Just ahead of the festive and wedding season, close to 1.5 lakh artisans, who handcraft gold jewellery, have left the state. The move has happened over the past 18 months, says representatives of the workers, as gold prices have dropped. Most of the karigars come from Bengal and have left for their native places.

The overall dip in sales has affected wholesalers, retailers and artisans alike, and the sector is hoping the government will introduce relief measures just as it has for automobile and real estate sectors. The community met on Wednesday to discuss solutions. Rauf Bangali, president of Samast Bangali Samaj Association, said that around 3.5 lakh artisans worked in the state before the exodus began.

"Those who have stayed back, have almost no work," said Bangali. "We met other stakeholders to work a way out and are also looking at some government aid." The sharp rise in gold prices and depreciation of the Rupee has kindled the crisis — the yellow metal touched a high of Rs 40,000 per 10 grams this week. And jewellers feel the price will climb further and rule out any improvement in the market until Diwali.

"Our contractors have reduced their workforce," said Chinubhai Shah, president of Shree Choksi Mahajan (Manekchowk). "Where they had five workers earlier, they now have only two as there isn't enough work. The dilemma is whether to maintain workforce or sustain ourselves." He is not hopeful of help from the government, as gold prices are determined by global factors. "Why this has happened, we do not know," said Shah. "But one thing is clear, there are hardly any customers."