Punjab, Sept. 27 -- Navratri begins on 11 October and the wedding season follows. Gold is at roughly Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams for 24 carat - more than 50% above last year. What people buy this festive season is changing shape rather than disappearing.
What is actually shifting
Three things, and jewellers have been reporting all of them.
Lighter pieces. The same budget buys a third less metal than it did last year, so the design does the work instead of the weight.
Lower carat. 18 carat, at about Rs 1.18 lakh per 10 grams against 24 carat's Rs 1.57 lakh, has moved from being a compromise to being the default for everyday and occasion wear.
More exchange. Old gold traded in against new pieces rather than fresh purchases - which is the o...