There’s something magical about an Indian jewelry store—you walk in with a plan and walk out with a loan.

Mom and I had a perfectly reasonable strategy: exchange some old gold, use our gold scheme amount, and upgrade a few pieces—without spending extra. Sensible, right? Except, somewhere between “just looking” and “bill please,” we ended up with a 10-lakh temple jewelry set and a financial hangover.

Step 1: The “Casual” Entry

We walked in, all confident, like seasoned gold investors. But Indian jewelry stores have a sixth sense for weak targets. The moment you step in, they analyze your worth—are you here for a budget ring or a shaadi ka haar? Are you window shopping, or will you be funding their Diwali bonus?

Initially, they handed us the “middle-class tray”—dainty rings, thin bangles, delicate chains. But my mother, unimpressed, gave The Look—the one that silently says, Beta, show me the real stuff. And boom, out came the exclusive, one-piece-only, celebrity-worn, designer collection.

Step 2: Bangles, Rings & Other “Essentials”

You enter thinking you need one thing, but suddenly:

• “Oh, but this matching ring is so elegant!” (Unplanned expense: ₹50,000)

• “You can’t wear a new chain without matching bangles!” (Unplanned expense: ₹1,20,000)

• “Look at these tiny, delicate diamond studs. Just ₹85,000! Peanuts, right?”

At this point, Mom transformed into a financial philosopher. “See, beta, gold is an investment. If we don’t buy it today, prices will increase tomorrow.”

Translation: Let’s just burn all logic and buy everything.

Step 3: The 30% Making Charges & the Great Bargain Scam

Jewelry making charges are the greatest heist in Indian history—no thief has ever looted people more elegantly than jewelry stores.

Salesman: “Madam, only 30% making charges on this.”

Mom: “Only?”

Salesman (smiling sympathetically): “It’s handcrafted, madam. So much effort goes into it.”

Mom: “Give some discount.”

Salesman: (disappears for Fake Manager Discussion) “Okay, madam, just for you, 5% off.”

Ah yes, the VIP treatment that somehow applies to everyone.

Step 4: The Temple Jewelry Trap

Just when we were about to escape, we saw it—a grand temple jewelry set, fit for a goddess. Heavy gold, intricate carvings, and an aura that screamed, Buy me now, regret later.

Me: “Mom, just trying it won’t hurt.”

Mom: “Of course, just trying.”

Two minutes later, she was admiring herself in the mirror, adjusting the necklace like a queen in a historical drama.

Salesman: “Madam, this is our MOST exclusive set. Only ONE in the city.”

BAM. Sold.

Step 5: The Exit—With A Side of Guilt & VIP Treatment

Final bill: ₹10,00,000.

Final emotions: Happiness, horror, regret, pride—ALL AT ONCE.

As we left, suddenly, we were VIPs.

• “Madam, please sit, have chai, coffee, juice?”

• “Please take our membership card, special discount next time!”

• “Madam, a free silver coin for you!”

Ah, yes. They drained our bank account but gifted us a ₹500 silver coin.

Moral of the Story?

You don’t buy gold.

Gold buys you.

And no matter what, you WILL spend more than you planned.