Indian Gold Book:Indian Gold Book - Gold Bars Worldwide

GOLD JEWELLERY PRODUCTS
Handmade jewellery weights
Among large urban retailers, the typical weights of handmade items also varies greatly, dependent on the wealth of
customers and regional preferences.
In some outlets, extremely heavy items can be sold. Necklaces can weigh as much as 2 kg, bangles and chains and even
a pair of earrings more than 50 g, and finger rings more than 20 g. Less common items such as waist belts can exceed
200 g, while golden plaits can be more than 500 g.
The table below illustrates the more common range of weights available. The inclusion of the “typical” range of weights sold
is designed only to indicate the relative weights of different categories.
Category Common range of “Typical” range of
weights available weights sold
Necklace 15 - 200 g 30 - 60 g
Bangle 8 - 20 g 8 - 12 g
Chain 10 - 40 g 10 - 15 g
Earrings 2 - 20 g 3 - 6 g
Finger ring 2 - 10 g 3 - 6 g
Large retailers observe generally that the average weight of individual items across all categories has fallen over the past
5 years. A typical reduction in weight is around 20%.
The weights of all categories tend to decrease progressively down the distribution chain. In small rural and suburban
outlets, necklaces may comprise only a locket strung on a synthetic chain. “Studs” or “tops” (earrings) may weigh 1 - 3 g.
Machine-made jewellery weights
Machine-made jewellery is generally lighter than handmade jewellery. Its weight range is normally less.
Category Common range of
weights available
Chain 6 - 25 g
Bangle 6 - 25 g
Earrings 2 - 15 g
Finger ring 3 - 15 g
Over the past 5 years, the sale of jewellery that is mainly machine-made has increased significantly. Among large urban
retailers, its proportion of total jewellery sales typically ranges between 10% and 20%, and as high as 35% in some outlets.
Chain, the most important category, is reported to be increasingly available in towns and villages.
Marriage symbols
Although symbols can vary by regions, State and caste, many married women wear a mangalsutra, or a gold chain.
A mangalsutra is a necklace that usually incorporates black glass beads.
Gold dinner and Pooja sets
Although not widely available, the following records the weight of K22 sets retailed by Kirtilals in Hyderabad.
Dinner set Weight
4 large plates 220 g each
4 cups 38 g each
1 small plate 100 g
Total 1,132 g
Pooja set * Weight
1 plate 222 g
1 bowl 60 g
2 beakers 60 g each
1 pot 48 g
2 lamps 175 g each
Total 1,150 g
* For Hindu religious purposes.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE INDIAN GOLD MARKET 95