Mon Dec 29 04:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text provided:
Headline: Gold and Silver Prices Soar to Record Highs, Crippling Indian Jewelry Market
Mandi Dhanaura, India – Gold and silver prices have reached unprecedented levels, severely impacting the jewelry market in Mandi Dhanaura and likely across India. Gold has surged past ₹144,000 per 10 grams, while silver is nearing ₹250,000 per kilogram.
This dramatic increase has driven away many ordinary consumers, with only those with urgent needs venturing into jewelry stores. Even during the traditional wedding season, jewelry sales have been limited. Customers are opting for lighter-weight pieces or simply window-shopping, with many abandoning purchase plans upon hearing the exorbitant prices. The pressure of rising inflation on the middle class is clearly visible, negatively affecting the jewelry business.
Local jewelers attribute the high prices to international factors, despite weakened local demand. Large-scale investments in gold and silver, global market volatility, and US tariff policies are all contributing to the surge. Gold and silver are seen as safe investment options, further driving up demand and prices.
“Due to the rising prices of gold and silver, the purchasing power of the common customer has been affected. Customers are now forced to buy light weight jewelery,” says Akash Verma, a local jeweler.
Another jeweler, Shyam Sundar Verma, stated, “Due to heavy buying by investors and international conditions, the prices of gold and silver remain high. There is less possibility of much decline in the near future.”
Industry experts predict that prices are unlikely to fall significantly until the international situation stabilizes. There is even concern that precious metal prices could climb further in the coming days, creating more challenges for the industry and consumers alike.
First Piper 