DESPITE the soaring gold prices, Indian consumers, it seems, cannot stay away from jewellery shops. With Deepavali just a week away, the shops are crowded with shoppers. However, shopkeepers say that in view of the steep gold price, many consumers now prefer light-weight jewellery that costs relatively less. Indians who traditionally preferred 22- carat jewellery have also begun to opt for jewellery made of lower caratage. Many of them also exchange old jewellery for new.