Dakshin Kashi known as modern day Kolhapur is one of the most famous cities of India in Southern Maharashtra in Western ghats. The city also known as ‘Kaleche Maherghar’ (in English An abode to art) has so much to talk about from its culture to its legendary people; its Kolhapuri Chappal, Kolhapuri Saaj, delicious and spicy Kolhapuri Misal and most importantly Shri Mahalaxmi (Ambabai), one among the shaktipeeths are known across the globe. Kavita Parab takes you through the jewellery lanes of this magnificent city.%% Kolhapur is the land of cultural, social and historical legacies. Visit to Maharashtra is incomplete without visiting Kolhapur which gives you the glimpse of Maratha heritage. Since ages, this charming royal city has been famous for its special leather footwear – Kolhapur Chappal and jewellery – especially Kolhapuri Saaj, Thushi, Tik, Shindeshahi tode, Vajratik, Chitak, Pohe har etc. Gujari lane and Rajarampuri lane in Kolhapur are lined with small to big showrooms of jewellers. The famous Gujari lane is said to have over 500 small to big jewellers. From antique to gold, silver, diamond, studded, you get all kinds of jewellery here. %% The city jewellers are known for their speciality in making gold beads that are exported all over India and abroad. Bharat Oswal, Owner, Mahendra Jewellers & President, Kolhapur Jilha Saraf Sangh added, “Kolhapur is known for traditional Maharashtrian jewellery like Thushi, Saaj etc. The city is the pioneer of bead making. Here, in the city, all kinds of gold beads are made.” %% As earlier said the city has penchant for traditional jewellery so there is a good demand for traditional jewellery pieces like Rani haar, Laxmi haar, Kolhapuri Saaj etc. Himmat Oswal, Proprietor, H.F.Jewellers stated, “As this is a Maharashtrian dominated city, there is a good demand for traditional specialities. However, younger generation prefers light weight, trendy jewellery for the daily usage.” But when it comes to jewellery for ceremonial purposes, their preference still lies in traditional heavy gold jewellery as well as antique jewellery. Also, Sugar cane being one of the main crops, the farmers here prefer heavy gold jewellery like bormal, mohan mal etc. %% Many jewellers said that farming still is the main occupation of many of the people here and therefore they believe in gold as sign of prosperity which makes Kolhapur mainly a gold market. There is little demand for diamond and other gemstones due to the superstitions. People prefer diamonds and other gemstones only when advised for astrological reasons. Another reason Bansi Chipade, Owner, Chipade Saraf gave us. He said, “People in Kolhapur largely being farmers have simple standards of living. Therefore, if they have surplus cash they still believe in investing it in gold as a security.” Apart from gold, there is good demand for silver puja saman and silver jewellery. While most of the silver jewellery like anklets comes from Hupri village near Kolhapur, silver utensils are made in Kolhapur. %%

As the consumer in Kolhapur is aware of the current trends when it comes to jewellery, likewise the consumer is aware of the hallmarking and certification for the jewellery. Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers briefed us on this. He said, “Consumer awareness and education is very important aspect in today’s business and we have been undertaking “Gold Education Campaign” in Kolhapur district, since last three years to make people aware of the importance of hallmarked gold. We have covered almost all the areas in the district through this campaign and today we are happy to see people take hallmarks seriously. They are well aware of it now. Certified diamonds have been also very well accepted and diamond jewellery though is yet to gain as much demand. This is an ongoing and continuous process and we shall keep modifying and adapting to changes in scenario as time demands to better our efforts towards consumer awareness and education.” %% Also, people are now aware of the assured returns if they buy hallmarked jewellery. Prasad Ingawale, Co-proprietor, Guruprasad Jewellers, pointed out, “People coming from the villages in and around of Kolhapur know the importance of 916 hallmark gold as buying it means guaranteed refund in case of need.” While Bansi Chipade, Chipade Saraf feels that hallmark is good as it has put an end to malpractices in the jewellery business. He further adds, “Due to hallmark, the buyer is now more alert.” %% In the last few years, gold market has gone through maximum level of fluctuation. “Kolhapur jewellery market has not adapted to the changing scenario in the jewellery market,” rues Bharat Oswal, Mahendra Jewellers. He adds further, “Making of silver gifting articles has dropped to 20-25 per cent. However, there is rise in buying of pure gold as an investment.” He wished that there were educational institutions in Kolhapur to promote the art of jewellery making. Many of the jewellers observed that love for gold is constant though choice of jewellery is changing with time. While Prasad Ingawale, Guruprasad Jewellers observed, “There has been a drop in the gold jewellery purchases mainly