The Challenge: A Fake Gold Scare
In early 2025, the Sharma family from Dharampeth, Nagpur, visited several jewellery shops while preparing for their daughter’s upcoming wedding. Like many Indian families, gold jewellery was a central part of the wedding preparations.
Their plan was simple.
Buy around 150 grams of gold jewellery, including:
- Bridal necklace set
- Bangles
- Earrings
- Mangalsutra
However, during their shopping visits, they encountered something that made them uncomfortable.
Different jewellers were quoting very different prices for similar jewellery designs.
One store quoted:
Item | Weight | Price |
Necklace set | 70 g | ₹5,60,000 |
Bangles | 50 g | ₹3,90,000 |
Earrings | 15 g | ₹1,20,000 |
Mangalsutra | 15 g | ₹1,10,000 |
Total estimated bill: ₹11,80,000
