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
GJC lauds GST 2.0, says it is landmark reform that ushers in a new era of trust, transparency, for GJ sector
It reflects the government’s commitment to ease of doing business and provides jewellers with the confidence to focus on growth, innovation, and customer service.
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman -GJC issued a statement on The 57th GST Council recommendation. Which included a series of measures to simplify tax administration, accelerate refunds and reduce compliance costs, with potential benefits for India’s gem and jewellery manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers.
The statement read:
GST 2.0 is a landmark reform that ushers in a new era of trust, transparency, and efficiency for the gems and jewellery sector. It reflects the government’s commitment to ease of doing business and provides jewellers with the confidence to focus on growth, innovation, and customer service.
These progressive steps will strengthen industry credibility, safeguard livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development across India. The Council’s recommendations comprehensively address areas that jewellers have long sought reform in — from smoother movement of goods in transit and faster automated refunds that improve cash flow, to fairer notices that reduce litigation and ensure natural justice.
The rationalization of penalties, reduction of the general penalty cap, and recognition of employee insurance ITC reflect a balanced approach that values both compliance and care for our workforce. Most importantly, the withdrawal of arrest powers and the increase in prosecution thresholds will instill greater trust and confidence across the trade.
Together, these measures will reduce disruption, improve working capital, safeguard livelihoods, and create a more supportive business environment. GJC wholeheartedly welcomes GST 2.0 as a forward-looking framework that empowers jewellers, enhances industry credibility, and contributes to sustainable growth for one of India’s most vital sectors
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