Banks can now voluntarily accept gold as collateral for loans up to ₹10 lakh, a move expected to simplify credit access for farmers and small business owners. This clarification regarding the classification of gold-backed loans within priority sector lending aims to encourage banks to extend more credit to these vital segments of the economy.

The directive ensures that borrowers who voluntarily pledge personal gold or silver assets retain access to collateral-free loan benefits and terms. This prevents inadvertent disqualification from favorable lending conditions due to security provision. The directive is expected to reduce rural dependence on informal moneylenders by providing formal banking alternatives with comparable speed and accessibility.

The change is expected to enhance financial inclusion. In rural India, gold remains the most liquid household asset. By allowing its use as security, banks can process loans faster, especially critical during sowing seasons or emergencies. Gold-backed loans are easier to disburse, reducing dependence on informal moneylenders and tightening repayment discipline.

In 2023, the RBI had asked banks to classify all loans that were advanced against the security of jewellery as ‘gold loans’.However, this reclassification also meant that banks would need to apply the stricter repayment norms that are applicable to gold loans, unlike loans to farmers, where some flexibility is provided for the seasonality of income. Because of the reclassification, the gold loan portfolio of public sector banks almost doubled last year.

Banks, in turn, benefit from a lower risk profile. Secured lending makes it easier to expand credit to underserved rural borrowers. The move could also help banks meet priority sector lending goals. The rules permit only physical gold and silver, such as jewellery, ornaments and coins, as collateral. Financial products like gold ETFs, mutual funds, or digital gold are excluded. This distinction aims to keep volatility in check and lending standards robust

Leading silver jewellery brand Tribe Amrapali has launched its 34th retail destination at Pacific Mall in Tagore Garden, New Delhi. With this launch, the brand deepens its footprint in the capital city, offering New Delhi’s vibrant audience a closer and more immersive experience into its world of traditional-modern jewellery.

New Delhi, a melting pot of heritage and innovation, has long influenced Tribe Amrapali’s design language, from architectural motifs to regal nostalgia seen through a modern lens. The store opening at Pacific Mall celebrates this synergy, welcoming customers to explore a space where traditional artisanship meets everyday wearability.

With collections that feature everything from bold silver neckpieces and textured jhumkis to experimental ear cuffs and delicately crafted stackable rings, the new store reflects Tribe Amrapali’s philosophy – jewellery as a story-telling medium, rooted in culture and re-imagined for today.

Commenting on the new store launch, Akanksha Arora, CEO of Tribe Amrapali, said, “Opening our store at Pacific Mall, one of West Delhi’s most dynamic shopping destinations, is a natural step forward for Tribe Amrapali. Our Delhi patrons have always embraced the brand’s duality: where heritage meets the now. With this store, we aim to offer an inspiring retail experience that celebrates craftsmanship, community and contemporary Indian identity.”

The Pacific Mall store is designed to echo the brand’s signature aesthetic – artisanal, spirited, mirroring the stories carried in every handcrafted piece. From everyday elegance to statement styles, the store is intended to serve as a cultural pit stop for jewellery lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

As Tribe Amrapali continues to grow its retail presence across airports, high streets, and premium malls across India, each store stands for the brand’s commitment, i.e., celebrating Indian craftsmanship with a modern voice.

Started with an e-Store in March 2013, Tribe Amrapali branched off from the mother brand Amrapali, to create contemporary and affordable designs cultivated out of experimental design philosophy, primarily focusing on silver and gold-plated silver jewellery. It now has 34 stores across India.

Sukkhi, one of the leading curators of high quality fashion jewellery in India, announced the launch of its new store in Mumbai at the bustling fashion street of Dadar. Understanding the growing demand for fashion jewellery in the country, the brand’s 4th retail outlet in Mumbai is an extension of its vision of being a strong force in the category of fashion jewellery market in India. The store opening is part of a larger plan by Sukkhi to establish 100 retail touchpoints over the next 18-24 months.

Bhavesh Navlakha, founder and CEO of Sukkhi, said, “Opening our 4th store within four months shows our unwavering commitment towards making fashion jewellery affordable and accessible to all. Mumbai is a cosmopolitan fashion market where families invest in precious jewellery and gold yet have a distinct flair for fashion jewellery.” He also shared that the brand is steadily working towards growing its offline presence through a phased retail rollout.

Blending Indian craftsmanship with modern design, Sukkhi’s exclusive brand outlet offers a carefully curated jewellery collection. It features necklaces, chokers, rings, and 925 silver pieces. The selection includes pieces from Pissara, Studio Sukkhi, Scintillare, and the newly launched Ayles collection. Together, they cover everything from everyday wear to festive and wedding jewellery.

Founded in 2012 by Bhavesh Navlakha, Sukkhi started with the vision to provide high-quality multi-category jewellery for every occasion by establishing itself as a digital-first brand. Today, the brand is one of the top sellers on platforms like Nykaa, Ajio, Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon, and Naaptol, etc., making it one of the most sought after brands when it comes to fashion jewellery for all seasons and reasons.

This retail expansion is perfectly timed to capitalize on the booming Indian fashion jewellery market, which is witnessing remarkable growth according to a recent Techavio report. The surge is fueled primarily by Millennial women aged 26 to 41, dynamic professionals with active social calendars and increasing disposable incomes. This group regularly seeks out versatile and affordable accessories to effortlessly elevate their looks for various occasions. As grooming standards evolve and the demand for stylish yet budget-friendly jewellery rises, costume pieces have become an essential part of everyday wardrobes. Sukkhi’s ongoing offline rollout is in line with this evolving consumer demand and reflects the brand’s focus on improving accessibility and visibility in key markets.

With four stores already operational in Mumbai, Sukkhi’s retail strategy is taking shape as a natural extension of its strong digital presence. The brand plans to continue this momentum with a structured retail expansion across other cities as well.