Frequently Asked Questions

We do not have a traditional e-commerce checkout. Instead, you can browse our catalogue on the website, shortlist pieces you like, and place your order via WhatsApp. We believe jewellery — especially gold — deserves a personal touch, so we walk you through every detail on chat or call before confirming your order.

Browse our catalogue at gondilalsaraf.com/shop, tap the WhatsApp button on any product (or use the floating WhatsApp icon), and send us the item details. We confirm availability, share the live gold rate, calculate the final price including making charges, and send you a payment link or bank details. Once payment is received, we prepare and ship your order — or keep it ready for pickup.

We accept cash, UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), bank transfer (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS), and debit/credit cards at our shop. For remote orders, we share a UPI ID or bank account details. We can also accept Razorpay payment links for online convenience. All transactions above Rs 2 lakh require PAN details as per government rules.

Absolutely. If you are in Banda, visit our shop at Gular Naka and try on any piece. For remote buyers, we send detailed photos and videos of the exact piece on WhatsApp — including weight, hallmark details, and close-up shots — before you confirm. If you are not satisfied, there is no obligation to buy.

Yes. Every purchase comes with a detailed GST invoice that includes: item description, gross weight, net weight, gold purity (karat), making charges, GST breakdown, and the HUID hallmark number (for hallmarked items). This invoice is essential for future exchange, resale, or insurance claims.

All eligible gold jewellery sold at Gondilal Saraf can be BIS hallmarked. The hallmark is stamped directly on the piece and includes the BIS logo, purity grade (e.g., 916 for 22K), Assaying & Hallmarking Centre mark, and a 6-digit HUID number. You can verify any HUID online at the BIS website (bis.gov.in) or the BIS Care app.

There is no minimum purchase amount. You can buy a single gold coin, a pair of silver earrings, or a full bridal set — all customers are equally welcome. We have items starting from under Rs 5,000.

Yes. We stock 24K (999 purity) gold coins in weights ranging from 1 gram to 50 grams. Silver coins and bars are also available. Gold coins come with minimal making charges and are a popular choice for gifts and investment. All coins include a certificate of purity.

Yes, we offer advance booking. Pay a token amount (typically 10-20% of the value) to reserve a piece at today's gold rate. The remaining balance is due at the time of pickup or delivery. The gold rate is locked at the time of booking, protecting you from price increases.

The price of a gold jewellery piece is: (Weight in grams x Gold rate per gram for that purity) + Making charges + 3% GST on the total. For example, a 10g piece of 22K gold at Rs 7,000/g rate with Rs 500/g making charges = (10 x 7,000) + (10 x 500) = Rs 75,000 + 3% GST = Rs 77,250. The gold rate changes daily based on international markets.

Making charges cover the cost of crafting raw gold into a finished piece of jewellery. This includes the artisan's labour, design complexity, finishing, polishing, and any stone setting. Simple designs like plain bangles have lower making charges (Rs 300-500/g), while intricate work like temple jewellery or kundan can be Rs 800-1,500/g or more. Making charges are non-refundable on exchange.

The base gold rate is roughly the same everywhere (based on MCX/international prices), but shops differ in: (1) Making charges — handmade vs machine-made, complexity of design; (2) Wastage policy — some shops charge wastage separately, we include it in making charges; (3) GST compliance — unorganized shops may skip GST, giving an artificial lower price; (4) Purity — not all shops sell genuine 22K. Always compare the final per-gram cost, not just the headline rate.

No. Unlike many traditional jewellers, Gondilal Saraf does not charge a separate wastage fee. Our making charges are all-inclusive — what we quote is what you pay (plus GST). This transparent pricing model means no hidden surprises on your bill.

We always quote the price before GST to maintain transparency. GST on gold jewellery is 3% on the total value (gold + making charges). Your final invoice will clearly show the base price, GST amount, and grand total separately. GST is mandatory and applicable at all legitimate jewellers.

Today's live gold and silver rates are displayed on our website homepage (gondilalsaraf.com) in the rate ticker at the top. Rates are updated daily and reflect the current market price. You can also WhatsApp us at +91 93358 78550 for the latest rate. Rates may change during the day based on international market movements.

The gold rate itself is market-driven and non-negotiable. However, we offer competitive making charges, and for bulk purchases (bridal orders, wedding shopping) we can offer reduced making charges. We also run seasonal offers during festivals like Dhanteras, Akshaya Tritiya, and Diwali. Long-term customers and families who have been shopping with us for years enjoy preferential rates on making charges.

