As gold prices skyrocket, crossing ₹1 lakh for 10 grams of 24-carat gold, buyers — especially women, who form a large segment of India’s jewellery market — are finding it increasingly difficult to afford traditional gold ornaments. However, in a major relief, the Indian government has introduced a significant change that could boost gold jewellery sales in the coming days: you can now legally purchase hallmarked gold jewellery for less than ₹40,000.

Government Allows Hallmarking for 9-Carat Gold Jewellery

With the cost of higher-carat gold (like 22K or 18K) becoming prohibitively expensive, many consumers are turning to lower-carat alternatives such as 9-carat gold, which is significantly cheaper. In response, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has announced that hallmarking is now mandatory for 9-carat gold jewellery.

Previously, hallmarking was only compulsory for gold jewellery of 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K. But starting from July 2025, 9-carat gold has been officially added to the list, ensuring consumers receive certified purity and aren’t vulnerable to fraud.

What Makes 9-Carat Gold an Attractive Option?

Currently, 9-carat gold is priced between ₹37,000 to ₹38,000 for 10 grams, making it a highly affordable alternative compared to 22-carat gold, which costs close to ₹1 lakh for the same weight.

The government’s move is aimed at empowering consumers with access to budget-friendly, hallmarked gold jewellery without compromising on quality. Though it contains only 37.5% pure gold, 9-carat jewellery is durable and easier to craft into modern, intricate designs, which is particularly appealing to younger buyers.

Boost to Exports and Consumer Confidence

Not only does mandatory hallmarking strengthen consumer trust, it also aligns India’s gold standards with global benchmarks, paving the way for increased export potential. There is already high international demand for 9-carat gold jewellery, and standardized hallmarking ensures products meet those expectations abroad.

Experts believe this initiative could dramatically increase the popularity of 9-carat gold in India, offering both affordability and reliability. Hallmarking guarantees the exact purity — 37.5% in the case of 9K gold — and brings much-needed transparency to the market.

Jewellers Now Required to Comply

With the updated regulation in force, jewellers and hallmarking centres must comply with BIS norms when dealing with 9-carat gold. For consumers, this means peace of mind and wider options for purchasing certified gold ornaments at prices that fit their budget.

In a time when soaring prices are limiting access to precious metals, this policy change opens the door for middle-class buyers to invest in certified, stylish gold jewellery — without burning a hole in their pockets.