Fashion / Cosmetics / Jewellery
Gold smuggling surges in India as price spikes before festivals
Gold smuggling into India has surged ahead of the Dhanteras and Diwali festivals due to record-high prices and tight supply, officials said. After import duties were cut from 15% to 6%, smuggling had dropped, but rising demand and limited availability have made illegal imports highly profitable. Gold prices hit a record ₹1,28,395 per 10 grams, with smugglers earning over ₹11 lakh per kilogram.
Gold(en) hacks: How Indians are cutting wedding costs this season
With gold prices soaring near Rs 1.3 lakh per 10 grams, many Indians are finding ways to manage wedding expenses, particularly by exchanging old gold for new, higher-purity designs. Jewelers like Joyalukkas, Senco Gold & Diamonds, Tanishq, and Kalyan Jewellers report strong demand for exchange programs and contemporary designs with intricate craftsmanship but lower weight.
Aditya Birla fashion unit to open Galeries Lafayette stores in Mumbai, Delhi
French luxury retailer Galeries Lafayette is set to open its first Indian store in Mumbai. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail announced the partnership. Plans are underway for a second store in Delhi. The company aims to open stores in at least four major Indian cities within three years. An online platform for Galeries Lafayette is also planned for India.
Silver shortage grips Zaveri Bazar as jewellers stop taking new orders
Jewellers in Zaveri Bazar have halted new silver orders due to a severe physical shortage, despite a daily price drop. A significant premium on physical silver, driven by robust industrial and investment demand globally, has led to this situation. Experts anticipate a temporary price correction but foresee long-term appreciation.
GJEPC to discuss silver shortage impacting India's jewellery exports
With silver prices soaring to unprecedented levels, a severe scarcity has emerged, directly affecting India's silver jewellery exports. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is convening with exporters and retailers to brainstorm solutions. Compounding this issue, global demand coupled with stricter US import regulations is leading to reduced supplies.
Italian fashion brand OVS to open five stores in two years, to increase sourcing from India
Italian fashion brand OVS is entering the Indian market. The company plans a gradual expansion, focusing on learning from its initial stores. OVS aims to establish at least five stores by 2027 and become a leading brand in India within a decade. The brand also intends to increase its sourcing from India as its business grows.
Gems and jewellery exports rise by 6.5 pc to $2.9 bn in September
India's gem and jewellery exports have seen an uplift in September and during the first half of the fiscal year, driven largely by increased demand during the festive and wedding period. Key markets such as the UAE, Hong Kong, and the UK reflect promising growth trends.
Gold glitters, diamonds dull: India’s jewellery exports edge up 3.66% in H1 FY26
India's gem and jewellery exports are recovering steadily. Exports grew 3.66% to over 14 billion dollars in the first half of the financial year. This growth happened despite global challenges. Demand is strong in markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, and the UK. The upcoming festive and wedding seasons are expected to boost exports further.
Gold’s Diwali gloom hides quiet glitter in India’s bullion backrooms
Gold may be losing some glitter in Indian homes this festive season as record-high prices weigh on jewellery purchases. Despite the government’s recent GST reforms, gold demand is expected to fall by up to 27% from last year in volume terms during the three-week festive buying period, according to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA). The decline follows a 28% year-on-year drop in demand between Raksha Bandhan and Onam to 50 tonnes — the sharpest fall in three years.
Silver beats gold, scorching Rs 11,000 run up in a day; gold at high of Rs 1.27 lakh
White metal’s trajectory steeper than gold as it zooms 58% over a month, notches up unheard-of single-day rise: Silver prices have reached an unprecedented Rs 1.73 lakh per kg. This surge is driven by strong investor demand and a global shortage of the precious metal. Tight global supplies and expectations of lower interest rates are key factors. Jewellers are facing challenges as consumers seek silver amid its rally.
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Gold demand dips as soaring prices hit jewellery sales
India's top jewelry retailers, Tanishq and Reliance Retail, experienced a decline in consumer deposits for deferred gold purchase schemes last fiscal year. This trend is expected to continue as soaring gold prices lead to reduced purchase volumes, impacting the popularity of these installment-based schemes.
Senco Gold eyes strong festive sales, confident of 18-20pc topline growth in FY'26
Senco Gold anticipates strong sales in the upcoming festive and wedding season. The company expects to maintain 18-20 percent growth for the fiscal year. This optimism is driven by a diverse inventory and a positive economic outlook. Senco is also expanding its retail presence and introducing affordable jewellery options to meet consumer demand.
Value of gold held by households in India hits $3.8 T: Morgan Stanley
Indian households' gold holdings have surged to an estimated $3.8 trillion, representing 88.8% of GDP, according to Morgan Stanley. This wealth effect is amplified by monetary easing and recent tax cuts. Meanwhile, equities now form a record 15.1% of household financial savings, surpassing deposits.
H&M enters India’s beauty market, taking on Lakme, Nykaa, Tira
Swedish fashion giant H&M is now entering India's beauty market. This move places H&M in direct competition with major players like Lakme, L'Oreal, Tira, and Nykaa. H&M plans to use its strong fashion brand recognition to sell its new beauty products. These items will be available in H&M stores and online.
Gold Boom 2025: A safe haven for some, a shrinking hope for others
Gold has shot past $4,000 per ounce in 2025, but not everyone is winning. In this video, we uncover the dark side of the gold price: • Why Gold is soaring globally • How small artisans in Ahmedabad are being squeezed • Why Indian households are cutting back • How even German goldsmiths are recycling everything from rings to dental Gold • The role of inflation, U.S. tariffs, and central bank demand FAQQ: Why are gold prices rising so fast? A: Driven by global uncertainty, central bank buying, inflation, and tariff pressures. Q: Who loses when Gold goes up? A: Small artisans, middle-class buyers, and households on fixed budgets.gold price, gold price 2025, why Gold rising, $4,000 gold, gold demand India, consumer impact, gold boom, India jewellery, gold price impact, gold market, inflation gold, gold price consumer, Gold vs inflationFor PollGold shines bright, but not for everyone.As prices hit $4,000 an ounce, artisans and consumers alike are feeling the pinch.Would you still buy Gold this festive season?Poll Options:1️Yes, it’s still the safest investment2️Maybe only for special occasions3️No, it’s too expensive now4️I’d rather invest elsewhere
Companies celebrate as consumers say 'I Do' to luxury
The Indian luxury market is experiencing a significant boom this wedding season, with sales projected to increase by 30-50%. Retailers are observing a more stylized approach to weddings, with increased demand for occasion wear, designer apparel, and premium gifting options. This trend is driving higher average billings across various luxury categories.
