Gold is unaffordable so South Asian brides turn to one gram substitutes

Families in South Asia are opting for imitation jewellery and gold-plated ornaments due to record gold prices. Gold prices have surged, with the precious metal trading at a high of $4,861 per ounce. As a result, demand for gold jewellery in India has fallen by 24 percent compared to the previous year. Many brides, like Uzma Bashir, are choosing lower-cost alternatives to avoid burdening their families with expensive dowry demands.