Akshaya Tritiya 2026 is projected to generate record business in precious metals. Despite gold and silver prices hitting historic peaks, total trade could cross Rs 20,000 crore, according to estimates by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). This marks a sharp rise from last year’s approximate Rs 16,000 crore, signalling that sentiment remains strong, even as buying patterns evolve significantly.

Gold prices have seen a steep climb, rising from nearly Rs 1,00,000 per 10 grams last year to around Rs 1.58 lakh this year. Silver, too, has seen a dramatic increase, jumping from Rs 85,000 per kg to about Rs 2.55 lakh per kg. While such a sharp escalation might typically dampen demand, the trend this year suggests otherwise.

"Akshaya Tritiya has traditionally been one of India's most auspicious occasions for purchasing gold... Whilegoldcontinues to dominate, the nature of purchasing is evolving significantly in response to steep price escalation," said Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and Secretary General of CAIT.

Shift Toward Smarter, Value-Based Buying

Rather than stepping back, buyers are adapting. Consumers are increasingly opting for lighter, more practical jewellery pieces and exploring alternatives such as silver and diamond items. Retailers are also introducing incentives to sustain interest.

"There is a clear shift towards lightweight, wearable jewellery, alongside a stronger focus on silver and diamond products. Attractive incentives such as reduced making charges and complimentary gold coins are also helping sustain consumer interest," said CAIT National President BC Bhartia.

While the overall trade value is set to grow, actual quantities sold are shrinking. Industry estimates indicate that Rs 16,000 crore worth of gold translates to roughly 10 tonnes at current prices. Spread across lakhs of jewellers, this means significantly lower per-store sales volumes.

"These figures underline a critical shift: while the value of business is expanding due to rising prices, actual consumption is contracting," Khandelwal said.

A similar trend is visible in silver, where high prices are limiting bulk purchases, pushing buyers toward smaller quantities and more affordable options.

Changing Preferences And Market Dynamics

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