due to the fluctuating prices of gold. Now, while buying jewellery the customer is more cautious about the budget.” Himmat Oswal, H. F. Jewellers said, “The preferences of people have changed due to the increasing impact of T.V and movies which is dominating the style preferences.” %% In future, many of the jeweller fraternity hopes for the good times during the reign of Narendra Modi. Prasad Ingawale from Guruprasad Jewellers hopes that the new government will bring in changes in the industry. Bansi Chipade said, “Kolhapur has huge potential. However, it has been denied of good leadership. Lack of air connectivity too proves to be a hurdle in the growth of the city. If industries here are given proper impetus, Kolhapur can become the next industrial town.” %% Stressing on the love for gold in future, Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers said, “Gold had attracted us Indians since ages. It will stay like this in the future too. Our woman love jewellery and find ingenious ways to acquire gold. Men, too, love it and most of them see it as a perfect investment with guaranteed good returns. I see the market flourishing in the near future.” %% There have been quite few corporate players like Tanishq who have made inroads into the Kolhapur jewellery market. Did it affect their business or it is business as usual? For Bansi Chipade of Chipade Saraf, it is business as usual as pointed out, “Initial hype has died down now. These corporate players lack on emotional quotient which customer can get only at the family jeweller like us. We still run on trust.” “There were initial hiccups as these jewellers have shorter turnaround time as compared to us our business is usual as we still work on credit basis,” said Jagdish Rangole of Rangole & Sons. %%

Besides, there is a major issue that is troubling the Kolhapur jewellers and that is of skilled artisans. The local artisans are not ready to adjust and give extra hours and therefore work as per fixed schedules. Therefore, many jewellers have been hiring artisans from Kolkata who are not only skilled but are adaptable to the demands of jewellery business. “The local artisans even try to shoo away the Bangali karigars. Somewhere local politics is responsible for making local artisans idle,” claims a jeweller on condition of anonymity. %% The problems have not deterred some of the jewellers to adapting to the changing jewellery market. While talking about the future plans, Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers said, “Like for every fast growing market we feel our constant stoking of awareness and eductaion to the consumers has led the market to become a young at heart but well lived and timed market. owing to its strategic socio political status kolhapur promises a very vibrant and enterprising future and we plan to be play an important role in the same.” Jewellers like Guruprasad Jewellers do have special budget for advertising to make people aware about their jewellery so it Mahendra Jewellers whose brand ambassador is TV and Film actor Mrunal Kulkarni. %% There is lot in the jewellery market here which is untapped. At the same time, some of the traditional jewellery art needs government support so that they do not extinct with passage of time. As pointed out by many, the Kolhapur’s potential is in great need of the government’s support, only then the jewellery industry here will flourish and get back its lost glory. %%

Dakshin Kashi known as modern day Kolhapur is one of the most famous cities of India in Southern Maharashtra in Western ghats. The city also known as ‘Kaleche Maherghar’ (in English An abode to art) has so much to talk about from its culture to its legendary people; its Kolhapuri Chappal, Kolhapuri Saaj, delicious and spicy Kolhapuri Misal and most importantly Shri Mahalaxmi (Ambabai), one among the shaktipeeths are known across the globe. Kavita Parab takes you through the jewellery lanes of this magnificent city.%% Kolhapur is the land of cultural, social and historical legacies. Visit to Maharashtra is incomplete without visiting Kolhapur which gives you the glimpse of Maratha heritage. Since ages, this charming royal city has been famous for its special leather footwear – Kolhapur Chappal and jewellery – especially Kolhapuri Saaj, Thushi, Tik, Shindeshahi tode, Vajratik, Chitak, Pohe har etc. Gujari lane and Rajarampuri lane in Kolhapur are lined with small to big showrooms of jewellers. The famous Gujari lane is said to have over 500 small to big jewellers. From antique to gold, silver, diamond, studded, you get all kinds of jewellery here. %% The city jewellers are known for their speciality in making gold beads that are exported all over India and abroad. Bharat Oswal, Owner, Mahendra Jewellers & President, Kolhapur Jilha Saraf Sangh added, “Kolhapur is known for traditional Maharashtrian jewellery like Thushi, Saaj etc. The city is the pioneer of bead making. Here, in the city, all kinds of gold beads are made.” %% As earlier said the city has penchant for traditional jewellery so there is a good demand for traditional jewellery pieces like Rani haar, Laxmi haar, Kolhapuri Saaj etc. Himmat