Rising gold prices have revived jewellery-buying sentiment in the past week

Better prices have set a robust trend for this festive season, but jewellers are sceptical about its continuation amid a weak rural demand after kharif crop damage

After months of dullness, jewellery-buying sentiment revived in the past week as consumers rushed their purchase before any further increase in gold prices.

Gold prices in the local markets have jumped by 4.5 per cent so far in October, following a global move to trade currently at Rs 31,820 per 10 g (pure gold with .999 variety). Gold was costlier in Indian markets also because of a depreciation in the value of the rupee. Consumers, therefore, rushed to jewellery shops expecting a further jump in rates in the local currency in the days to come.

Gold has proved an investment safe