Gold plays an important role in Indian weddings but couples are putting buying gold jewellery on hold during this coronavirus pandemic. -- Photo: 123rf.com
Jewellers in the traditionally lucrative Indian gold market are struggling – even while the metal's value skyrockets – as coronavirus fears keep sales down, craftsmen at home and shops shuttered.
Months after India lifted its strict lockdown, the country's biggest gold market Zaveri Bazaar remains desolate, with most stores closed and no customers in sight.
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Gold plays an important role in Indian weddings but couples are putting buying gold jewellery on hold during this coronavirus pandemic. -- Photo: 123rf.com
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During the March lockdown many of India's gold craftsmen left for their villages as their income dried up.
In this photograph taken on July 31, 2020, a goldsmith works to make a jewellery ornament at a workshop in Chennai. - As gold's value skyrockets, jewellers in India, traditionally one of the world's hottest markets, are struggling -- with shops shut, sales down and craftsmen staying home due to coronavirus fears. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH: NDIA-ECONOMY-GOLD-JEWELLERY-VIRUS by Ammu Kannampilly
At a workshop in Chennai, a goldsmith uses fire to make a gold jewellery ornament. -- Photos: AFP
In this photograph taken on July 31, 2020, a goldsmith works to make a jewellery ornament at a workshop in Chennai. - As gold's value skyrockets, jewellers in India, traditionally one of the world's hottest markets, are struggling -- with shops shut, sales down and craftsmen staying home due to coronavirus fears. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH: NDIA-ECONOMY-GOLD-JEWELLERY-VIRUS by Ammu Kannampilly
Indian weddings are particularly steeped in varied and complex rituals, and where gold jewellery features prominently. Even the poorest of Indian women will have a few pieces of gold jewellery to wear on her wedding day.
In this photograph taken on July 31, 2020, a goldsmith works to make a jewellery ornament at a workshop in Chennai. - As gold's value skyrockets, jewellers in India, traditionally one of the world's hottest markets, are struggling -- with shops shut, sales down and craftsmen staying home due to coronavirus fears. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH: NDIA-ECONOMY-GOLD-JEWELLERY-VIRUS by Ammu Kannampilly
A goldsmith working on an intricate pair of gold earrings at a workshop in Allahabad.
In this photograph taken on July 31, 2020, a worker prepares gold earrings at a workshop in Allahabad. - As gold's value skyrockets, jewellers in India, traditionally one of the world's hottest markets, are struggling -- with shops shut, sales down and craftsmen staying home due to coronavirus fears. (Photo by SANJAY KANOJIA / AFP) / TO GO WITH: NDIA-ECONOMY-GOLD-JEWELLERY-VIRUS by Ammu Kannampilly
In a modest setting, a goldsmith makes gold jewellery at a workshop in Hyderabad.
In this photograph taken in July 31, 2020, a goldsmith makes gold jewellery at a workshop in Hyderabad. - As gold's value skyrockets, jewellers in India, traditionally one of the world's hottest markets, are struggling -- with shops shut, sales down and craftsmen staying home due to coronavirus fears. (Photo by NOAH SEELAM / AFP) / TO GO WITH: NDIA-ECONOMY-GOLD-JEWELLERY-VIRUS by Ammu Kannampilly
