Gold Price in India Today (31st December, 2025) - 22K & 24K Gold Rates in India Today

Gold prices are determined by a combination of global and local factors driven primarily by supply and demand dynamics. On the supply side, gold production by mining companies affects availability. Mining costs, which depend on labour, energy prices, and environmental regulations, also influence the price since higher production costs typically lead to higher gold prices. Demand for gold comes from various sources: central banks, investors, consumers, and industry. Central banks buy gold to diversify reserves and hedge against economic uncertainty, which can significantly raise prices. Investors view gold as a safe haven asset during times of inflation, currency devaluation, or geopolitical instability, driving demand higher. Consumer demand, especially for jewellery, is strong during festivals and weddings in countries like India and China, creating seasonal price surges. Industrial demand arises from electronics and other technology sectors that use gold for its conductive properties. In India, gold prices are additionally influenced by factors such as import duties, Goods and Services Tax (GST), the USD-INR exchange rate since most gold is imported, and state-level taxes and transportation costs. When the rupee weakens against the dollar, gold prices tend to rise as imports become costlier. Inflation trends, interest rates, and global economic events also play critical roles in daily price fluctuations.

The BIS Hallmark is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India, to certify the purity and authenticity of gold and silver jewelry sold in India. Introduced to protect consumers from fraud and guarantee the quality of precious metals, the BIS Hallmark system ensures that the gold item meets strict purity standards set by BIS. A BIS Hallmarked gold jewelry piece typically has three components stamped on it: The BIS logo, representing the certification body. The purity of the gold, marked either in carats or fineness. For example, "22K916" for 22-carat gold, indicating 91.6% purity. A unique 6-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) that helps in verifying the authenticity of the item through official channels. This hallmark confirms that the gold has undergone rigorous testing at BIS-approved laboratories, providing buyers confidence that they are purchasing genuine, high-quality gold. The hallmarking system has become mandatory in many regions of India, ensuring transparency, trust, and consumer protection in the gold market. Buyers should always look for the BIS Hallmark while purchasing gold jewelry to ensure they are getting a product that meets recognized standards of purity and quality.

There are several ways to check the purity of gold, ranging from simple home methods to professional testing techniques: Acid Test (Touchstone Method): Rub the gold on a black touchstone and apply different concentrations of acid. The reaction and color change indicate the purity. This method is affordable and widely used but tests only surface purity. Electronic Gold Tester: Uses electrical conductivity to measure gold purity quickly and non-invasively. It’s convenient but may be less accurate for plated or coated items. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometry: A highly accurate, non-destructive professional method that analyzes the elemental composition of gold. Usually done in laboratories. Fire Assay (Cupellation): The most precise method involving melting gold to separate impurities, used mainly in official hallmarking and refining. It is destructive and costly. Magnet Test: A simple home test since gold is non-magnetic. If the gold reacts to a magnet, it likely contains impurities or other metals but this test doesn’t show the exact purity. Hallmark Verification: Checking for certified BIS Hallmark stamps that guarantee gold purity as per standards, a reliable method for buyers. For accurate results, professional testing with XRF or fire assay is recommended, while home tests like acid or magnet test can offer quick preliminary checks.