National News
Government adds 7 new districts for mandatory gold hallmarking, taking total to 380
New Delhi, March 5, 2026 — In a decisive step towards fortifying consumer safeguards and elevating transparency in the precious metals ecosystem, the Central Government has promulgated the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Amendment) Order, 2026, effective March 2, 2026. This pivotal amendment, issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and published in the Official Gazette, revises the territorial annexure originally established under the 2020 Hallmarking Order.
The notification substitutes the prior district schedule with an optimized, expanded framework, progressively incorporating additional jurisdictions to achieve broader nationwide coverage. As part of the sixth phase of phased implementation, this update integrates seven new districts—Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (Uttor Pradesh), Beed (Maharashtra), Gomati (Tripura), Katihar (Bihar), Beawar (Rajasthan), and Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh)—elevating the total number of districts under mandatory BIS hallmarking to 380.
This calibrated expansion aligns with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, and follows extensive stakeholder consultations, underscoring the Government’s commitment to public interest priorities. In notified districts, all gold jewellery and artefacts must now bear the authoritative BIS hallmark, encompassing the BIS logo, precise purity grade (covering 14K to 24K caratages), and requisite identification marks. This standardized certification mechanism effectively mitigates adulteration risks, empowers informed consumer decision-making, and fosters greater accountability across the gold value chain.
Building on successive amendments—including the most recent prior update in July 2025—the 2026 Order accelerates the phased mandate initiated in 2021, transitioning from initial coverage of 256 districts towards comprehensive penetration in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. The initiative reinforces trust in domestic gold transactions amid elevated commodity prices and positions India’s jewellery sector for enhanced global competitiveness through uniform quality assurance protocols.
Industry participants in the newly designated districts are advised to expedite alignment with BIS certification and assaying requirements to ensure seamless compliance and uninterrupted operations.
This forward-looking regulatory measure reaffirms the Government’s proactive stance in delivering value-driven consumer protection while driving sustainable growth in one of India’s cornerstone retail and cultural sectors.
BrandBuzz
Verlas Introduces the ‘Alyssa’ Collection in India, Bringing Modern Luxe Floral-Inspired Design to Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Crafted in Fine Gold
The New York-born brand channels statement floral designs in modern silhouettes and larger carat diamond brilliance into a collection made for weddings, engagements, cocktail evenings, and wedding Trousseau Picks.
Verlas, the New York-based fine jewelry brand, has brought its luxurious Alyssa collection to India, a floral-inspired range of contemporary designs crafted with IGI-Certified lab-grown diamonds and BIS hallmarked gold in 14K and 9K Gold variants. Built around larger carat weights and romantic floral design, the collection pairs statement sparkle with Verlas’ commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Since its founding in 2019, Verlas has focused on modern, considered jewelry designed to feel personal and meaningful, handcrafted by skilled artisans in VS clarity lab-grown diamonds set in fine gold.
Inspired by blooming florals, the Alyssa collection translates nature’s motifs into refined diamond jewelry designed for everyday moments in the form of elegant pendant necklaces and Studs designed with florets of round-cut and marquise-cut diamonds, and then there are these luxe styles that call for something more. For bigger celebrations to evening dressing, these luxe designs are crafted with marquise and round-cut diamonds in hoops and dangler earrings, unique tennis bracelets and tennis necklace designs that embrace the designer craftsmanship of Verlas. The Alyssa collection brings signature brilliance to a range of personal styles.
For the modern bride, Alyssa brings together jewelry for every part of her journey—from the engagement and big day to her trousseau, bridesmaids and the little moments beyond. Fashion-forward yet effortlessly elegant, each design is crafted to make a statement today and stay in her rotation long after the celebrations are over.

Among the highlights are the Alyssa Cuatro Floral Hoops, featuring five round lab-grown diamonds arranged in a delicate floret on a solid gold hoop. For a softer, more elegant look, these round-cut diamonds bring a classic appeal – perfect for those who prefer understated sparkle.

If bold and distinctive is more your style, the Alyssa Tres Marquise Diamond Huggies bring an elongated floral silhouette with marquise-cut diamond petals.

The Alyssa Radiant Bloom Ring offers another take on the floral motif, bringing together round-cut diamonds for a radiant, feminine look.

Meanwhile, the Alyssa Trio Marquise Bouquet Ring takes a bolder approach, featuring three diamond florets crafted with marquise diamond petals. Whether you lean towards the elegant simplicity of round cuts or the bolder character of marquise cuts, the Alyssa collection offers a floral style to match.

The Alyssa Marquise Studs bring a fresh take on florals, with marquise-cut diamonds forming an X-shaped motif around a round centre. Easy enough for everyday, yet special enough for evenings out, they’re the kind of pair you’ll keep reaching for.

For a little more sparkle, the Alyssa Marquise-Cut Floral Tennis Bracelet makes a statement without feeling reserved for just one occasion. Its floral diamond motifs bring a touch of drama to wedding celebrations, festive evenings and everything in between.

And when you’re ready to go all out, the Alyssa Marquise Radiant Tennis Necklace takes the floral story up a notch. With twenty-three diamond florets and a total weight of 13 carats, it brings together marquise-cut petals and round diamond centres for a look made to shine at the wedding, reception, or your next big celebration.
Available in white, yellow, and rose gold in 14K and 9K, the Alyssa collection reflects Verlas philosophy of creating jewelry that is beautiful, meaningful, and responsibly crafted. Perfect for elevating bridal looks and everyday romance alike.
With its growing presence in India, Verlas continues to bring its modern design and craftsmanship approach to fine jewelry to new audiences, combining considered design, conscious choice, and a more approachable jewelry experience.
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