Oswal, Proprietor, H.F.Jewellers stated, “As this is a Maharashtrian dominated city, there is a good demand for traditional specialities. However, younger generation prefers light weight, trendy jewellery for the daily usage.” But when it comes to jewellery for ceremonial purposes, their preference still lies in traditional heavy gold jewellery as well as antique jewellery. Also, Sugar cane being one of the main crops, the farmers here prefer heavy gold jewellery like bormal, mohan mal etc. %% Many jewellers said that farming still is the main occupation of many of the people here and therefore they believe in gold as sign of prosperity which makes Kolhapur mainly a gold market. There is little demand for diamond and other gemstones due to the superstitions. People prefer diamonds and other gemstones only when advised for astrological reasons. Another reason Bansi Chipade, Owner, Chipade Saraf gave us. He said, “People in Kolhapur largely being farmers have simple standards of living. Therefore, if they have surplus cash they still believe in investing it in gold as a security.” Apart from gold, there is good demand for silver puja saman and silver jewellery. While most of the silver jewellery like anklets comes from Hupri village near Kolhapur, silver utensils are made in Kolhapur. %%

As the consumer in Kolhapur is aware of the current trends when it comes to jewellery, likewise the consumer is aware of the hallmarking and certification for the jewellery. Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers briefed us on this. He said, “Consumer awareness and education is very important aspect in today’s business and we have been undertaking “Gold Education Campaign” in Kolhapur district, since last three years to make people aware of the importance of hallmarked gold. We have covered almost all the areas in the district through this campaign and today we are happy to see people take hallmarks seriously. They are well aware of it now. Certified diamonds have been also very well accepted and diamond jewellery though is yet to gain as much demand. This is an ongoing and continuous process and we shall keep modifying and adapting to changes in scenario as time demands to better our efforts towards consumer awareness and education.” %% Also, people are now aware of the assured returns if they buy hallmarked jewellery. Prasad Ingawale, Co-proprietor, Guruprasad Jewellers, pointed out, “People coming from the villages in and around of Kolhapur know the importance of 916 hallmark gold as buying it means guaranteed refund in case of need.” While Bansi Chipade, Chipade Saraf feels that hallmark is good as it has put an end to malpractices in the jewellery business. He further adds, “Due to hallmark, the buyer is now more alert.” %% In the last few years, gold market has gone through maximum level of fluctuation. “Kolhapur jewellery market has not adapted to the changing scenario in the jewellery market,” rues Bharat Oswal, Mahendra Jewellers. He adds further, “Making of silver gifting articles has dropped to 20-25 per cent. However, there is rise in buying of pure gold as an investment.” He wished that there were educational institutions in Kolhapur to promote the art of jewellery making. Many of the jewellers observed that love for gold is constant though choice of jewellery is changing with time. While Prasad Ingawale, Guruprasad Jewellers observed, “There has been a drop in the gold jewellery purchases mainly due to the fluctuating prices of gold. Now, while buying jewellery the customer is more cautious about the budget.” Himmat Oswal, H. F. Jewellers said, “The preferences of people have changed due to the increasing impact of T.V and movies which is dominating the style preferences.” %% In future, many of the jeweller fraternity hopes for the good times during the reign of Narendra Modi. Prasad Ingawale from Guruprasad Jewellers hopes that the new government will bring in changes in the industry. Bansi Chipade said, “Kolhapur has huge potential. However, it has been denied of good leadership. Lack of air connectivity too proves to be a hurdle in the growth of the city. If industries here are given proper impetus, Kolhapur can become the next industrial town.” %% Stressing on the love for gold in future, Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers said, “Gold had attracted us Indians since ages. It will stay like this in the future too. Our woman love jewellery and find ingenious ways to acquire gold. Men, too, love it and most of them see it as a perfect investment with guaranteed good returns. I see the market flourishing in the near future.” %% There have been quite few corporate players like Tanishq who have made inroads into the Kolhapur jewellery market. Did it affect their business or it is business as usual? For Bansi Chipade of Chipade Saraf, it is business as usual as pointed out, “Initial hype has died down now. These corporate players lack on emotional quotient which customer can get only at the family jeweller like us. We still run on trust.” “There were initial hiccups as these jewellers have shorter turnaround time as compared to us our business is usual as we still work on credit basis,” said Jagdish Rangole of Rangole & Sons. %%