Gold rates can change multiple times during a business day based on international spot prices, the USD-INR exchange rate, and MCX futures. We typically set our rate once in the morning and may revise it during the day if there is a significant market movement (more than Rs 100-200 per gram). The rate at the time of billing is your locked-in rate.

Yes, custom orders are one of our specialities. Whether you want a unique engagement ring, a replica of a design you saw online, or a traditional piece with personal touches — we can make it. Share your idea via WhatsApp (photo, sketch, or description) and our karigars (artisans) will bring it to life in gold or silver.

Most custom pieces take 7-15 working days depending on the complexity. Simple items like plain rings or bangles can be ready in 3-5 days. Intricate work such as temple jewellery, polki sets, or heavy bridal necklaces may take 15-25 days. We will give you an accurate timeline before you confirm the order.

Absolutely. You can share a photo from Instagram, Pinterest, a magazine, or even a hand-drawn sketch. Our karigars will study the design, suggest any practical modifications (some designs work better in certain weights or purities), and give you a quote. We can also make 3D mockups for complex pieces.

There is no strict minimum, but practically, gold pieces below 2 grams are difficult to craft with detail. For rings, the typical minimum is 2-3 grams. For chains and necklaces, 8-10 grams is a practical starting point. Silver pieces can be made from 5 grams upward. We will advise you on the ideal weight for your desired design.

Yes. We can source and set a wide range of gemstones including diamonds (natural and lab-grown), rubies, emeralds, sapphires, pearls, and semi-precious stones. You can also bring your own stones and we will set them into your custom design. Stone charges are separate from gold and making charges.

Yes, bridal jewellery is a major part of our business. A full bridal set typically includes: necklace (haar), choker, earrings (jhumkas), maang tikka, nath (nose ring), bangles, and anklets (payal). We can make the entire set in a coordinated design. Bridal orders usually need 3-4 weeks, so we recommend starting early. We also offer free consultations to help brides plan their jewellery within budget.

Yes. We accept old gold jewellery for exchange against new purchases. Bring your old pieces to the shop — we test them on-site for purity using touchstone and/or XRF analysis, weigh them accurately, and credit the value against your new purchase. No bill from the original purchase is required, though having one speeds up the process.

Yes. We accept gold jewellery from any jeweller in India, whether it is hallmarked or not. The gold is tested for actual purity at our shop. If the purity matches the stamp, you get the full current rate for that purity. If it tests lower, the rate is adjusted accordingly. We are completely transparent about the testing process — you can watch it happen.

For old gold exchange against a new purchase, we offer the prevailing market rate for the tested purity minus a small deduction (typically 2-4%) to cover melting and refining costs. If you are exchanging Gondilal Saraf gold with the original bill, the deduction is minimal. The exact rate depends on the purity and condition of the old gold.

We offer a 7-day return window for unused, undamaged jewellery with the original bill and tags intact. The gold value is refunded at the rate on the day of return (which may differ from the purchase rate), and making charges are non-refundable. For custom-made pieces, returns are not accepted unless there is a manufacturing defect.

Yes, we do buyback. If you want to sell your gold without buying anything new, we purchase it at the current market rate minus a standard deduction (typically 4-6% below the selling rate). Payment is made immediately via cash (up to Rs 2 lakh) or bank transfer. PAN card is required for transactions above Rs 2 lakh as per Income Tax rules.

There is no separate exchange fee. The only cost is the difference between the old gold buyback rate and the new gold selling rate, plus making charges on the new piece. We do not charge testing fees, melting fees, or processing fees. The entire transaction is reflected transparently on your invoice.

Yes, we accept old silver for exchange against new silver purchases. Silver is tested for purity and weighed. The exchange rate for silver follows the same principle as gold — current market rate minus a small refining deduction. Silver exchange against gold purchases is also possible; the silver value is simply credited against your gold bill.

Yes. We ship across India to verified addresses. Most of our remote customers are from nearby cities like Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Fatehpur, Kanpur, and Lucknow, but we also ship to metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. For high-value orders, we use insured and tamper-proof shipping methods.

All shipments are packed in tamper-evident, sealed packaging with multiple layers of protection. We use insured courier services (India Post Speed Post Insured or reputed private couriers with declared value insurance). The package is nondescript from the outside — no indication of jewellery contents. We share the tracking number and stay in touch until delivery is confirmed.

