Kerala Gold Buying Guide: Pavan, Hallmark & 916 Explained
Buying gold in Kerala is deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Whether you are purchasing for a wedding or as a long-term investment, understanding local pricing conventions and purity standards is essential to make an informed decision.
What is a Pavan (Sovereign)?
In Kerala, gold is rarely quoted just in grams; the most common unit of measurement is the Pavan (പവൻ), also known as a Sovereign.
When you check the daily gold rate in Kerala, you will usually see the price listed per gram and per Pavan for 22 Carat gold. For example, if the 1-gram 22K gold rate is ₹6,000, then the price of 1 Pavan will be ₹48,000 (excluding making charges and GST).
Understanding BIS 916 Hallmark
The term 916 Gold is synonymous with high-quality jewelry. But what exactly does it mean?
Pure gold (24 Carat) is too soft to be molded into durable jewelry. Therefore, it is alloyed with other metals like copper or zinc to add strength. 916 signifies 22 Carat gold, meaning the jewelry contains exactly 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloy metals.
- BIS Logo: The official triangular logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Purity Grade: Look for '22K916' stamped on the ornament.
- HUID Code: A unique 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every piece of hallmarked jewelry, allowing you to verify its authenticity via the BIS Care App.
Gold vs Silver: Investment Basics
While gold dominates the jewelry market in Kerala, both gold and silver are highly sought after as investments.
Gold (24K)
High stability, acts as a hedge against inflation. Generally requires a higher initial capital investment but offers excellent liquidity.
Silver
More volatile due to industrial demand. More accessible for small investors and has high potential for percentage gains during bull markets.
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