PETALING JAYA: Gold items are being “tweaked” in size and weight by local jewellers to offset the high market price of the precious metal.
Business executive J. Linda, 32, said she planned to buy lighter necklaces and gold in the form of charms.
“When I bought my Pandora bracelet six years ago, I made sure to get the type to fit accessories. Besides charms, I am looking to buy another bracelet soon, especially a lighter one as it is more aesthetic and practical for daily wear,” said Linda, who has been spending time comparing prices and products at various goldsmiths.
A freelance designer who wished to be known as Nurasyikin said she was looking for a gold bracelet for her wedding scheduled in August.
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“Lighter bracelets seem to be trending now and are widely sold at the various goldsmiths. They are also more reasonably priced compared to the traditional bracelets which are heavier,” said the 25-year-old.
Nurasyikin is considering trading in some of her old gold items for the new bracelet.
“It’s a way of not spending too much. My previous bracelet has appreciated in value by almost three times and since I don’t wear it as often, I figured that its trade-in value could help support my new purchase,” she said.
Graphic designer CK Wong, 33, is looking to buy gold coins as an investment.
“I don’t wear gold but there is nothing wrong with investing in smaller pieces. It will appreciate over time and if I really need money later on, I can just sell it at a higher value,” he said.
Homemaker Junaida A. lamented that gold is no longer on her wish list as “prices are just getting out of hand”.
Instead, she is now looking at white gold or even silver jewellery.
She also cited safety concerns, noting how women have moved away from wearing chunky gold jewellery as a precaution.
“It is also not practical to wear for daily use. From a cultural point of view, when you wear too much jewellery, it also tends to draw unwanted attention, especially jealousy,” said the 48-year-old.
Senior copywriter B. Ravi, 34, meanwhile has invested by purchasing gold on banking platforms.
“It’s easier to buy and sell, not to mention safer, since I don’t physically have the product with me. I set aside a good amount to invest in monthly and when prices soar, I sell it,” she said, revealing that she sold off some items following the rising prices last week.
