The sky-high rate of gold has compelled the middleclass to opt for lightweight jewellery this Diwali.

Available in a wide array of designs, residents with small budgets are preferring the lighter version of the metal to celebrate the festival of prosperity.

The gold price on Sunday was Rs 3,085/gm. Last year it was around Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,700/gm during the same period.

Sunil Kumar, the owner of Shyam Jewellers located at Ashiana Hariniwas Complex, said: “People select jewellery that suit their budget. These days, customers are more interested in lightweight jewellery. Soaring gold rates have left them with no option. This year, buying the heavier yellow metal is beyond a common man’s reach.”

He added: “When people visit our store to buy jewellery, they often share their problems with us as to why they cannot buy the heavier variety. My customers have to make do with ornaments that are lighter on the pocket.”

Lightweight ornaments start from 0.5gm, which is unimaginable in the heavier version.

A pair of lightweight earrings and necklace set weighs between 12gm and 30gm, prices of which range between Rs 42,000 and Rs 1,04,000. Normally, the heavier metal weighs around 40gm for a similar set.

Rings, too, are available for both men and women. Rings for men weigh between 2gm and 5gm and the prices range from Rs 7,000 to Rs 17,500. Lightweight pendants are available in 1gm to 3gm. One has to spend around Rs 3,500 to Rs 10,500 for a pendant.

Lightweight jadaoon sets are also available in less than 10gm. The prices vary between Rs 14,000 and Rs 34,940.

Working woman Banosree Chari, 45, believes there is not much she can do this year other than buying lightweight jewellery on Dhanteras.

“The gold rate is so high that thinking of buying heavy jewellery is impractical. This Diwali, I’ll buy a pair of lightweight earrings because buying gold during Diwali is a custom in our family. I am, however, worried about the gold price during Diwali,” said the Jakkanpur resident.

However, here’s a caution for those buying the lighter version of the metal.

Bharat Mehta, the secretary of Patliputra Sarafa Sangh, said: “It is important to check the purity of the jewellery you are buying. The jewellery piece should carry the Hallmark sign. The name of the shop should be checked before buying a lightweight ornament. A lightweight jewellery set should carry 18C or 21C or 22C written on the back of the set. If not, one should never buy the ornament.”

Rampur Road resident Hemlata Saran, 48, said she was keen on buying lightweight jewellery but feared she might land up with a fake one. “Purity is important when it comes to gold. Lightweight metal often has impurities. This Diwali I am planning to buy a lighter piece. But I will try to buy it from some authentic dealers,” she said.