Besides, there is a major issue that is troubling the Kolhapur jewellers and that is of skilled artisans. The local artisans are not ready to adjust and give extra hours and therefore work as per fixed schedules. Therefore, many jewellers have been hiring artisans from Kolkata who are not only skilled but are adaptable to the demands of jewellery business. “The local artisans even try to shoo away the Bangali karigars. Somewhere local politics is responsible for making local artisans idle,” claims a jeweller on condition of anonymity. %% The problems have not deterred some of the jewellers to adapting to the changing jewellery market. While talking about the future plans, Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers said, “Like for every fast growing market we feel our constant stoking of awareness and eductaion to the consumers has led the market to become a young at heart but well lived and timed market. owing to its strategic socio political status kolhapur promises a very vibrant and enterprising future and we plan to be play an important role in the same.” Jewellers like Guruprasad Jewellers do have special budget for advertising to make people aware about their jewellery so it Mahendra Jewellers whose brand ambassador is TV and Film actor Mrunal Kulkarni. %% There is lot in the jewellery market here which is untapped. At the same time, some of the traditional jewellery art needs government support so that they do not extinct with passage of time. As pointed out by many, the Kolhapur’s potential is in great need of the government’s support, only then the jewellery industry here will flourish and get back its lost glory. %%

Dakshin Kashi known as modern day Kolhapur is one of the most famous cities of India in Southern Maharashtra in Western ghats. The city also known as ‘Kaleche Maherghar’ (in English An abode to art) has so much to talk about from its culture to its legendary people; its Kolhapuri Chappal, Kolhapuri Saaj, delicious and spicy Kolhapuri Misal and most importantly Shri Mahalaxmi (Ambabai), one among the shaktipeeths are known across the globe. Kavita Parab takes you through the jewellery lanes of this magnificent city.%% Kolhapur is the land of cultural, social and historical legacies. Visit to Maharashtra is incomplete without visiting Kolhapur which gives you the glimpse of Maratha heritage. Since ages, this charming royal city has been famous for its special leather footwear – Kolhapur Chappal and jewellery – especially Kolhapuri Saaj, Thushi, Tik, Shindeshahi tode, Vajratik, Chitak, Pohe har etc. Gujari lane and Rajarampuri lane in Kolhapur are lined with small to big showrooms of jewellers. The famous Gujari lane is said to have over 500 small to big jewellers. From antique to gold, silver, diamond, studded, you get all kinds of jewellery here. %% The city jewellers are known for their speciality in making gold beads that are exported all over India and abroad. Bharat Oswal, Owner, Mahendra Jewellers & President, Kolhapur Jilha Saraf Sangh added, “Kolhapur is known for traditional Maharashtrian jewellery like Thushi, Saaj etc. The city is the pioneer of bead making. Here, in the city, all kinds of gold beads are made.” %% As earlier said the city has penchant for traditional jewellery so there is a good demand for traditional jewellery pieces like Rani haar, Laxmi haar, Kolhapuri Saaj etc. Himmat Oswal, Proprietor, H.F.Jewellers stated, “As this is a Maharashtrian dominated city, there is a good demand for traditional specialities. However, younger generation prefers light weight, trendy jewellery for the daily usage.” But when it comes to jewellery for ceremonial purposes, their preference still lies in traditional heavy gold jewellery as well as antique jewellery. Also, Sugar cane being one of the main crops, the farmers here prefer heavy gold jewellery like bormal, mohan mal etc. %% Many jewellers said that farming still is the main occupation of many of the people here and therefore they believe in gold as sign of prosperity which makes Kolhapur mainly a gold market. There is little demand for diamond and other gemstones due to the superstitions. People prefer diamonds and other gemstones only when advised for astrological reasons. Another reason Bansi Chipade, Owner, Chipade Saraf gave us. He said, “People in Kolhapur largely being farmers have simple standards of living. Therefore, if they have surplus cash they still believe in investing it in gold as a security.” Apart from gold, there is good demand for silver puja saman and silver jewellery. While most of the silver jewellery like anklets comes from Hupri village near Kolhapur, silver utensils are made in Kolhapur. %%

