A recent trade deal signed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals the removal of tariffs on jewellery imported into the UK from India.
Will Evans, Director of the London Assay office, says: “As trade in gold jewellery between the UK and India grows, hallmarking continues to be the bridge between cultural heritage and consumer confidence. It’s how we honour tradition while ensuring transparency in an increasingly global marketplace.”
One of the leading pioneers of religious artifacts with a proud history dating back to 1975 is goldsmith Bhanji Gokaldas and Sons T/A PureJewels and the Chief Executive Jayant Raniga observes: “Gold is embedded in the Indian culture, with jewellery historically used as a portable store of wealth.”
He adds: “Hallmarking figures show the number of 22-carat gold items marked by the UK’s four assay offices is rising and has overtaken 18-carat as the country’s second most hallmarked gold standard, behind 9-carat.”
Fakirmohamed Osman, British Hallmarking Council Member and Head of Heart of the South West Trading Standards, states: “The Hallmarking Act of 1973 is one of the oldest forms of consumer protection and ensures the integrity of precious metal standards. The Act provides assurance to consumers and businesses and a guarantee of the purity and quality of items purchased made from precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium).
“The relationship with precious metals particularly gold runs much deeper, with its roots extending from birth through various aspects of life, including worship, weddings, investment and charity.”
Here are some examples where precious metals traditionally play a part in different aspects of life:
Birth
The Nazar (evil eye) bracelet is bought for newborn babies as a protective symbol believed to ward off negative energy and any harmful intentions when worn.
Worship
Pendants with the Muslim and Hindu Gods names, worn as a symbol of protection.
Weddings
Customary for the bride to be gifted 22-carat gold necklace, earrings and bangles.
Investments
Gold bars are purchased for investments and The Baird & Co Diwali gold minted bar honours the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity – Lakshmi
Charity
Zakat in Arabic means ‘purification of wealth’ conducted by charitable giving.
It is one of the five pillars of Islam and British Muslims donate millions of pounds in Zakat every year, providing support for the sick and needy. Generally, they donate 2.5% of the value of the total gold they own to charitable causes.
All photos courtesy of PureJewels, 290-292 Green Street, Forest Gate, London, E7 8LF, purejewels.com.