Page 8 - Masala Lite Issue 167 November 2024

8 FASHION

THE GOLD STANDARD
Gold is virtually maintenance-free, and it never goes out of style. Diamonds and
gemstones may need to be handled with care to avoid losing their sparkle or falling
out of favour with the fashion elite. Gold, however, ages like fine wine – getting better,

bolder, and more desirable with time.
e
diamonds
Are diamonds really a
Ar
eall
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a
FOOL’S GOLD?: THE COST OF TRENDS
girl’s best friend? Let’s take a moment to address the cost of chasing trends. The resale value of diamonds
and coloured gemstones often leaves much to be desired. You might pay a fortune to
BY GRACE CLARKE acquire them, but you rarely get your investment back on the second-hand market.
Retail markups are sky-high, and the value tends to plummet. In contrast, gold
holds its value like real estate. It can be melted, reshaped, and reused, all without
losing its worth. It’s the true financial safeguard that generations have relied upon,

oesn’t it seem like the glittering allure of yellow gold is losing its charm in
the modern era? The once-unrivalled symbol of wealth and tradition is being especially for brides.
passed over for the icy elegance of white metals, diamonds, and coloured IS GOLD TRULY OUT OF STYLE?
gemstones. Even brides, who once dazzled in elaborate gold ensembles, are now The question that remains is, are we merely blinded by the sparkle of what’s trending,
more likely to sport custom-made pieces of twinkling diamonds or assorted gem or are we genuinely losing touch with the timeless elegance of gold? Perhaps in our
stone adornments on their big day. But are we making the right move? Is the allure rush to adorn ourselves with the latest sparkling trends, we’re overlooking what has
of these contemporary trends enough to replace centuries of tradition, wisdom, and always been most reliable for generations. Before we put yellow gold on the shelf of

financial savvy that have stood the test of time?
forgotten trends, let’s ask ourselves: are we chasing fleeting fashions at the cost of

gilded legacy? Because while diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, gold is her family.
A GILDED LEGACY
And like all things golden, it never loses its shine.
In Indian culture, gold isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a way of life. Revered as a
symbol of wealth and divine blessing, gold is closely associated with the goddess
Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and fortune. Families have been hoarding gold
over generations, passing down golden heirlooms to ensure the next in line never
loses their glow. Traditionally, gold also plays a pivotal role in weddings, serving as a
crucial part of the bride’s trousseau. Brides have long been adorned with elaborate
gold jewellery: from necklaces, to earrings, bangles, anklets, and maang tikka, each

piece is steeped in cultural and regional significance. For instance, South Indian brides
dazzle in ornate temple jewellery, while their North Indian counterparts often opt for
intricate kundan or polki sets. Yet today, more brides opt for white metals, coloured
stones, and diamonds, trading tradition for contemporary chic. With this shift, are
we losing more than just the golden allure?
THE UNFADING SHINE OF YELLOW GOLD
Diamonds might sparkle, but they simply can’t compete with the intrinsic value
of gold. Gold’s worth is universal, a timeless asset that holds its ground even in
turbulent economic times. Unlike the unpredictable market for diamonds and coloured
gemstones, gold remains a reliable, stable investment that can be liquidated with the
snap of a finger almost anywhere in the world. Its price is publicly listed and easily

accessible, making it a secure choice. While diamonds may catch the light, gold is

the star that keeps shining even in the darkest financial storms.

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