Indians Ditch 22-Carat Gold for Cheaper Alternatives Amid Soaring Prices

• 22-carat gold prices surged to ₹1.42 lakhs/10g, making it unaffordable for many consumers.
• Consumers are now preferring 14 and 18-carat gold, previously used mainly for diamond jewelry.
• The shift is driven by budget constraints and a focus on design and aesthetics over gold weight.
• Wedding jewelry trends show 22-carat gold usage dropped from 75% to 50% in Ahmedabad.
• Experts predict continued demand for lower-carat gold as a practical and stable alternative.

Why It Matters: Soaring gold prices are driving Indians to embrace lower-carat gold for affordability and design.