LUCKNOW, Oct. 10 -- Even as 24-carat gold (10 grams) touched Rs.1.27 lakh and 1 kg silver (999) reached Rs.1.68 lakh on Thursday, jewellers in Lucknow reported brisk business ahead of Karwa Chauth on Friday. Lightweight and dainty jewellery emerged as the most sought-after items, while silver jewellery and Karwas (a pot used in the Karwa Chauth) outperformed gold.

Tanya Rastogi, director of the Indian Bullions and Jewellers Association (IBJA) and owner of a city-based store, said customers were increasingly opting for pure gold instead of stone- or bead-studded designs.

"With gold and silver prices rising in recent days, people are buying precious metals, hoping they will increase further. Many are compromising on quantity but still pre...