National News
Rising gold prices to shave a tenth off organised retailers’ volumes
Revenues to still grow in double digits; credit profiles supported by higher operating margins
The continued rise in retail gold prices to an all-time high is expected to reduce the sales volume of organised gold jewellery retailers by 9-11% in fiscal 2026. However, with prices and realisations expected to be significantly higher on- year, revenues will still grow 13-15%.
This comes on the back of four straight years of more than 20% revenue growth, which has seen the industry grow 2.5 times since fiscal 2021. Volume, however, has remained subdued with consumers purchasing smaller quantities amid budget constraints due to higher prices.
An interplay of multiple factors is visible amid the continually rising gold prices. For one, as demand wanes, retailers are pushing sales through promotions and discounts amid increasing penetration in Tier 2 and 3 cities. The resultant increase in costs, however, will be more than covered by jewellery getting sold at prices higher than the purchase and making prices. Thus, operating profitability will rise 30-40 basis points (bps) on-year, driven by inventory gains.
The higher prices will also push up working capital borrowings for purchasing inventory for existing and planned stores. Nonetheless, leverage will remain under control and debt protection metrics healthy, supporting credit profiles.
A Crisil Ratings analysis of 60 gold jewellery retailers, which account for a third of the revenue of the organised jewellery sector, indicates as much.
In fiscal 2025, retailers took a 4-5% hit to volume as gold prices soared ~25% on-year (refer to Chart 1) amid geopolitical and economic concerns. As of mid-April 2025, gold prices are already ~20% higher than the average price in fiscal 2025. Thus, even if the prices move up only 4-5% from here, the average price will still be up 22-24% on-year for fiscal 2026.

Says Himank Sharma, Director, Crisil Ratings, “The recent jump in prices came just before the start of the festive and marriage seasons in the first half of April 2025, limiting the impact on demand thus far. However, as ticket sizes for buyers are likely to remain constant, caratage and grammage may reduce, as seen in the last four fiscals, impacting volumes. The demand, though lower, remains supported by duty cuts on gold imports announced last year.”
As such the implementation of Goods and Services Tax and Bureau of Indian Standards hallmark continue to push customers towards organised retailers, supporting revenue growth. Higher realisations will push another year of double- digit revenue growth for organised retailers, resulting in revenues of Rs.4.5-5.0 lakh crore for the industry.
Says Gaurav Arora, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, “Despite the increasing debt, the capital structure of gold jewellery retailers will remain comfortable. Improved revenues and operating profitability will absorb the impact on debt protection metrics as well with median interest coverage seen healthy, over 6 times in fiscal 2026.”

The higher prices will have a two-way impact on retailers. One, with jewellery sold at prices higher than the purchase prices, resulting in an inventory gain of 20-30 bps, we expect the operating margin to break the declining trend of the last two fiscals and inch closer to the seven-year average of 7.8-8.0% in fiscal 2026 (refer to Chart 2). Two, the debt of gold jewellery retailers rated by Crisil Ratings will rise as the cost of inventory replenishment as well as new store inventory rises with higher prices, although higher revenue and profitability will provide cash flow towards store expansion.
That said, any sharp volatility in gold prices, changes in government regulations and import duties on gold, and consumer sentiment will bear watching.

National News
Platinum Guild International India Announces The 2026 Edition Of ‘Platinum Season Of Love’
Running From 17th April to 31st May 2026, A Nationwide Activation Celebrating Platinum’s Rarity
Platinum Guild International (PGI) – India announces the launch of Platinum Season of Love 2026, its signature nationwide retail activation set to run from 17th April to 31st May 2026 across jewellery stores in India. A key strategic initiative in PGI India’s annual calendar, the programme is designed to drive consumer demand and retail momentum for platinum jewellery across key branded segments, in collaboration with PGI’s trusted retail partners, as they usher in the summer season, marked by special occasions and weddings.
With a curated collection of exquisitely crafted platinum jewellery pieces across Platinum Evara, Men of Platinum and Platinum Love Bands, this retail initiative will serve as a catalyst to boost platinum jewellery growth during the period. The initiative will help shoppers discover why platinum stands apart as a rare precious metal of enduring value. This year, it is complemented further by a consumer-facing campaign for Men of Platinum, featuring brand ambassador MS Dhoni, built around the thought of ‘Chosen by Mahi’. The campaign celebrates men of rare character—those who choose with intent and never compromise—making platinum their natural choice. As an icon known for his quiet strength, authenticity and enduring appeal, Dhoni reflects the very qualities that define platinum. The campaign reinforces a clear idea: a man of character chooses a rare metal of enduring value.
At the retail point, Platinum Season of Love 2026 will showcase a curated mix of platinum jewellery across PGI India’s branded categories, including:
- Men of Platinum, featuring statement platinum jewellery for men
- Platinum Evara, with finely crafted platinum jewellery designs for the women of today
- Platinum Love Bands, which celebrate modern love and commitment
Together, these categories showcase platinum’s rarity, emotional significance, and modern relevance—encouraging consumers to choose a metal that is not only precious, but distinctly rare.
Crafted in 95% pure platinum, PGI’s branded platinum jewellery collections continue to resonate with younger Indian consumers.
Vaishali Banerjee – Head of Global Market Development and Managing Director – India & Middle East, Platinum Guild International, said:

