As gold prices continue to surge, jewellery manufacturers in Surat are calling for the hallmarking of 10 karat (10K) gold jewellery to cater to a growing segment of value-conscious consumers. The Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association (SJMA) has formally approached the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), urging it to recognise and certify 10K gold items.

The push comes at a time when the demand for budget-friendly options is reshaping the jewellery industry, particularly in hubs like Surat, which is home to over 400 manufacturing units specialising in studded jewellery. Combining lower-karat gold with lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), jewellers are exploring cost-effective formats that retain aesthetic appeal without burdening consumers with high price points.

Jewellery made from 10K gold contains approximately 41.7% pure gold—significantly lower than traditional 22K or 18K pieces. This lower gold content helps reduce overall product costs, enabling buyers to purchase larger designs and maintain the cultural connection to gold without exceeding their budgets.

Surat’s manufacturers believe that hallmarking 10K gold will not only provide a formal framework for quality assurance but also build consumer trust in this emerging category. While it is currently legal to sell lower-karat gold with a clear declaration, the absence of a hallmark deters some buyers and limits market penetration.

The increasing popularity of lab-grown diamonds—chemically identical to natural diamonds but more affordable—has also contributed to this shift. Pairing LGDs with 10K gold has proven to be an attractive combination for consumers looking for everyday luxury without the traditional price tag.

However, the proposal is not without resistance. A section of the industry remains cautious, citing the emotional and investment value traditionally associated with high-purity gold in India. There is concern that pushing too far into low-karat territory could undermine long-standing cultural perceptions around gold ownership.

Despite differing views, the move signals an evolving marketplace where affordability, innovation, and consumer preferences are influencing how jewellers design and market their collections.

Source: The Times of India