Consumers for Mandatory Hallmarking of Silver Jewellery

With silver jewellery rapidly gaining popularity across India, consumers are urging for the implementation of mandatory hallmarking to ensure quality and authenticity. This demand follows the successful introduction of mandatory gold hallmarking by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

“Currently, hallmarking of silver jewellery is voluntary,” said Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, during the 78th foundation day of the BIS. “However, there is growing consumer demand to make it mandatory.”

The BIS set a precedent in June 2021 by introducing mandatory hallmarking for gold jewellery and related products, a move aimed at enhancing consumer confidence and promoting standardization in the jewellery sector. Implemented in phases, this regulation allowed smaller businesses time to adapt. As a result, over 442.8 million gold articles have been hallmarked to date, according to the Economic Times.

The mandatory hallmarking of gold has addressed concerns regarding trust in the industry, especially in unorganized sectors that previously operated without standardized practices. While larger jewellery businesses had already embraced hallmarking, the regulation ensured that smaller players also complied, creating a more transparent and reliable market.

The demand for silver jewellery in India has surged significantly, with reports from Augmont Gold for All and the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council projecting substantial growth by 2025. This past Dhanteras marked a milestone, as silver sales exceeded gold sales for the first time, reflecting the metal’s growing appeal both as a fashion choice and as an investment.

With this trend, mandatory hallmarking for silver jewellery is poised to become the next step toward quality assurance and market regulation, aligning with consumer expectations and fostering trust in this expanding segment of the jewellery industry.