National News
Surge in Gold Prices Triggers Flood of Sellers in Asia and the Middle East

As gold prices soar to record highs, jewellers across Asia and the Middle East are witnessing a growing trend of customers selling off old jewellery and coins, leading to a noticeable decline in demand for new pieces. If this selling spree persists, experts warn that it could slow down imports into key markets, potentially dampening the ongoing rally in gold prices.
Spot gold hit $3,000 per ounce for the first time on March 14, continuing to climb last week, marking an impressive 15% increase year-to-date, driven by global political and financial uncertainty. The price surge follows a nearly 30% jump in 2024, prompting a rise in business for scrap gold buyers in India’s Zaveri Bazaar, the country’s largest bullion market.
Unmesh Patel, a textile trader in India, recently earned a 25% return on four 10-gram gold coins purchased less than seven months ago, after the Indian government reduced import duties on gold. Patel chose to sell instead of waiting for prices to rise even further. Domestic gold prices in India have risen over 32% since the import duty reduction, reaching a record high of 89,796 rupees per 10 grams.

According to Prithviraj Kothari, president of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), if these high prices persist throughout the year, India’s overall gold demand could fall by more than 30% in 2025. With budgets stretched, buyers are increasingly unable to keep up with soaring prices.
Despite it being India’s wedding season, jewellers are seeing significantly reduced foot traffic, with many customers opting to exchange old jewellery for new in order to manage costs. India’s scrap gold supply, which totaled 114.3 tons last year, is expected to rise in 2025, further reflecting these changes in consumer behavior.
Similar trends are evident in the Middle East. In Dubai, a key jewellery hub, a decline in demand is being noted, with many Indian tourists opting to hold off on purchases, despite the appeal of avoiding import taxes. In the UAE, where 60% of gold demand is for jewellery, consumers are gravitating toward lower-weight products in response to high prices.
China, the world’s largest gold consumer, is also seeing a dip in retail gold purchases, with many buyers turning to coins and bars rather than paying premiums for crafted jewellery. Other major Asian markets are experiencing the same shift toward selling existing gold or using it as loan collateral.
These market dynamics reflect a delicate balance between gold’s cultural significance as a commodity and its growing role as a financial asset. Looking forward, experts predict continued strong demand for gold bullion, but the outlook for jewellery sales remains uncertain.

National News
Palmonas Makes North India Debut with New Store in Delhi’s Omaxe Chowk
The demi-fine jewellery brand brings its affordable, everyday wear collection to the heart of Chandni Chowk, with Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor leading the charge.

Demi-fine jewellery label Palmonas has launched its first retail store in North India, opening doors at the bustling Omaxe Chowk in Chandni Chowk, New Delhi. The store showcases a wide selection of lightweight, stylish jewellery designed for modern women and features promotional visuals of Bollywood actress and brand co-founder Shraddha Kapoor.

“Palmonas was born out of the idea to offer stylish, long-lasting, and affordable jewellery for modern Indian women,” said Shraddha Kapoor, India Retailing reported. “Each piece is crafted to complement everyday looks while making a statement. I’m so excited to see our first North India store come to life at such a vibrant location like Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk.”
The new outlet offers a curated range of necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings tailored to Indian shoppers looking for contemporary, budget-friendly jewellery. With its focus on tarnish-resistant, lightweight designs perfect for everyday use, Palmonas has built a strong global footprint, shipping to over 200 countries.
“Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk, with its blend of heritage and modern infrastructure, is emerging as a launchpad for such brands,” said Omaxe Group’s executive director Jatin Goel. “Palmonas’ entry here is not just a store opening—it represents the growing appetite for curated, experiential retail that resonates with the next generation of shoppers.”

Founded in Pune in 2022 by Pallavi Mohadikar and Amol Patwari, Palmonas later welcomed Shraddha Kapoor as a co-founder. With this Delhi debut, the brand joins an elite line-up of jewellery labels at Omaxe Chowk, including Tanishq, Malabar, CaratLane, Kalyan Jewellers, Senco, and Kisna, as it continues to expand its presence in India’s thriving jewellery market.
National News
GJEPC Leaders Tackle US Tariffs, Unveil Growth Roadmap at Surat Industry Meet
Key Stakeholders Unite to Address Trade Challenges and Explore New Opportunities for India’s Gem & Jewellery Sector

On April 24, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) led by Chairman Mr. Kirit Bhansali held a high-level industry interaction in Surat, bringing together major stakeholders to address current challenges, including the recent US tariffs, and to strategize for future growth.
Joining Mr. Bhansali were Mr. Saunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director; and Mr. Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat. They were welcomed by industry stalwarts including Mr. Govindbhai Dholakia (MP – Rajya Sabha and Chairman, Surat Diamond Bourse), Mr. Laljibhai Patel, Mr. Nagjibhai Sakariya, Mr. Vallabh Lakhani, and heads of associations representing natural and lab-grown diamonds and jewellery manufacturers.
A key focus of the meet was the impact of recent US import tariffs on Indian exports. Mr. Ray presented a detailed overview of the situation, while Mr. Savaliya shared positive updates on resolving Customs-related issues affecting the trade.

Emphasizing the city’s importance, Mr. Bhansali stated, “Surat is not just a city of diamonds; it is the pride of our industry.” He praised its critical role in the global supply chain and reaffirmed GJEPC’s commitment to supporting the region.
Mr. Dholakia applauded GJEPC for building trust between the industry and policymakers, while Mr. Parikh highlighted future opportunities. He suggested that India could benefit strategically from the shifting global dynamics caused by the US tariffs and identified silver jewellery as “the next big thing” for expansion. He also stressed the need to promote direct rough diamond trading in Surat.
The event concluded with a unified commitment to strengthening India’s position as a global leader in gems and jewellery, with Surat at the heart of that vision.
National News
India must radically rethink its export strategy, overhaul EPCs: Policy Circle Bureau

India must urgently rethink its export strategy or risk long-term stagnation, warns Policy Circle Bureau, a leading policy think tank. The caution comes in the wake of the United States imposing a 26% import duty on Indian goods—currently eased by a temporary 90-day reprieve.
While recent government measures like the ₹2,250 crore Export Promotion Mission and revised duty drawback rates offer short-term relief, the think tank argues they do little to resolve deeper structural challenges.
With merchandise exports remaining flat at $437.4 billion in FY25, Policy Circle urges a fundamental shift in India’s approach—moving from top-down policymaking to a more decentralised, state-led export strategy driven by key investors and tailored to sector-specific needs.
A major reform of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) is also deemed necessary. Currently seen as symbolic bodies, EPCs should be made accountable through performance-based KPIs such as export growth by sector, success in opening new markets, and resolving tariff issues.
The think tank further recommends rapid market diversification, faster execution of free trade agreements, and the adoption of a realistic and competitive currency policy. Without regulatory reforms, decentralisation, and clearer strategic direction, India risks falling behind in an increasingly fragmented and competitive global trade environment, it warned.
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