Patna: Gold prices declined on Tuesday, while silver registered gains, as precious metal prices continued to fluctuate in the domestic market.
According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-carat gold fell by Rs 1,039 per 10 grams to around Rs 1.40 lakh from Rs 1.41 lakh in the previous session.
Silver, meanwhile, rose by Rs 3,690 per kilogram to Rs 2.24 lakh, compared with Rs 2.20 lakh previously.
Gold Up For The Year Despite Latest Decline
Despite Monday’s decline, gold remains significantly higher than its level at the end of last year.
On December 31, 2025, the price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 1.33 lakh. With the latest rates, gold has gained around Rs 7,000 so far in 2026.
Silver has moved in the opposite direction over the same period. It was priced at Rs 2.30 lakh per kilogram at the end of 2025 and is now trading at Rs 2.24 lakh, a decline of around Rs 6,000.
Earlier this year, gold touched a record high of Rs 1.76 lakh per 10 grams, while silver climbed to Rs 3.86 lakh per kilogram on January 29.
Tips Before Buying Gold
Jewellery buyers are advised to keep the following points in mind before making a purchase:
- Choose BIS-hallmarked jewellery: Buy only gold certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The hallmark, usually an alphanumeric code, certifies the purity of the jewellery.
- Verify the day’s market price: Compare the jeweller’s quoted rate with prevailing market prices from reliable sources such as the India Bullion and Jewellers Association. Gold prices differ depending on whether the jewellery is 24-carat, 22-carat or 18-carat.
How To Check If Silver Is Genuine
Experts recommend a few simple methods to identify genuine silver:
- Magnet test: Pure silver is not attracted to a magnet.
- Ice test: Ice melts more quickly on silver because of its high thermal conductivity.
- Smell test: Genuine silver has no noticeable odour, while imitation products may emit a metallic or copper-like smell.
- Cloth test: Rubbing silver with a white cloth may leave a black mark due to oxidation, which is generally considered a characteristic of genuine silver.
