Despite steep price hikes, silver outshone gold this Dhanteras, with coin sales surging 35-40% year-on-year and overall silver business more than doubling in value. In contrast, gold volumes dipped by 10-15%, even as total festive value sales are expected to cross ₹50,000 crore, according to the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC). Advertisement

Celebrated over two days, Dhanteras will see jewellery stores remain open past midnight. While 24-carat gold touched ₹1,32,000 per 10 gm in Delhi (up 63% from last year), silver rose 40% to ₹1,70,000 per kg. A mild correction on Saturday brought some relief: gold dipped ₹2,000 overnight in Delhi and Mumbai, spurring last-minute buying.

Consumers, adapting to high prices, shifted toward bullion and lightweight pieces, especially c

See Full Page