As gold hits records, Indians opt for bars and coins over jewellery

FILE PHOTO: A salesman displays gold chains, at Jos Alukkas jewellery store in Bengaluru on September 17, 2025. With prices heading for their biggest annual gain in ​46 years, consumers are increasingly turning away from jewellery toward small coins and bars. - AFP

MUMBAI/LONDON: For nearly two decades, Mumbai homemaker Prachi Kadam marked every festive season with a gold jewellery purchase, blending tradition with personal style. This year's record rally in prices, however, led her to choose a 10-gram gold coin instead of necklaces or bangles.

"I like jewellery because it can be worn during functions, but it's hard to justify paying an additional 15 per cent in making charges," said Kadam, who, like millions of Indians, considers buying ‌gold during festivals to be auspicious. "So I settled for a 10-gram coin this time," she ⁠added.