Kolkata: Lightweight gold jewellery and silver ornaments, coins, figurines and utensils emerged as popular choices among buyers ahead of Dhanteras, with jewellers reporting encouraging demand in the run-up to the festival.Jewellers are expecting footfall and sales to pick up further on Friday, with several stores planning to remain open till late at night to accommodate the festive rush. To attract customers, jewellery outlets are also offering festive discounts and waiving making charges on select ornaments.Jewellers have noticed a preference for lightweight ornaments, with buyers appearing more inclined towards smaller purchases rather than heavier gold jewellery.“In the days leading up to Dhanteras, buyers seemed to be more inclined towards lightweight gold ornaments compared to heavier jewellery. People have also been buying silver ornaments and other articles from our Lumi collection,” said BK Dutta, owner of Benud Behari Dutt, which has showrooms in Salt Lake and BB Ganguly Street.According to Annargha Uuttiya Chowdhuury, partner at Anjali Jewellers, the recent dip in gold prices has prompted customers to advance their jewellery purchases ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali and the upcoming wedding season.“We are expecting a much stronger festive season compared to last year. Customers are also showing a preference for silver jewellery over silver coins. There is considerable demand for silver utensils and artefacts associated with Kali Puja,” Dutta added.Although gold prices have increased over the past couple of days, they remain below their all-time highs, offering buyers an opportunity to make purchases ahead of the festive season. Jewellers said the relatively lower price levels had encouraged customers to buy gold and silver, both for personal consumption and gifting.Dhanteras is considered an auspicious occasion for purchasing precious metals, and jewellers are hopeful that the enthusiasm among buyers seen in the days preceding the festival will translate into stronger sales on the day.“People are showing strong interest in gold and silver, and we are expecting a good Dhanteras. Taking advantage of the dip in prices, buyers are opting for lightweight gold ornaments, both for personal use and gifting. Silver jewellery and artefacts are also in demand,” said Pramod Duggar, state president of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association and secretary of the Calcutta Gem and Jewellers Welfare Association.Silver, in particular, has emerged as an attractive option for festive shoppers, with demand extending beyond traditional coins to jewellery and household articles. Jewellers believe the price movement has encouraged customers to explore a wider range of silver products.“Silver prices have dipped by more than 55% from what they were at the beginning of the year. This has made it more attractive for buyers this Diwali. The trends suggest that people are preferring silver jewellery and utensils for consumption purposes,” said Sushail Dudheria of Silver World on Kalakar Street in Burrabazar.Stores were preparing for extended business hours as customers are expected to make last-minute purchases of gold and silver jewellery and festive articles.
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