Jewellers Are Losing Crores — All Because of Bad Stock

The glittering displays in showrooms should reflect not just beauty but also smart business practices. After all, in the world of jewellery retail, what's unseen—like efficient inventory management—often holds the key to sustained success.

stock loss display
Aarti Singh
Written by

Aarti Singh

Real-time tracking takes the guesswork out of managing stock—making day-to-day decisions easier, reducing stress, and setting jewellers up for long-term success.

If there’s one feature that really makes a difference, it’s real-time inventory tracking. With tools like RFID, jewellers can instantly see what’s in stock, what’s selling, and what needs attention. This clarity helps prevent overbuying and cuts down on old pieces gathering dust. Even more, it keeps valuable items secure and easy to locate.

Behind the Sparkle: The Costly Burden of Unsold Stock

Step into a jewellery showroom and the glittering displays promise luxury and abundance. Yet, for many jewellers, those same showcases hide a growing problem—unsold inventory piling up behind the scenes. In an effort to offer variety and cater to every possible customer preference, jewellers often overstock. The result? Valuable capital is locked away in pieces that sit unsold, quickly becoming outdated as trends change. These ornaments, once seen as an investment, soon demand heavy markdowns just to clear space, cutting deeply into potential profits.

Industry Impact: Losses Stretching into Crores

The consequences of poor inventory management are visible across the industry. Jewellers recently suffered a staggering ₹27,400 crore loss in market value within two weeks, with concerns over excess stock and valuation at the heart of the issue. It’s not an isolated incident. India’s gems and jewellery exports dropped by 11.72% in FY25, with overstocking and shifting consumer demands cited as major reasons. Many businesses still rely on manual methods to track high-value items, leading to frequent errors, inefficiencies, and even security risks.

Manual management inventory

A Shift Towards Smarter Solutions

Recognizing the mounting losses, more jewellers are now investing in advanced inventory management systems. Technologies like RFID allow for real-time tracking and precise oversight of stock levels. Companies such as Malabar Gold & Diamonds have already adopted RFID solutions, which help prevent over- or under-stocking and provide actionable insights into sales trends. These digital tools enable jewellers to make informed decisions, optimize their offerings, and protect their bottom line.

Adapting for the Future

With fashion trends and customer preferences changing rapidly, efficient inventory control has become crucial for survival in the jewellery business. Embracing technology and data-driven strategies can help jewellers minimize financial losses, free up working capital, and ultimately provide a better customer experience. The beauty of a jewellery store should reflect not just shimmering ornaments but also smart, sustainable business practices. In today’s market, what remains unseen—such as robust inventory management—can make all the difference between profit and loss.

Inventory Management software

One Final Thought: At the end of the day, running a jewellery business isn’t just about filling cases with beautiful pieces—it’s about making smart choices behind the counter. Managing inventory wisely means jewellers can put their energy (and money) into what really matters: delighting customers and building a lasting reputation. The stores that find the right balance are the ones that will keep shining, no matter how trends change.

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