Yes, all jewellery shipments are insured for the full declared value. In the unlikely event of loss or damage during transit, the insurance covers the complete value of the jewellery. We handle the entire claims process on your behalf. We also video-record the packing process as proof of the item's condition at dispatch.

For locations within Uttar Pradesh, delivery typically takes 2-4 business days. For metros and other states, 4-7 business days. Remote or rural areas may take up to 10 days. Custom orders are shipped within 1-2 days of completion. We always share the tracking details so you can monitor your shipment in real time.

Yes. Once your order is dispatched, we share the courier tracking number and a tracking link via WhatsApp. You can track the shipment in real time on the courier's website or app. We also proactively update you at key milestones — dispatch, in-transit, out-for-delivery, and delivered.

Shipping charges depend on the order value and destination. For orders above Rs 50,000, shipping within India is complimentary. For smaller orders, shipping charges typically range from Rs 200-500 depending on the destination and insurance value. Exact charges are communicated before you confirm the order.

The easiest method: wrap a thin strip of paper or string snugly around your finger, mark where it overlaps, and measure the length in millimeters. Then use our size chart: 49mm = size 9, 52mm = size 12, 55mm = size 15, 57mm = size 17, 60mm = size 20. Alternatively, visit our shop and we will measure you with a professional ring mandrel. If ordering remotely, you can also send us a well-fitting ring and we will match the size.

Close your fingers together and measure the widest part of your hand (across the knuckles) with a measuring tape. Common Indian bangle sizes: 2-2 (small, hand circumference ~19cm), 2-4 (medium, ~20cm), 2-6 (medium-large, ~21cm), 2-8 (large, ~22cm). If between sizes, go one size up for comfort. For rigid bangles (kangan), the size needs to be more precise — visit our shop or WhatsApp us for guidance.

Yes. Most gold rings can be resized up or down by 1-2 sizes. Simple bands are the easiest; rings with stones or intricate settings may have limitations. Resizing typically takes 1-2 days and costs Rs 200-500 depending on the work involved. Bangles with open ends (adjustable) can be adjusted; rigid bangles cannot be resized and must be exchanged for the correct size.

Yes. Each product on our catalogue page includes size information where applicable. For rings, we list the available sizes. For bangles, we mention the inner diameter. For chains, we specify the length. If you need help figuring out your size, WhatsApp us a photo of your hand or wrist with a ruler for reference and we will recommend the right size.

If a standard (non-custom) piece does not fit, you can exchange it for the correct size within 7 days of delivery. For rings and bangles, we will resize or replace at no extra charge (subject to design feasibility). For custom pieces, we strongly recommend confirming your size before we begin crafting.

Yes. Gondilal Saraf offers BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmarked gold jewellery. The hallmark certifies that the gold has been tested at a government-recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centre and meets the declared purity. Look for the BIS triangle logo, purity number (e.g., 916 for 22K), and the 6-digit HUID alphanumeric code on the piece.

HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. Since July 2021, every hallmarked gold article in India is assigned a unique 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., AB12CD). This HUID is linked to the jewellery's weight, purity, jeweller's details, and hallmarking centre in a central BIS database. It is like an Aadhaar number for your gold — it makes counterfeiting virtually impossible and allows you to verify authenticity anytime.

You can verify any HUID in three ways: (1) Visit the BIS website at bis.gov.in and use the 'Verify HUID' tool; (2) Download the 'BIS Care' app on your phone, scan the HUID, and see the full details; (3) Call the BIS helpline at 14100. The verification will show you the gold purity, weight, jeweller name, and hallmarking centre — all matching your invoice.

Yes. Gondilal Saraf is a registered business with valid GST registration, BIS hallmarking license, and all local trade licenses. We have been operating from Gular Naka, Banda since 2000 (with the original family business dating back to 1901). We are also listed and reviewed on Google Maps and JustDial with a 4.1-star rating from 147+ verified reviews.

If a HUID does not verify, contact us immediately with your invoice and a photo of the hallmark. In most cases, it is a data entry lag or a readability issue with the stamped code. We will coordinate with the Assaying Centre to resolve it. If there is a genuine discrepancy, we will replace the piece or provide a full refund — no questions asked. Our reputation is built on 124 years of trust, and we stand behind every piece we sell.

We use government-certified electronic weighing scales that are calibrated regularly. You are welcome to watch the weighing process at our shop — in fact, we encourage it. The weight is printed on your invoice and matches the hallmark records. For remote orders, we share a video of the piece being weighed on our calibrated scale before dispatch.