaveri Bazaar. Indian families with upcoming weddings are feeling the pinch of higher gold prices, turning to lighter, lower-carat jewelry to meet bridal jewelry demands. Despite this, demand is expected to pick up during Akshay Tritiya in April, though lightweight jewelry remains the preferred choice.
Gold prices saw a near-4% increase in the first half of March, bringing down retail sales by 25% compared to the same period last year. Zaveri Bazaar, a hub where retail jewellers buy bullion and jewelry in bulk, saw a 60% drop in sales.
Senco Gold & Diamonds, Joy Alukkas, PNG Jewellers, Mamraj Musaddilal Jewellers, and senior executives from the India Bullion & Jewellers Association mentioned that Indian families, especially those with weddings planned for the upcoming season, are stressed by the escalating prices. As a result, they are opting for lightweight jewelry, as high prices make it difficult to stick to the traditional gold jewelry budgets.
Suvankar Sen, the chief of Senco Gold, shared that sales of small-ticket gold jewelry in the ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 price range have dried up. “The high prices are keeping customers away from spending on gold,” he said. On March 18, gold was priced at ₹88,256 per 10 gm in the physical market, with a 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST), pushing the cost to ₹90,903 per 10 gm.
“Those who have weddings in the family are buying lightweight jewellery as they cannot stretch the budget. Demand has dropped by 15% beginning from March and if this rally continues, the recovery in demand may not happen. The next big sales can only happen during Akshay Tritiya, which falls on April 30,” said the MD of Senco Gold & Diamond.
Despite the rise in prices, the demand has remained sluggish in South India too. “Compared to last March, demand is down by up to 25%. While the high price is a big factor in this demand drop, other things like board exams have slowed down demand as well,” said Baby George, CEO of Joy Alukkas.
Saurabh Gadgil, chairman of PNG Jewellers, also highlighted the shift in preferences. “People are buying lightweight jewellery, and many are exchanging old gold jewellery with new ones. The volumes are getting impacted but value-wise the jewellers are not facing any issue.”
Avinash Gupta, partner at Hyderabad-based Mamraj Musaddilal Jewellers, noted that while demand has softened, it hasn’t reached alarming levels. “Demand will bounce back in April due to weddings and Akshaya Tritiya, but definitely the preference will shift to lightweight and lower caratage jewellery.”
National News
This Raksha Bandhan, Turn A Timeless Bond Into A Keepsake With Palmonas
Turning A Timeless Tradition Into A Keepsake Of Sibling Love
Raksha Bandhan has always been about more than a thread tied around a brother’s wrist. It is a celebration of a bond built over years, from childhood arguments and inside jokes to being each other’s constant through life’s biggest moments. As siblings grow older, the relationship may evolve, but the feeling behind it only becomes stronger.
This Raksha Bandhan, Palmonas brings a contemporary touch to the traditional ritual with its Rakhi collection, designed to celebrate the sibling bond in a way that can be cherished beyond the festival. Palmonas’ Rakhis bring this thought to life by transforming a familiar festive symbol into a keepsake that can be worn and treasured even after Raksha Bandhan. The collection features two distinct options, each offering a different take on the timeless ritual.
The Demi-fine® Rakhi is crafted from Stainless Steel with an 18K gold-tone finish, bringing together contemporary design and meaningful symbolism. The collection features the Harmony Mandala Rakhi, accented with 9 cubic zirconia stones, which symbolizes harmony and balance. Inspired by the mandala, its intricate design reflects the togetherness shared between siblings. The Eternal Tree of Life Rakhi draws inspiration from the symbol of the Tree of Life, representing prosperity, growth and strength. The Guiding Star Rakhi, embellished with 10+ cubic zirconia stones, symbolizes guidance, hope, and protection, reflecting the special bond between siblings and the promise of always being there for one another. Each design is finished with a comfortable knotted thread, bringing together thoughtful symbolism and contemporary craftsmanship.
For those looking for something more timeless, the Silver Rakhi collection is crafted from fine silver, offering a refined take on the traditional Rakhi. The Eternal Infinity BRO Fine Silver Rakhi, designed for brothers, features two white cubic zirconia stones and symbolizes the strength and lifelong bond between siblings. The Eternal Evil Eye Fine Silver Rakhi features the iconic Evil Eye motif, a classic symbol of protection and good fortune, thoughtfully designed to celebrate the unbreakable bond between siblings.
At its heart, Raksha Bandhan is about showing up for each other. The gifts may change with time, but the emotion remains the same. With its Rakhi collection, Palmonas celebrates this evolving expression of sibling love, giving a familiar tradition a modern, wearable form that can become a lasting reminder of the bond between brothers and sisters.
Because some bonds deserve more than a moment, they deserve a keepsake.
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