National News
Raniwala 1881 Partners with Francorp to Scale Retail Footprint Through Franchising
The iconic Jaipur-based jewellery house adopts FOFO and FOCO models to expand across India while preserving its royal heritage and artisanal legacy
Raniwala 1881, the luxury jewellery brand rooted in Jaipur’s rich heritage, has announced a strategic alliance with Francorp, the franchising advisory arm of Franchise India Group, to fuel its next phase of growth through a structured franchise model.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for the 140-year-old brand as it seeks to expand its retail footprint across India while staying true to its legacy of regal design and meticulous craftsmanship.
Under the agreement, Raniwala 1881 will implement both Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) and Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated (FOCO) models. These formats aim to offer opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to be part of the evolution of one of India’s most prestigious fine jewellery brands.
“Our jewellery is more than just adornment; it is a representation of centuries-old craftsmanship and a deep-rooted heritage,” said Abhishek Raniwala, Managing Director of Raniwala 1881. “With the growing demand for handcrafted Polki and Jadau jewellery, this partnership with Francorp allows us to expand while preserving our brand’s exclusivity.”
Founded in the 19th century by Rai Bahadur Champalal of Beawar, the brand carries a legacy dating back to the British era, when the family was honored with the title “Raniwala.” The brand continues to be a trusted name in bridal jewellery, known for its 18-karat gold Polki pieces that appeal to both Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Over the years, Raniwala 1881 has also collaborated with some of India’s top fashion designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, and Rahul Mishra, reinforcing its place at the intersection of heritage and high fashion.
The shift toward franchising comes as India’s jewellery market undergoes a transformation, with consumers increasingly gravitating toward branded, story-driven luxury pieces that offer authenticity and traceability.
Francorp will help guide Raniwala 1881’s expansion across metro cities and fast-growing luxury markets, ensuring a consistent retail experience that honors the brand’s heritage.
“Luxury retail is evolving rapidly, and heritage brands like Raniwala 1881 are leading the way in strategic expansion while maintaining timeless elegance and exclusivity,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India Group. “Franchising provides an effective model to scale without compromising brand integrity. With FOFO and FOCO formats, we’re introducing a new dimension to luxury jewellery retail in India.”
National News
Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) Has Proposed A Two-Track System To Manage Gold More Efficiently
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce gold imports and foreign travel, major Indian bullion and jewellery bodies have submitted a new plan to the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The strategy aims to lower the nation’s trade deficit by tapping into the estimated 30,000 tonnes of gold sitting in Indian households.
This move comes after India’s gold imports jumped 24% to a record $71.9 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, with over 721 tonnes of gold brought into the country.
The New Strategy: Two Separate Systems
The Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) has proposed a two-track system to manage gold more efficiently:
- For Exporters: Imported gold should be strictly saved for jewellery exporters using one-year Gold Metal Loans (GML).
- For Local Buyers: Domestic demand should be met entirely by recycling household gold. This gold would be collected from citizens, refined locally, and sold back through jewellers and retailers.
Under this plan, people who deposit their idle gold could earn 2% to 2.5% interest, while businesses taking gold loans would pay an interest rate of 3% to 4%.
Fixing Why Past Schemes Failed
Previous government gold schemes failed to gain traction primarily because they left out local jewellers and lacked a proper banking structure. Without a joined-up system, institutions faced high financial risks from changing gold prices.
To fix this, trade bodies are calling for a complete system that includes:
- Direct involvement of trusted local jewellers. The schemes did not take off in the past because jewellers were not part of them. About 10% to 20% of family gold is held as bars or coins.
- Strong bank backing and secure storage vaults across the country.
- Tax incentives, such as removing the 3% GST loss when physical gold is converted into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), and offering income tax relief on the interest earned.
Industry Support
Industry experts say a smooth system is already possible. Collection and purity testing centres have confirmed that collected household gold can be processed within 48 hours and safely moved to secure, bank-approved vaults.
Representatives from the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) recently held discussions with RBI officials to fast-track these changes.
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