16 March,2010 09:09 AM IST | | Debarati Palit
Gudi Padwa has brought smiles on jewellery store owners' faces. With the celebrations, shop owners are witnessing a rush of customers to buy gold for the auspicious occasion.
Fatehchand Ranka, president of the Pune Saraf Association and the Maharashtra Rajya Saraf Mahamandal, says Gudi Padwa is an auspicious day for Hindus. "Nothing can stop people from buying gold as it brings good luck.
But this year there has been a great rush in shops for the past week, which has made jewellers happy."
Prasant Namdeo, from the Sinhagad Road Saraf Association, said, "We have seen an increase of around 85 per cent in the sale of gold in the past few days. It's been quite a good time for us."
Diamonds steady
Gold still continues to be the all-time favourite for customers, and there are hardly any buyers for diamonds. In spite of marketing by branded companies, diamonds remain an option only for the younger generation.
Namdeo said, "Only 10 per cent to 15 per cent people who walk into the shops are attracted to diamonds. It's gold that people want." However, Harshang Zaveri, owner of Harshang Zaveri Diamataire, said, "There is no drastic change but there has been a constant demand. We are looking forward to lots of walk-ins today. The number of walk-ins could increase by 20 per cent to 25 per cent."
Traditional pull
Customers continue to buy antique and heavy jewellery from local shopkeepers. Amit Jadhav, supervisor of PNG, Camp outlet, said, "It's the antique sets which are mostly in demand among Maharashtrians, South Indians and Punjabis."
A jeweller, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that designer sets were only preferred by the upper class. Most of the crowd, whichu00a0 was made up of the middle class, favoured the customised designs offered by local shops.
