Even as prices of the yellow metal touched a record high of Rs 16,000 per 10 grams, buyers in the city remained undeterred as jewellers recorded good sales on the occasion of Dhanteras. Jewellery shops remained packed with customers, undeterred by the economic slowdown.

The gold rush that started in the morning continued till late in the evening with jewellers claiming to have sold ‘sizeable’ amounts of gold.

Traffic at the Sector-22 market, which is the hub of leading jewellery dealers, was brought to a crawl.

“This is one day when sales are expected to rise, no matter what the price of gold is. Since this is also the wedding season, we have many people purchasing jewellery,” said an executive at a Tanishq showroom in Manimajra.

Shopowners also credit gold with being an all-time favourite investment as well.

“Gold will never go out of fashion as it is a reliable asset and keeping in view the continuous rise in its prices, it is one of the safest investments. Apart from jewellery pieces, people are opting for gold bars as well,” said an executive at a jewellery store in Sector 22.

Enthusiastic buyers shared the views. “Gold is a convenient saving. Claims of a slow economy do not stand much ground when one is buying for occasions like weddings and Dhanteras,” felt Tanisha, who was shopping for her marriage.

Silver could not match its dearer cousin, though many city residents chose silver coins and utensils to gift to their near and dear ones.

... contd.