Wedding bells are ringing louder than ever across Vietnam and India in 2025, but there’s a new note in the chorus: the shimmering, ever-rising price of gold. As couples prepare to tie the knot, the cost—and symbolism—of wedding rings is taking on fresh significance amid global economic uncertainty and a dramatic surge in gold’s value.
In Vietnam, the 8th lunar month traditionally marks the peak wedding season, and this year is no exception. According to market research cited by VnExpress, gold shops have reported a noticeable uptick in wedding ring sales since the season began. But this surge isn’t just about romance; it’s also about investment. With inflation and economic fluctuations top of mind, couples are looking to gold not only as a symbol of lifelong commitment but also as a hedge against financial instability.
The average price of wedding rings in Vietnam now ranges from 5 to 25 million VND per pair—a jump of 10-15% compared to 2024. The reason is simple: the price of gold itself has climbed steeply. Jewelry prices are largely determined by the cost of raw gold and manufacturing, so when gold goes up, so do the rings. This trend isn’t unique to Vietnam, either. In India, gold prices soared to ₹1.2 lakh per 10 grams by October 12, 2025, sparking heated debate among finance professionals and consumers alike, as reported by Business Today.
Vietnam’s wedding ring market is undergoing a transformation, driven by the tastes of Millennials and Gen Z. Gone are the days when traditional designs ruled the roost. Now, couples are gravitating toward modern, personalized styles that reflect both their personalities and contemporary sensibilities. Infinity wedding rings, for instance, have gained popularity for their symbolic nod to eternal love. Crafted from 10K white gold and adorned with scattered gemstones, these rings typically cost between 10 and 15 million VND per pair. Their appeal lies in both their message and their modern aesthetic.
Another trend sweeping the market is the blending of masculine and feminine design elements. Jewelers are offering sets that pair angular rings for men with softer, more delicate designs for women, crafted from 10K to 18K gold. These innovative combinations, priced between 8 and 20 million VND, manage to balance tradition with a fresh, modern twist.
Personalization is also in vogue. Many couples are choosing to engrave names, birth dates, or meaningful phrases—like "Forever"—on 18K gold rings. This approach not only creates a unique memento but can also save about 20-30% of the cost compared to ordering a fully custom design. The result is a ring that feels both intimate and economical, a win-win in a time of rising prices.
The Vietnamese market is dominated by heavyweight brands with extensive distribution networks and strong reputations. Names like PNJ, Doji, SJC, Bao Tin Minh Chau, and Huy Thanh Jewelry are constantly rolling out new collections to capture the evolving tastes of young couples. SJC, for example, is taking a practical approach by focusing on plain rings made from 999.9 or 14K-18K gold. These designs, priced between 8 and 50 million VND, are less ornate but emphasize storage value and liquidity—an attractive proposition for those who see gold as a financial asset as much as a romantic one.
To encourage purchases before the wedding rush, brands are offering a raft of promotions. Discounts on manufacturing costs, gift vouchers, and 0% installment payment options are all on the table, helping couples manage costs in the face of high gold prices. Ms. Thanh, a saleswoman at a gold shop on Tran Nhan Tong Street in Hanoi, observed, "The record high price of gold has made many consumers consider more carefully when choosing to buy wedding rings. The current trend is to choose minimalist designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and have the ability to be stored for a long time."
Customers like Nguyen Thu Trang, a 29-year-old from Hanoi, are adapting. "The increase in gold prices made us hesitate at first, but when we researched, we found that the shops had many suitable prices. In the end, we both chose 14K gold rings with our own names engraved on them, which is both meaningful and more economical than ordering a custom design," she shared with VnExpress.
Meanwhile, in India, the story is unfolding on an even grander scale. Business Today reports that gold’s meteoric rise has triggered a flurry of speculation among financial professionals. There’s even a theory circulating that the United States might be considering a dramatic revaluation of its gold reserves, which have been officially listed at just $42.22 per ounce since the early 1970s. With gold now trading above $3,000 an ounce in 2025, some suggest that a "bullion reset" could instantly boost the book value of America’s gold holdings from $11 billion to over $1 trillion, potentially wiping out a trillion dollars in national debt.
This theory, while not universally accepted, has ignited debate. Ashis Sengupta, a senior wealth advisor, commented, "None of you have idea behind gold rally," hinting at deeper financial strategies at play. Another commentator, Ashish U., warned, "It risks a dollar tumble... inflation would skyrocket," if such a reset were attempted. Sengupta countered, "It’s not 10x… 100x," and argued that a stronger gold price wouldn’t necessarily weaken the dollar, stating, "Dollar dynamics are different… if gold gets stronger, dollar will remain strong."
Whatever the global machinations, gold’s role as a store of value remains central in India. The Reserve Bank of India now holds a record 880 tonnes of gold, making up 12.5% of the country’s foreign reserves—up from 9% just a year ago. Over 100 tonnes were repatriated from overseas in the past year alone, and annual imports continue at a brisk pace of 750 to 900 tonnes, fueled by festive and wedding demand.
For Indian families, gold remains an essential part of wedding celebrations, both as jewelry and as an investment for the future. This cultural tradition, intertwined with economic strategy, ensures that gold’s allure endures even as prices climb to new heights.
Across both Vietnam and India, the wedding ring has become more than just a token of love. It’s a personal statement, a financial decision, and—perhaps—a small piece of a much larger global story. As couples exchange rings this season, they’re not just making a promise to each other; they’re also navigating the shifting tides of economics and tradition, one band of gold at a time.
