Khammam: Traditional goldsmiths of Khammam are planning to meet Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao seeking government intervention to protect their livelihood by putting restrictions on business giants from making and selling pustelu (mangalasutram) and mettelu (toe rings worn by married women). They will also seek a loan of nearly Rs 5 lakh each for the purchase of tools.
With the advent of corporate jewellery companies that make jewellery using machines, traditional goldsmiths have been sidelined. “These jewellery shops canvas their ornaments in a big way, luring customers with ready-to-wear jewellery,” goldsmith Yalagandula Naresh said.
“Once, jewellery-making was an honoured profession. Families had to come and order the making of pustelu and mettelu to the goldsmith before marriage. Some of them even followed the tradition of donating provisions for a day to the goldsmith’s family while giving the order for pustelu,” he said.
“Such a prestigious profession turned out to be a curse due to corporate jewellery companies that make everything — from pustelu to diamond necklaces. Many goldsmiths are starving due to lack of work,” he said.
