Kolkata: A further dip in gold and silver prices on Friday pushed up jewellery sales this Dhanteras, with shoppers making a beeline for stores across Kolkata.City jewellers said sales rose by 20%-25% compared to that last year. They attributed the increase to the dip in gold and silver prices from their recent highs, which they said, renewed interest among buyers. While 22 karat gold price went for Rs 1,33,800 per 10 gm on Friday, its rate was Rs 1,39,350 per 10 gm on Oct 6 and Rs 1,44,300 per 10 gm on Sept 6. Traditionally considered an auspicious occasion to buy gold, silver and other metals, Dhanteras holds both cultural and financial significance for Indian households. Jewellery shops on BB Ganguly Street and in Bhowanipore, Gariahat and Burrabazar witnessed a considerable footfall since morning as several retailers offered discounts and waivers on making charges to attract customers.Senco Gold Ltd reported a strong response from buyers, a 25% rise in sales, an increase in footfall at its different outlets and an impressive growth in the demand for diamond jewellery. “We witnessed an exceptionally strong customer response this Dhanteras, with sales value growing by over 25% compared to that last year. Footfall across our stores rose. Demand for diamond jewellery has increased and we are seeing a strong participation from wedding customers as well as families buying jewellery for investment,” said Suvankar Sen, managing director and CEO of Senco Gold Ltd. He added that lightweight gold jewellery in 9 karat and 14 karat categories was also gaining popularity, especially among younger and first-time buyers.BK Butta of Benud Behari Dutt also said that their shops saw a steady flow of customers through the day. “Prices are below the all-time high. On Friday, customers started coming into our shops in Salt Lake and on BB Ganguly Street since we opened at 10.30 am,” he said.Lightweight gold jewellery, especially in the 9-karat segment, emerged as a key driver of demand this Dhanteras. “We have been witnessing a increase in interest from buyers in this segment the past couple of years. Our sales in this category are high this Dhanteras,” said Rupak Saha of Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers. The rate for 9 karat gold is usually almost half of that of 22 karat.Echoing other jewellers, Anargha Uttiya Chowdhury, director of Anjali Jewellers, said the fall in gold prices created renewed interest among customers. “Market data reflects an interesting shift. According to the World Gold Council, India’s gold jewellery demand by value rose 34% year-on-year in the April-June quarter of 2026 to approximately Rs 1.1 lakh crore. We are looking at a fabulous Dhanteras as gold prices have dropped,” he said.Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director of Kalyan Jewellers, also reported strong consumer response across markets. He said the correction in gold prices provided an additional impetus to festive purchases, with showroom footfall picking up significantly as customers viewed the price movement as a favourable opportunity to buy jewellery.While gold remained the preferred choice for many, silver, too, attracted buyers looking for more affordable options. “Sales of silver pieces, jewellery, utensils and other articles are up by almost 30% this time, compared to last one,” said Amit Dhudheria of Silver World on Kalakar Street in Burrabazar.For Kolkata’s jewellers, the combination of lower prices, festive sentiment and evolving consumer preferences created optimism. With shoppers increasingly exploring lightweight and affordable gold options along with traditional purchases, the industry was hopeful of closing Dhanteras on a strong note.
