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
Varamahalakshmi Vratam: Elevate Your Festive Look with Kushals’ Silver Temple Jewellery
Tradition Meets Contemporary Glamour with 92.5 BIS Hallmarked Silver Temple Jewellery for Varamahalakshmi Celebrations
Varamahalakshmi Vratam is a celebration where tradition and festive style come together beautifully. From the elegance of silk sarees, the sparkle of jewellery, and the fragrance of jasmine flowers to the vibrant rangolis and the rituals that bring families together, every element adds to the festive mood.
This Varamahalakshmi Vratam, Kushals Fashion Jewellery brings together the beauty of South Indian temple jewellery with its 92.5 BIS Hallmarked silver temple jewellery collection, offering designs that add a contemporary touch while staying rooted in traditional aesthetics.
Inspired by the ornate jewellery associated with South Indian temples, the collection features statement necklaces, elegant chokers, ornate jhumkas, bangles, and rings. Designs are brought to life with motifs of Goddess Lakshmi, peacocks, lotuses, elephants and other auspicious elements, making them particularly suited to the spirit of Varamahalakshmi celebrations.
For the Varamahalakshmi pooja, pair a statement temple necklace with a silk saree to create a classic festive look. At the same time, intricately detailed jhumkas, bangles or rings can add a more understated touch. The jewellery can also be styled with Anarkalis, festive salwar suits and contemporary Indian ensembles, making the collection versatile beyond the occasion itself.
The collection also showcases details such as vibrant kemp stones, intricate filigree work and antique-inspired finishes, giving the jewellery a rich and festive character. The result is a selection that can seamlessly move from traditional festive dressing to contemporary celebrations.
Speaking about the collection, Manish Gulechha, CEO & Co-Founder of Kushals Fashion Jewellery, said,
“Varamahalakshmi Vratam is one of the most cherished festive occasions in South India, and jewellery plays an important role in how women celebrate the day. Our Silver Temple Jewellery Collection has been thoughtfully designed to offer statement pieces that honour tradition while fitting seamlessly into the way women dress and celebrate today.”
The Kushals Varamahalakshmi collection is available across 30 stores in Bengaluru, 19 stores in Hyderabad, 12 stores in Chennai, 2 stores in Coimbatore and online
Varamahalakshmi Vratam: Elevate Your Festive Look with Kushals’ Silver Temple Jewellery
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