Indian Gold Book:Indian Gold Book - Gold Bars Worldwide

GOLD JEWELLERY PRODUCTS
STYLES AND DESIGN
A broad trade estimate is that around 80% of gold jewellery is sold nationally as plain gold jewellery.
Around 20% is studded jewellery incorporating elements such as precious and semi-precious stones, pearls and synthetic
materials.
In some States, notably in the south, some large urban retailers observe that, while sales of diamond-studded gold jewellery
have increased, sales of other forms of studded gold jewellery have decreased. One reason is that many consumers are
increasingly aware that studded jewellery tends to have a lower resale value. In other States, however, notably in the north
and west, sales of other forms of studded jewellery are reported to have increased.
Styles vary around the country. Generally, jewellery is regarded as heavier and more intricate in the north, lighter in the
south.
Different proportions of silver, copper and other alloy materials can yield slight variations in the colour of gold jewellery.
Preferences among regional fabrication centres are broadly described: yellow (north), red (east), yellow/white (west) and
yellow/red (south).
New styles of jewellery are accommodating consumer demand, especially over the past 5 years, for “new” and “fashionable”
gold jewellery.
Selected features of different regional styles are often blended together. More subtle designs often reflect a Western
influence.
Innovative designs are also applied to studded jewellery, incorporating precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds,
emeralds, rubies and sapphires, artificial materials such as zircons and glass, and pearls.
New styles are also taking into greater account the “wearability” of jewellery for a variety of social and work-related
occasions.
Fashion, modern clothes, lifestyle and comfort are now considered important influencing factors by fabricators that serve
large urban retailers.
EXAMPLES OF REGIONAL GOLD JEWELLERY
The photographs and texts on the following pages were kindly provided by Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (TBZ, Zaveri
Bazaar, Mumbai). TBZ, established in 1864, is acknowledged throughout India as one of the country’s leading jewellery
retailers. Most leading retailers stock a diverse range of regional gold jewellery styles.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE INDIAN GOLD MARKET