Explore Dhanteras 2026 gold and silver prices, revised hallmarking charges, and smarter ways to invest in gold and silver beyond jewellery.
Ever stood in a jeweller’s shop on Dhanteras, wondering whether that gorgeous bangle is a smart buy or simply a pretty one? You are not alone. Every year, millions of families bring home something shiny on this day, and every year the same question pops up: is this tradition or is this investing? This year, Dhanteras 2026 falls on 6 November, and the honest answer may be a bit of both. Let us look at today’s prices, a new cost that affects jewellery buyers, and smarter ways to invest in gold and silver.
Gold and Silver Prices Ahead of Dhanteras 2026
Prices dipped on Wednesday, 4 November, as buyers prepared for the festive season. At 9:28 am, according to Bullion.com, the rates were:
| Metal | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | ₹1,39,790 per 10 grams | Down ₹100 (0.07%) |
| Silver | ₹1,78,570 per kg | Down ₹1,910 (1.06%) |
Quick math to picture it:
- One gram of gold costs roughly ₹13,979 at this rate.
- A 5 gram gold coin would cost about ₹69,895.
- A 100 gram silver bar would cost about ₹17,857.
Why Jewellery May Cost More This Year
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has raised gold hallmarking charges by nearly 67 percent. The change came through the BIS (Hallmarking) Amendment Regulations, 2026, and took effect on 14 September 2026. Jewellers pay this fee to recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs). However, the cost is usually added to your final bill.
| Hallmarking charge | Fee | Minimum per consignment |
|---|---|---|
| Gold, per article (paid by jewellers) | ₹75 (earlier ₹45) | ₹200 |
| Gold, per article (paid by AHCs) | ₹7.50 | ₹20 |
| Silver, per article | ₹35 (unchanged) | ₹150 |
What does this mean in real life?
- The rise is ₹30 per gold article.
- If a jeweller hallmarks 10 gold rings, the fee is now ₹750 instead of ₹450. That is ₹300 more.
- The minimum charge of ₹200 applies even if the per-article total is lower.
- Hallmarking covers 9K, 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K and 24K gold. It has been mandatory since June 2021.
The amount per piece is small, but it joins making charges and GST on the bill.
Jewellery vs Other Ways to Invest in Gold and Silver
Imagine a necklace that holds gold worth ₹1,39,790. You also pay making charges and GST on top. When you sell it later, buyers usually value only the metal, so those extra costs are rarely recovered. Jewellery is lovely to wear. As a gold investment, though, it can be an expensive route.
Smarter Gold Investment Options Beyond Jewellery
| Option | How it works | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Coins and bars | Physical gold without any design cost | Check purity and price before buying |
| Gold ETFs | Traded on the stock market and move with gold prices | Need a demat account |
| Gold mutual funds | Usually invest in gold ETFs | No demat account needed |
| Digital gold | Bought online through payment apps, linked to physical gold held by the provider | Not regulated as a security by SEBI or as a deposit by the RBI |
| Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) | Represent a set quantity and purity of gold | Traded on exchanges and convertible to physical gold under applicable rules |
A simple example: if you put ₹5,000 into a gold mutual fund, your money follows gold prices. You need no locker at home and no demat account. Digital gold is easy to buy, but it carries the regulatory gap shown above. Read the terms carefully before you tap “pay”.
How to Do Silver Investment Without Buying Metal
Silver investment can also be done without storing anything at home. Silver ETFs and silver mutual funds let you follow silver prices from your phone or computer.
Physical silver comes with purchase and storage costs. Market-linked options carry risk too, because silver prices can rise and fall.
Which Option May Suit You This Dhanteras 2026?
Your choice depends on your reason for buying:
- You want something to wear: physical gold jewellery can be a sensible pick.
- You want to invest without storage worries: you might consider gold ETFs or gold mutual funds.
- You want to hold real metal: coins and bars avoid design costs, but check purity first.
- You prefer small online purchases: digital gold works, as long as you accept the risk.
- You want silver exposure: silver ETFs and mutual funds can offer simple choices.
Remember that no investment guarantees profit, especially in the short term.
Conclusion
Dhanteras 2026 is a perfect moment to rethink how you invest in gold and silver. Jewellery is lovely, but coins, gold ETFs, mutual funds, digital gold and EGRs can make your gold investment more efficient. Silver ETFs offer a simple route to silver investment. With gold at ₹1,39,790 per 10 grams and hallmarking fees up 67 per cent, compare costs carefully, match your choice to your goal, start small, and remember that returns are never guaranteed. Happy and prosperous Dhanteras 2026!
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is purely for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation. Securities quoted are for illustration purposes only and not recommendatory. Investors are requested to do their own due diligence before investing.
Paytm Money Ltd. SEBI Reg. No. Broking – INZ000240532; Depository Participant – IN – DP – 416 – 2019, Depository Participant Number: CDSL – 12088800. Trading and clearing member of NSE (90165, M52073), BSE (6707), MCX (57525), NCDEX (1315, M51110), and MSEI (85300). SEBI Reg. No. Research Analyst – INH000020086. Regd. Office: 136, 1st Floor, Devika Tower, Nehru Place, Delhi – 110019. For complete Terms & Conditions and Disclaimers visit: https://www.paytmmoney.com/stocks/policies/terms
