Precious-metal rakhis, coins and lightweight jewellery were the flavour of the season this year, with customers choosing keepsakes with lasting value over chocolates and traditional presents, discovers Preeti Kulkarni

Jewellery demand in Ahmedabad has picked up ahead of Rakshabandhan, with consumers opting for silver rakhis, coins, lightweight gold jewellery and lower-carat products despite high prices.

India’s gold market slowed through May and early June as higher import duties, price volatility and seasonal factors curtailed jewellery demand, while ETF outflows and imports also declined.

Divine Solitaires said rising gold prices and changing consumer sentiment are encouraging buyers to consider natural diamonds for milestone purchases, while supporting India’s diamond manufacturing and export ecosystem.

As India raises gold import duty to 15%, leading jewellery players and trade bodies support gold conservation measures while warning of liquidity pressure, export challenges and rising risks to MSMEs.

India's listed jewellers have posted their best March quarter on record. Strip out a 79% rise in the gold price, and a quieter, more uncomfortable picture emerges — one the unorganized trade and several regional listings have already started to live with.

The trends observed during Akshaya Tritiya 2026 — ranging from the rise of men’s accessories to the adoption of quick-commerce — indicate a market that is successfully blending its deep cultural roots with the demands of a modern, convenience-oriented era, says Dhwani Rathod.

Jos Alukkas rolls out Akshaya Tritiya offers across India from April 19–20, 2026, featuring booking schemes, discounts on making charges and diamonds, exchange benefits, and cashback to drive festive jewellery demand.

Instamart partners with Kalyan Jewellers to introduce gold rate protection between April 10–16, 2026, allowing consumers to lock prices and complete purchases on Akshaya Tritiya at lower prevailing rates.

BlueStone-backed Ethera launches Akshaya Tritiya Edit on April 10, 2026, repositioning festive jewellery buying in India towards everyday wearability, amid evolving consumer preferences beyond traditional gold-led purchases.

Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers announced its ‘Auspicious Akshaya Tritiya’ campaign in Chennai from April 11–30, 2026, offering making charge discounts and promotional benefits to drive festive jewellery demand ahead of April 19.

All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council concluded GJS April 2026 in Mumbai on April 7, reporting 350 exhibitors, 650 booths and 9,000 visitors, driven by Akshay Tritiya demand and industry participation.

GJEPC will host the fourth edition of IIJS Bharat - Tritiya and IGJME Bharat - Tritiya from March 21-23, 2026 in Bengaluru, bringing 1,100+ exhibitors and retailers ahead of Akshaya Tritiya.

Divine Solitaires introduced a Gudi Padwa offer in India from March 16–19, 2026, enabling customers to book diamond coins at Rs 2,000 with price protection to drive festive purchases.