In Indian households, silver (Chandi) holds a deeply auspicious and practical value. Whether it is a silver coin or Dhanteras, an intricate idol for your home temple, or utensils for born baby, silver articles are a staple during festivals, weddings and milestones.
However, buying silver can be tricky. Unlike gold, silver tarnishes easily, and fake or low -purity silver is highly common in the market. To ensure you get the absolute best value for your hard-earned money, here is your definitive Silver Articles Buying Guide.
1. Understand the levels of purity
Before stepping into a jewellery showroom, you must know that not all silver articles have the same silver content.
Fine Silver (99.9% Purity): This is the purest form of silver. Because it is incredibly soft, it cannot be use to make sturdy utensils or intricate idols. It is mostly sold as silver coins or bars for investment.
Sterling Silver (92.5% Purity): This is the global standard for high-quality silver articles, tableware, and jewellery. It blends 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% copper to give the metal strength and durability. Always look for the "925" stamp on these items.
80% to 85% Purity: Many traditional Indian heavy utensils, large plates and lamps (Diyas) are made with 80% purity to keep the rigid and affordable for daily use.
2. insist on BIS hallmarking
Just like gold, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates silver hallmarking in India. Never Buy silver without checking for these laser-engraved identification marks:
BIS Logo: The familiar triangular mark.
Purity Grade: Look for numbers like 999 (for coins), 925 (For sterling silver articles), or 800 (for utensils).
6-digit HUID: A unique alphanumeric code that ensures traceability and authenticity.
3. Decode the pricing and making charges
Silver articles are priced based on the daily market rate per gram, plus the cost of crafting the item.
The weight Check: Ensure the jeweller weights the article on a precise digital scale right in front of you.
Making Charges: Simple items like a plain silver bowl or glass have lower making charges. Intricate, hand-carved silver idols or antique-finish dinner sets command much higher making charges. Always negotiate or compare making charges across a couple of showrooms.
4. Ask about the buyback policy
Silver is a liquid asset. A reputable jeweller will always offer a clear buyback policy. Ask the jeweller upfront: "If return or exchange this article in five years, how much value will be deducted?" Keeping your original tax invoice safe ensures you get the highest possible resale value in the future.
5. always get a tax invoice (gST Bill)
Never skip the bill to save a few bucks on tax. A proper GST invoice is your only legal proof of purity. The invoice must clearly specify the gross weight, net silver weight, purity grade, daily silver rate, and making charges as separate line items.
Pro- tip: the magnet test
Pure silver is non- magnetic. If you are buying an article from a local vendor and feel suspicious a heavy iron or nickel core with just a thin silver plating.
