{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Soaring Gold Prices Drive Silver Jewellery Demand As BIS Prepares Major Lab Expansion",
  "summary": "With gold prices touching Rs 1,54,000 per 10 grams, consumers are increasingly turning toward silver ornaments. To match this rising demand, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plans a major expansion of its referral and assay laboratory network over the next two years.",
  "content": "A major shift is taking place in the Indian jewellery market as skyrocketing gold prices force consumers to seek more affordable alternatives. With gold reaching unprecedented high levels, shoppers are increasingly opting for silver ornaments. In response to this surge in silver jewellery demand and to safeguard consumer trust regarding metal purity, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated plans to expand its testing infrastructure across the country. Over the next two years, the national standards body will significantly scale up its network of referral and assay laboratories to ensure swift and accurate purity verification.\n\nSurge in Consumer Interest for Silver Jewellery\nThe bullion market has witnessed sharp gains in gold prices over recent trading sessions. In the Delhi bullion market on Friday, gold closed at a steep price of Rs 1,54,000 per 10 grams. This relentless rally in gold rates has placed traditional gold jewellery out of reach for many budget-conscious buyers. Consequently, retail buyers are turning their attention toward silver jewellery, which offers a stylish yet economical alternative. Silver ornaments have gained widespread traction among younger buyers and families due to diverse contemporary designs. This sudden surge in consumer preference has prompted BIS to strengthen its testing capabilities to match market volume.\n\nBIS Outlines Two-Year Laboratory Expansion Strategy\nAddressing the growing testing requirements for silver items, BIS Deputy Director General (Lab) Nishat S. Haq stated that the organization has thoroughly evaluated its operational readiness. According to her, BIS is well-equipped to manage large-scale testing operations in the immediate future. She highlighted that the existing laboratory setup will easily handle the heightened demand over the next two years. However, to accommodate long-term growth and prevent future bottlenecks, BIS will actively expand its referral and assay lab infrastructure across various states during this two-year window.\n\nRapid Growth in Hallmarking and HUID Adoption\nHallmarking for silver jewellery in India has been operational on a voluntary basis since 2005. To further strengthen consumer confidence and enhance traceability, authorities introduced the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system for silver jewellery in September 2025. This unique alphanumeric code allows consumers to easily verify the precise purity of their purchased ornaments. Official figures demonstrate a sharp rise in consumer awareness following this implementation. In the 2024-25 financial year, roughly 32 lakh silver items were hallmarked. That figure nearly doubled in the 2025-26 financial year, reaching 59 lakh hallmarked silver pieces, illustrating a distinct consumer preference for certified quality.\n\nLaboratory Network Expansion and Internal Surveillance\nCurrently, India has approximately 230 BIS-recognized referral and assay laboratories dedicated to testing silver jewellery. Discussing surveillance protocols, Nishat S. Haq clarified that all market surveillance testing for hallmarked gold jewellery is conducted exclusively within BIS's own internal laboratories. To maintain complete integrity and standardized evaluation, these testing duties are never outsourced to third-party external facilities. BIS has established dedicated referral and assay units within its own premises specifically for market surveillance purposes.\n\nThe broader institutional framework of BIS has also grown substantially over the past decade. Last year alone, the organization tested approximately 2.70 lakh product samples across various sectors. At present, BIS operates 10 of its own state-of-the-art laboratories nationwide, supported by an extensive network of accredited private and listed government facilities. In 2014, the bureau worked with only 147 recognized laboratories and 24 listed government labs. Today, those numbers have surged to 440 recognized private facilities and 350 listed government labs, reflecting a massive expansion in India's quality assurance ecosystem.\n\nIntegration of AI and Robotics in Quality Testing\nTo date, BIS has established approximately 23,000 standards covering diverse products and industrial sectors, of which around 700 are mandatory compliance standards. To accelerate testing speed, boost transparency, and minimize human error, BIS is actively incorporating cutting-edge technologies into its workflows. The organization is expanding its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and advanced robotics. As part of this initiative, BIS is currently testing a 'pick and place' robotic unit designed for cement sample testing this year. Based on the performance and outcomes of this pilot project, similar automated robotic systems will be deployed across other testing laboratories nationwide.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: Rising gold prices make certified silver jewellery a safer, more affordable option for shoppers nationwide.\n\nFor Consumers: The expansion of BIS testing labs and HUID tracking ensures customers can easily verify silver purity before making a purchase.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Why is demand for silver jewellery rising rapidly?\nWith gold prices hitting Rs 1,54,000 per 10 grams in the Delhi bullion market, consumers are increasingly choosing silver jewellery as an affordable alternative.\n\n2. What is BIS doing to manage the increased silver testing demand?\nThe Bureau of Indian Standards plans to expand its network of referral and assay testing laboratories across the nation over the next two years.\n\n3. How many silver items were hallmarked in FY 2025-26?\nIn FY 2025-26, the number of hallmarked silver jewellery items rose to 59 lakh, up from 32 lakh in FY 2024-25.\n\n4. When was the HUID system introduced for silver jewellery?\nThe Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system for hallmarked silver jewellery was introduced in September 2025.\n\n5. How is BIS adopting AI and automation for testing?\nBIS is integrating AI, Machine Learning, and robotics to improve testing speed and accuracy, including a pilot testing of 'pick and place' robotic units.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/business/sone-ke-rikorda-dama-se-chamaki-chandi-bis-desha-bhara-men-barhaega-holamarkinga-aura-laiba-kshamata-15370",
  "category": "Business",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-09",
  "tags": [
    "Silver Jewellery",
    "Gold Rates",
    "Bureau of Indian Standards",
    "Hallmarking",
    "HUID Code",
    "Bullion Market"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}