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
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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