2. As you are aware, hallmarking of gold jewellery ensures the quality of gold used in the jewellery as to caratage, fineness and purity. Therefore, SCBs / DCCBs would find granting of advances against the security of such hallmarked jewellery safer and easier. Preferential treatment of hallmarked jewellery is likely to encourage practice of hallmarking which will be in the long-term interest of consumer, lenders and the industry.

3. Therefore, while considering granting advances against jewellery, SCBs / DCCBs may keep in view the advantages of hallmarked jewellery and decide on the margin and rates of interest thereon. It should, however be ensured that such advances are not granted for speculative purposes.