Akshaya Tritiya 2026, celebrated on April 19, has seen a notable shift in gold buying patterns due to soaring prices. Gold was trading at ₹1,53,300 per 10 grams, reflecting a 62% increase from the previous year. As a result, consumers are favoring lighter jewellery, coins, and gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over traditional heavy ornaments. Analysts from Kotak Securities highlight that while jewellery volumes may remain moderate, the value of purchases is expected to stay robust, indicating a shift towards practical and liquid investment formats. Despite volatility, experts maintain a positive outlook on gold, with predictions of prices reaching ₹1,70,000-₹1,85,000 in the domestic market over the next year. Retail buyers are advised to diversify their purchases, considering lightweight options or staggered investments through sovereign gold bonds and ETFs. Additionally, silver is being recognized as a valuable asset due to its dual role as a precious and industrial metal, suggesting a balanced portfolio allocation of 75-80% in gold and 20-25% in silver. The wedding season is expected to drive demand for premium diamond jewellery, with a projected growth of 20-25% in value terms.