Amaravati, December 31, 2025: Gold prices in India have climbed dramatically, reaching around ₹13,600 per gram for 24-carat by late December, up from ₹48,480 per 10 grams in 2020. This surge has hit traditional goldsmiths hardest in places like Proddutur, Kadapa district, where once-bustling workshops now sit quiet.
Artisans report sharp drops in orders for handcrafted jewellery as customers find ornaments unaffordable. Many skilled workers have switched to daily-wage jobs driving autos, working in hotels or left town entirely.
Earnings have plummeted from thousands per day to a few hundred, leaving families struggling with debts, bills, and uncertain futures. Veterans say the last few months mark the toughest period, with traditional skills at risk of disappearing.
