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Gold remains one of the most trusted assets for many, whether you’re buying it as a gift, for jewellery, or as an investment. On December 16, 2025, gold prices continue to be closely watched as they go high in many parts of Indian markets. Before you decide to buy physical gold, whether 24K, 22K, or coins, and bars, there are a few important points worth knowing. This article breaks down the latest price trend and key checks every woman should make before making a purchase:
Gold prices have been showing strong movement in recent days, and as of December 16, 2025, gold price in India are as follows:
24 karat gold: Rs 13,386 per gram
22 karat gold: Rs 12,270 per gram
18 karat gold: Rs 10,039 per gram
These gold rates may vary slightly depending on major Indian cities, with small differences due to local taxes and jeweller margins.
Buying physical gold requires careful evaluation to ensure purity, value, and security of your investment. Factors like certification, pricing, and seller credibility play a crucial role in making the right choice. A well-informed purchase can help safeguard your wealth and avoid costly mistakes. For expert inputs on this topic, we consulted Darshika Thacker, Founder of Thacker & Associates, to guide you on what to check before buying physical gold (gold jewellery, coins, or bars):
The purity of gold is traditionally measured in karats - 24K is the purest, while 22K and 18K are common for jewellery. Darshika Thacker highlights, “First important factor is to insist on Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking, which certifies that the gold has been independently tested for its stated karatage (commonly 22K or 24K). Hallmarked jewellery, coins and bars command greater trust and credibility at the time of resale or exchange.” This hallmark guarantees the gold’s authenticity and reduces the risk of buying inferior quality.

When buying jewellery, the price isn’t just the raw gold rate. You’ll often pay making charges, GST, prevailing gold rate, making charges, wastage, applicable taxes, and other fees. These can vary widely between jewellers, so it’s worth comparing costs and asking for a detailed breakdown on the bill.
Prices can differ slightly from shop to shop due to service charges or local taxes. Always check the current market rate for your city before you buy and ask multiple jewellers for quotes.
Make sure your invoice clearly lists the gold purity, weight, price per gram, making charges and GST. The expert advises, “Buyers should always insist on a proper invoice and supporting documents. Detailed documentation safeguards ownership and helps avoid disputes related to weight, karatage or value at the time of resale.” This protects you later if you choose to sell or exchange the gold.
Buy from established jewellers or authorised dealers. Looking at customer reviews, certification logos and buy‑back policies can protect you from dishonest sellers. Darshika Thacker shares, “Always purchase from trusted and reputed jewellers and to understand their buy-back or exchange policies. These aspects become critical during emergencies, when physical gold is often liquidated to meet urgent financial needs such as medical expenses, education or business requirements.”

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Plan your purchase around price dips if possible, gold prices can go up and down daily.
Avoid impulse buying during festivals when emotions can drive overspending.
If you’re unsure about long‑term gains, consider splitting your budget between gold and other assets.
Keep gold in a safe place or consider bank lockers if you don’t plan to wear it frequently.
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Expert Tip: Darshika Thacker advises, “Many women buy jewellery not just as an investment but also to wear every day or on special occasions and opting for simple designs with lower making charges helps preserve value since upon resale or exchange, making charges are rarely recovered in full. On the other hand, certified gold coins and bars carry lower making charges and offer faster liquidity in times of crisis. The only downside is you cannot wear them as they remain in lockers until sold or exchanged.”
Gold remains a valuable asset, especially in India, where it holds cultural and emotional significance. By checking all the necessary things, you can make a confident and informed purchase. Taking these simple steps ensures you get the best value from your investment.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
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