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 Brings 126 Years Of Jewellery Legacy To Puducherry With An Exclusive Exhibition
Higher US Treasury Yields, A Stronger Dollar and Expectations Of Further US Federal Reserve Rate Hikes Were Weighing On Gold and Silver.
VBJ, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, India’s most trusted heirloom jewellery brand, is set to bring its celebrated craftsmanship and heritage to Puducherry with an exclusive jewellery exhibition on 23rd and 24th September at Accord Puducherry, Crystal Hall, No.1, Thilagar Nagar, Ellaipillaichavady, Puducherry. Customers can discover VBJ’s collections at the exhibition, along with a special benefit of Rs 125 extra on the exchange of old gold.The exhibition will remain open from 11 AM to 8 PM on both days.
Curated to offer jewellery connoisseurs an immersive experience, the exhibition will feature an exquisite selection of VBJ’s signature creations across gold, silver, diamonds, platinum, solitaires and precious stones, and an expansive assortment of necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, chains and gemstone jewellery. From intricately crafted bridal masterpieces and statement jewellery to sophisticated pieces designed for everyday elegance, the showcase will bring together designs that celebrate both timeless artistry and contemporary sensibilities.
Sharing his thoughts on the exhibition, Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, said:
“At VBJ, we believe that jewellery is deeply personal. It marks milestones, celebrates relationships and often becomes a cherished part of a family’s story. Through this exhibition, we are delighted to bring our collections closer to customers in Puducherry and offer them the opportunity to discover pieces that resonate with their individual tastes and occasions. We look forward to welcoming customers to an experience that combines choice, craftsmanship and the personalised attention that has always been central to VBJ.”
Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, added:
“For 126 years, our journey has been shaped by a deep respect for craftsmanship, and the trust of generations of customers. As a legacy brand, we have remained committed to preserving the artistry that defines our heritage while evolving with changing tastes and aspirations. The Puducherry exhibition is an opportunity to take this legacy closer to our audience and share the distinctive design philosophy that have been integral to us.”
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.
Continuing its growth journey across South India, VBJ is set to unveil its new showroom on Coimbatore’s 100 Ft Road, bringing the brand’s distinctive legacy and craftsmanship to one of the region’s prominent retail destinations.
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