As the consumer in Kolhapur is aware of the current trends when it comes to jewellery, likewise the consumer is aware of the hallmarking and certification for the jewellery. Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers briefed us on this. He said, “Consumer awareness and education is very important aspect in today’s business and we have been undertaking “Gold Education Campaign” in Kolhapur district, since last three years to make people aware of the importance of hallmarked gold. We have covered almost all the areas in the district through this campaign and today we are happy to see people take hallmarks seriously. They are well aware of it now. Certified diamonds have been also very well accepted and diamond jewellery though is yet to gain as much demand. This is an ongoing and continuous process and we shall keep modifying and adapting to changes in scenario as time demands to better our efforts towards consumer awareness and education.” %% Also, people are now aware of the assured returns if they buy hallmarked jewellery. Prasad Ingawale, Co-proprietor, Guruprasad Jewellers, pointed out, “People coming from the villages in and around of Kolhapur know the importance of 916 hallmark gold as buying it means guaranteed refund in case of need.” While Bansi Chipade, Chipade Saraf feels that hallmark is good as it has put an end to malpractices in the jewellery business. He further adds, “Due to hallmark, the buyer is now more alert.” %% In the last few years, gold market has gone through maximum level of fluctuation. “Kolhapur jewellery market has not adapted to the changing scenario in the jewellery market,” rues Bharat Oswal, Mahendra Jewellers. He adds further, “Making of silver gifting articles has dropped to 20-25 per cent. However, there is rise in buying of pure gold as an investment.” He wished that there were educational institutions in Kolhapur to promote the art of jewellery making. Many of the jewellers observed that love for gold is constant though choice of jewellery is changing with time. While Prasad Ingawale, Guruprasad Jewellers observed, “There has been a drop in the gold jewellery purchases mainly due to the fluctuating prices of gold. Now, while buying jewellery the customer is more cautious about the budget.” Himmat Oswal, H. F. Jewellers said, “The preferences of people have changed due to the increasing impact of T.V and movies which is dominating the style preferences.” %% In future, many of the jeweller fraternity hopes for the good times during the reign of Narendra Modi. Prasad Ingawale from Guruprasad Jewellers hopes that the new government will bring in changes in the industry. Bansi Chipade said, “Kolhapur has huge potential. However, it has been denied of good leadership. Lack of air connectivity too proves to be a hurdle in the growth of the city. If industries here are given proper impetus, Kolhapur can become the next industrial town.” %% Stressing on the love for gold in future, Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers said, “Gold had attracted us Indians since ages. It will stay like this in the future too. Our woman love jewellery and find ingenious ways to acquire gold. Men, too, love it and most of them see it as a perfect investment with guaranteed good returns. I see the market flourishing in the near future.” %% There have been quite few corporate players like Tanishq who have made inroads into the Kolhapur jewellery market. Did it affect their business or it is business as usual? For Bansi Chipade of Chipade Saraf, it is business as usual as pointed out, “Initial hype has died down now. These corporate players lack on emotional quotient which customer can get only at the family jeweller like us. We still run on trust.” “There were initial hiccups as these jewellers have shorter turnaround time as compared to us our business is usual as we still work on credit basis,” said Jagdish Rangole of Rangole & Sons. %%

Besides, there is a major issue that is troubling the Kolhapur jewellers and that is of skilled artisans. The local artisans are not ready to adjust and give extra hours and therefore work as per fixed schedules. Therefore, many jewellers have been hiring artisans from Kolkata who are not only skilled but are adaptable to the demands of jewellery business. “The local artisans even try to shoo away the Bangali karigars. Somewhere local politics is responsible for making local artisans idle,” claims a jeweller on condition of anonymity. %% The problems have not deterred some of the jewellers to adapting to the changing jewellery market. While talking about the future plans, Chandan Redasani, Spokesperson, Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers said, “Like for every fast growing market we feel our constant stoking of awareness and eductaion to the consumers has led the market to become a young at heart but well lived and timed market. owing to its strategic socio political status kolhapur promises a very vibrant and enterprising future and we plan to be play an important role in the same.” Jewellers like Guruprasad Jewellers do have special budget for advertising to make people aware about their jewellery so it Mahendra Jewellers whose brand ambassador is TV and Film actor Mrunal Kulkarni. %% There is lot in the jewellery market here which is untapped. At the same time, some of the traditional jewellery art needs government support so that they do not extinct with passage of time. As pointed out by many, the Kolhapur’s potential is in great need of the government’s support, only then the jewellery industry here will flourish and get back its lost glory. %%