“Young Indian consumers today are increasingly drawn to jewellery that reflects who they are—making rarity, meaning and self-expression more important than ever. Platinum is uniquely placed to meet this need. With Platinum Season of Love, we are translating this insight into a focused retail programme that drives both consumer value and category growth, in close collaboration with our retail partners. We deeply value their continued trust and support, which play a critical role in bringing the platinum story to life across markets.”
With strong retailer participation, Platinum Season of Love 2026 is set to deliver another high-impact season for platinum jewellery in India.
Sharing their thoughts on the upcoming Platinum Season of Love, leading retailers shared:
Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director- Kalyan Jewellers –
“Platinum Season of Love has consistently been a strong retail platform to build visibility and excitement for platinum jewellery. Platinum’s coveted preciousness is rooted in its rarity, making it a relevant offering for today’s discerning buyer. With Men of Platinum led by MS Dhoni, alongside Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, we see this activation as a strong opportunity to deepen consumer engagement and drive greater appreciation for platinum across categories.”

G. R. Radhakrishnan, Managing Director, GRT Jewellers –

“Retail programmes such as Platinum Season of Love play an important role in driving consumer awareness and consideration at the point of sale. The rarity of platinum builds intrinsic value in a way that is easy for consumers to understand and connect with. With a well-rounded category presence across Men of Platinum, Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, the activation is well poised to create strong interest and engagement in store.”
Dr Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director, Joyalukkas Group –
“Platinum Season of Love presents platinum as a strong and contemporary proposition for today’s market. Through the coming together of Men of Platinum, Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, the programme creates a cohesive retail story that speaks to diverse consumer preferences and occasions. It offers a meaningful way for consumers to connect with the metal, while underscoring platinum’s rarity, modernity and enduring appeal.”

Suvankar Sen – MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds –

“Platinum Season of Love has emerged as an important retail intervention for the category. Platinum, being 30 times rarer than gold, gives the consumer a strong, memorable entry point into the category. Supported by the star power of MS Dhoni for Men of Platinum and complemented by Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, the activation is expected to create strong traction and reinforce platinum as a rare and meaningful choice.”
Milan Shah, Director- Kalamandir Jewellers –
“Platinum Season of Love beautifully captures what makes platinum truly special—its rarity and its enduring value. In our experience, consumers are increasingly drawn to jewellery that carries both meaning and distinction, and platinum answers that need exceptionally well. Strong in-store storytelling, supported by Men of Platinum, Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, will help create a sharper emotional and aspirational connect at retail.”

Dr Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman & Managing Director- PNG Jewellers –

“Platinum Season of Love 2026 brings a strong retail proposition to the fore. Its rarity gives consumers a sharper reason to consider platinum, and the retail programme creates strong visibility at the point of sale. With Men of Platinum, Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, the activation is well placed to drive engagement across key consumer segments. We see this as a meaningful opportunity to build momentum for the category.”
Varghese Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas Jewellery -
“Consumers today are looking beyond ornamentation; they are seeking meaning, individuality and lasting value in what they choose. That is where platinum holds a special place. Platinum Season of Love 2026 places the precious metal’s rarity at the centre, translating it into a strong retail experience. We are confident that this programme will help elevate platinum’s desirability and encourage more consumers to explore the category during the activation period.”

Paul J Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas Jewellery –

“Platinum Season of Love puts a clear and differentiated consumer story at the centre of retail. Platinum, being 30 times rarer than gold, is a powerful message, and one that adds to its precious appeal. The activation is expected to strengthen consumer consideration and support stronger traction in-store. It is a strong platform for driving both visibility and conversion.”
John Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas Jewellery -
“Platinum Season of Love 2026 presents platinum in a way that feels modern, meaningful and commercially relevant. The focus on rarity gives the metal a strong point of distinction in the consumer mind. Supported by category-led storytelling at retail, the activation is well-positioned to deepen engagement and drive demand. We look forward to a strong season for platinum.”

Amarendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers –

“Platinum Season of Love brings together a strong product story and a clear retail narrative. For the consumer, platinum’s rarity creates immediate impact and distinction. Through Men of Platinum, Platinum Evara and Platinum Love Bands, the programme offers a compelling platform for category growth. We see this as a strong opportunity to drive visibility and consumer interest.”
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