Jewellery sales rise 50% on freebies ahead of GST roll-out

Jewellers are offering 50% off on gold items; no making charges for diamond products in some cases

Jewellers have had a 50 per cent increase in their business over the past one week, with consumers rushing in to buy ornaments ahead of GST (goods and services tax) roll-out and the consequent price increase.

Many jewellers have offered up to 100 per cent discount on diamond jewellery making charges, and up to 50 per cent rebate on making of gold ornaments. Since the making charge works out to 12-18 per cent of the total value of the gold product, consumers rushed to jewellery shops to make future bookings and also build inventory for occasional use. With regard to