Lucknow: A sharp rise in gold and silver prices is reshaping jewellery purchases this wedding season, pushing many families away from buying new ornaments and towards remodelling old pieces, exchange schemes, cash gifts and rental jewellery.Jewellers in traditional hubs such as Chowk, Aminabad and Gadbad Jhala say footfall remains steady, but buying decisions have changed.Rental jewellery has emerged as one of the biggest gainers. Traders estimate demand is up by around 40% compared to last season, driven by brides and families seeking elaborate looks without the burden of high bullion-linked prices. Rental packages typically start at about Rs 3,500 and rise depending on design, finish and craftsmanship.Umesh Patil, a jeweller in Chowk, said, “People are coming with old jewellery to get it transformed or exchanged into new.”For many households, affordability is the central concern. Kanchan Bhalla, a homemaker, said, “I gave my gold ring, two pairs of earrings and a tika to get them converted into a gold kada set. Buying new jewellery at today’s prices is very difficult.”The shift is also changing wedding gifting habits. Agam Jain, a jeweller in Chowk, said rising prices and taxation have tightened budgets.“For gifting purposes, people are opting for cash as their budget does not allow gold or silver jewellery,” he said.Jagdish Agarwal, a banker, said he dropped plans to buy a gold ring for a friend’s wedding after checking rates at a local shop.Exchange schemes are seeing renewed interest as customers try to bridge the gap between aspiration and affordability. Ram Kumari, shopping in Aminabad, said, “I have brought my two old rings, which are broken, and will exchange these to purchase new ones. Only this way can we afford new jewellery.”Shaista Rafi, a bride-to-be from Phoolbagh, said she plans to wear jewellery inherited from her mother-in-law.Tarun Agarwal, who is set to marry in July, said his family chose restoration and polishing of older ornaments for his fiancée.Rental outlets in Gadbad Jhala and Aminabad report brisk business, especially for imitation and designer-style sets. Anya, a representative at Rajwada Keshav, said, “Sales have surged by nearly 40% in the present season.”At Jagmag Centre in Aminabad, owner Anil Singh said demand is rising for customised designs inspired by celebrity weddings.Customers say rentals offer flexibility without long-term financial strain. Anjali Tewari, who is set to get engaged this month, said, “I chose a necklace set on hire as a sensible way to celebrate without unnecessary spending.” Another bride-to-be, Anam Khan, said renting jewellery for her ceremony eased financial pressure.Jewellery designer Madhur Bharwani said the changes indicate more than a temporary adjustment.Jewellery designer Madhur Bharwani said the changes indicate more than a temporary adjustment.
