- 22K gold was ₹13,675 per gram on 5 Oct 2026 (Candere), before making charges and GST.
- Real gold suits heirlooms; gold plated suits festivals, travel and gifting.
- Check a BIS hallmark, weight and a jeweller’s test to tell them apart.
- Gold plated jewellery is imitation, not real gold and not an investment; buyback is a declining partial refund.
- Many women use both: real gold kept safe, gold plated worn.
Every Indian family has a gold story: the necklace from a wedding, the bangles from a grandmother. The same families now ask whether they should buy more gold or wear something that looks like it. The honest answer starts with what each one is for.
What is the difference between real gold and gold plated jewellery?
Real gold jewellery is made of gold alloy throughout, so its value is tied to the gold price, while gold plated jewellery has a thin gold layer over base metal and is bought for how it looks and wears. Tanishka Jewels sells micro gold-plated (imitation) jewellery, not real gold: multi-layer plating, 2–3 microns thick, over a nickel-free copper-alloy base. It is imitation jewellery, sold as such, and the sensible approach for many women is to use both for different purposes.
How much does real gold cost compared with gold plated jewellery?
22K gold cost ₹13,675 per gram on 5 October 2026 (Candere, cross-checked with IBJA), before making charges of 10–20% (IBJA via Reuters (19 October 2025)) and 3% GST. Jewellery demand fell nearly 30% at Dhanteras 2025 as prices rose over 60% in a year, per the same report.
| Piece (illustrative weight) | 22K metal value only | Tanishka gold-plated piece | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Necklace, 20 g | ₹2,73,500 | Bridal Necklace, Wide 2.5 Layer | ₹1,199 |
| Bangles (pair), 20 g | ₹2,73,500 | Bridal Gold Bangle | ₹1,199 |
| Mangalsutra, 10 g | ₹1,36,750 | Mangalsutra, Heavy Design | ₹1,199 |
| Jhumkas, 6 g | ₹82,050 | Jhumka, Tradition with Style | ₹799 |
| Maang tikka, 4 g | ₹54,700 | Maang Tikka | ₹399 |
How long does each type last, and what holds its value?
Real gold can be passed down for generations, and its value follows the gold price. Gold plating is a thin layer that wears at rubbing points; how fast depends on thickness, base metal and care (see how long gold plating lasts). Our buyback pays 50% within 6 months and 35% at 6–12 months, with a ₹100 minimum after that. That is a declining partial refund, not appreciation, and gold plated jewellery is not an investment.
Can you tell gold plated jewellery from real gold?
Yes, with a few checks, and a jeweller can settle it quickly. Our plated pieces are designed to look like fine gold from a normal distance, but they are not gold.
When should you choose real gold, and when gold plated?
| Choose real gold for | Choose gold plated for |
|---|---|
| Heirlooms and wedding gold to keep for decades | Festivals and occasion wear with a new look each time |
| Value held in the metal (this is not financial advice) | Crowds, travel and gifting, where a loss would hurt less |
| Pieces you will wear daily for years and look after | Trying a trend without a large spend |
What is the smart strategy for Indian women?
Keep real gold safe for heritage and wear gold plated for the many occasions in a year. The festival guides show the pattern: a five-look Durga Puja plan, a Diwali gift guide, and a Dhanteras plan that keeps the ritual and adds something to wear. For investing and adorning together, read our Akshaya Tritiya guide.
Shop necklaces, bangles, mangalsutra, Rani Haar or combo sets, and see what demi-fine jewellery is for our approach.
What are the guarantee and buyback terms?
| Promise | Terms |
|---|---|
| 6-month colour guarantee | If the gold colour fades within 6 months, WhatsApp a photo to +91 81428 45928. A free replacement is dispatched within 48 hours, with no return shipping and no form. |
| Not covered | Physical damage (bending, breaking, cutting), loss or theft, and damage from chemicals, perfume or chlorine |
| Buyback | 50% of the purchase price within 6 months; 35% at 6–12 months; minimum ₹100 after that (cash/UPI or store credit). A partial refund that declines over time, not appreciation |
| Returns | 7-day returns from delivery for unused pieces in original packaging; exchange for a new design in months 7–12 |
Frequently asked questions
Gold carries meaning beyond fashion. Use real gold where meaning and value belong, and gold plated where variety and lower stakes help.
Wear the look today
Message us on WhatsApp and we will suggest pieces for your next occasion. Cash on Delivery across India.
Deepa founded Tanishka Jewels to bring the look of fine gold to the modern woman: jewellery designed with a fashion-first eye, finished by hand and made to be worn, loved and remembered. Connect on LinkedIn →
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Really useful information here. The article explains the subject clearly and provides several points that readers can easily relate to. I especially found the jewellery styling suggestions interesting. Thanks for creating such a valuable and informative post.