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
VBJ Set To Host Madurai With An Exclusive Jewellery Showcase
Experience Timeless Craftsmanship Through An Exquisite Selection Of Gold, Diamond, Solitaire and Precious Stone Jewellery
VBJ, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, India’s most trusted heirloom jewellery brand, is set to host an exclusive two-day jewellery sale and exhibition in Madurai on 26th and 27th August 2026 at Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, Pandyan Hall, SH 72, Outpost, Ramaond Reserve Line, Madurai. Bringing its signature craftsmanship closer to customers, the exhibition will offer an opportunity to explore an extensive range of jewellery, along with an exclusive offer of Rs. 125 extra on exchange of old gold. The exhibition will remain open from 11 AM to 8 PM on both days.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of jewellery, from elaborate bridal masterpieces and statement necklaces to elegant everyday pieces, including bangles, earrings, rings, chains and gemstones. Bringing together the beauty of traditional artistry and contemporary design, the showcase reflects VBJ’s commitment to creating timeless pieces crafted with exceptional finesse and quality.
Speaking about the exhibition Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, said:
“Madurai has a rich appreciation for jewellery, and we are delighted to bring our signature collections closer to customers in the city. As a brand with a legacy spanning generations, our journey has always been rooted in preserving the heritage while evolving with the tastes of today’s customers. This exhibition is an opportunity for us to bring that legacy closer to jewellery enthusiasts in Madurai and celebrate the enduring appreciation for the fine craft that the city represents.”
Adding to this, Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, said:
“Craftsmanship has always been at the heart of every VBJ creation, with each piece reflecting our commitment to detail and quality. Through this exhibition, we are bringing together an extensive selection of gold, diamond, solitaire and precious stone jewellery to offer customers a distinctive experience, whether they are looking for a bespoke bridal creation or an elegant piece for everyday wear.”
As a fifth-generation family-run brand, VBJ takes immense pride in its legacy as the creator of the historic Sengol (sceptre) – a sacred symbol of India’s democratic journey. Rediscovered after 72 years through meticulous research by the VBJ team, the Sengol was reinstated beside the Speaker’s chair in India’s new Parliament building, Sansad Bhavan, by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking VBJ’s enduring bond with India’s cultural and national heritage.
Further strengthening its regional presence, VBJ is set to open its all-new showroom on Coimbatore’s 100ft Road soon, reaffirming the brand’s long-term commitment to serving customers across Tamil Nadu with personalised experiences and exceptional craftsmanship.
-
National News37 minutes agoVBJ Set To Host Madurai With An Exclusive Jewellery Showcase
-
DiamondBuzz1 hour agoDe Beers Sale Could Take 18 Months To Clear Regulatory Hurdles: Duncan Wanblad
-
National News4 hours agoBirdhichand Ghanshyamdas Celebrates Its First Anniversary In Mumbai
-
National News3 hours agoGold Prices Cool Down After Relentless Week-Long Surge
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.