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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

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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

Unscrupulous Hallmarking Centers Are Compromising Purity Of Gold

Practices Include Code Tampering and Illegal Commission Schemes

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The standard hallmark, introduced to guarantee gold purity, is losing its reliability as market pressures mount. High gold prices and slowing demand have intensified competition, driving hallmarking operators—particularly in smaller cities and towns across northern India—to adopt illicit practices to secure higher volumes from jewelers.

Unscrupulous hallmarking centers are compromising the purity of gold jewelry in India through code tampering and illegal commission schemes, according to industry sources and officials.

Industry sources revealed that operators manipulate the system by assigning a single six-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code to multiple jewelry pieces of identical design. In some instances, centers have issued 22-karat purity certificates for 20-karat gold.

Although official hallmarking fees were recently raised from 45 rupees to 75 rupees per piece—the first increase in nearly five years to offset rising machinery and operating costs—many centers undercut these rates or pay kickbacks to manufacturers and wholesalers in exchange for bulk orders.

While manufacturers, wholesalers, and center operators benefit financially from the discounted arrangements, industry experts warn that end consumers are left paying for substandard gold.

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