Raksha Bandhan

VADODARA: Despite a 40 per cent rise in the prices of diamond and gold rakhis this year, city jewellers have not witnessed any slump in their sales, as compared to last year.

Owner of Navin Jewellers in Alkapuri area of the city, Navin Soni said that owing to unprecedented rise in the prices of gold and diamonds due to crisis created in the international market, the diamonds and gold rakhis have become costlier this year.

Last year, the diamond rakhis were priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 30,000, this year, they are available between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 and even upwards, Soni said.

The Rs 50,000-worth rakhi is made of 14.7 grams of gold, one carat of ruby stone and 1.29 carat of diamond tied to a silk thread with coloured stones and pearls on it.
"Diamond rakhi is a craze among higher middle class and wealthy people," he said.

Ashwin Chokshi of Narayan Jewellers said, "These rakhis are made as per the requirements of women customers."

"Rakhi with different messages, including elimination of corruption, fight against terrorism, are in demand."

Chokshi said, "These rakhis could be worn as a bracelet or a pendant in a gold chain."

The raksha bandhan festival, which is being celebrated today, involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her.