Rajkot: The easing of the Covid-19 situation and the gradual start of international flights have revived Rajkot’s jewellery-making business, which was lost last year due to the lockdown and poor demand.
Rajkot is the hub of light weight jewelry and is famous for its designs. Indeed, there is such a demand that jewelery makers are struggling to fulfill orders and are facing a shortage of skilled craftsmen.
A large number of artisans, mostly migrants from Bihar and West Bengal, had left the city earlier this year due to the pandemic and the killer second wave. Jewelery makers say that many people have not returned to Rajkot due to good rains in their respective states.
There are about 80,000 jewelery making units in the city, which employ about five lakh people. Many branded jewelery chains also outsource work to these units.
Divyesh Patadia, President, Gems & Jewelery Association, Rajkot told TOI: There has been an unprecedented jump in orders for gold jewellery. We are expecting good sales this year on Dhan Teras and Pushya Nakshatra, two days are considered auspicious for buying gold. However, we are facing tremendous manpower shortage. ”
According to market estimates, about 60 kg of gold jewelery is made daily in Rajkot.
Gold jewelery makers are also hoping for a good wedding season, especially after the normal operation of several international flights to India in November and easing of rules for fully vaccinated individuals. Last year, NRI marriages were put on hold due to travel restrictions.
According to jewellers, there is a huge demand for handmade jewellery, lightweight, antique jewellery, traditional items and jewelery sets. The launch of an air cargo service from Rajkot connecting various cities of India has also helped jewellers, who are saving a day of shipment.
In fact, many jewelery makers used the short period of last year to invent new designs and these have gained immense popularity.
Mayur Adesara, a Rajkot-based trader and vice-president of the Indian Bullion and Jewelers Association (IBJA), said, “We have made up for the loss with orders in the last 20 days only in the last two years. People also realized that gold is the best investment during the lockdown. Gold prices are also stable due to which demand has also increased.
According to jewelers, this year people are also investing in bullion and gold coins and blocks account for 25 per cent of the total demand.
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