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Malabar Gold & Diamonds offers a gold exchange programme that lets you trade in your old gold jewellery for new pieces. Whether your old jewellery is from Malabar or another brand entirely, here is everything you need to know before visiting the store.
What gold does Malabar Gold accept for exchange?
- Gold jewellery from any brand — Malabar, Tanishq, Kalyan, local jewellers, or unbranded gold.
- Gold in any form: jewellery, coins, bars (subject to limits — confirm at the store).
- Gold of any purity: 22K, 18K, 14K and below.
- Jewellery with diamonds or gemstones (stones are removed and not valued in the exchange).
Malabar does not accept gold-plated or imitation jewellery for their gold exchange programme.
How purity testing works at Malabar Gold
Malabar Gold uses XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing — the same non-destructive technology used by Tanishq’s Karatmeter. The process:
- Hand your jewellery to the store associate at the exchange counter.
- The XRF device reads the metal composition in under a minute.
- You receive the purity reading (karat) and net gold weight.
- The exchange value is calculated on the spot based on today’s gold rate.
The purity test is free and non-destructive — your jewellery is returned to you intact if you decide not to proceed.
How Malabar calculates the exchange value
Exchange value = Net gold weight × Purity factor × Today’s 24K gold rate per gram
Less: Melting/wastage charge (typically 2–4%)
Example: 15 grams of 22K gold (91.6% purity) at a 24K rate of ₹7,000/gram:
- 22K equivalent: 15 × 0.916 × ₹7,000 = ₹96,180
- Less 3% melting charge: ₹2,885
- Net exchange credit: ₹93,295
Step-by-step: How to exchange gold at Malabar
- Visit any Malabar Gold store — use the store locator at malabargoldanddiamonds.com to find the nearest branch.
- Go to the exchange counter and present your old gold jewellery.
- XRF purity test is done — you’ll receive the karat reading and net weight confirmation.
- Get the exchange credit quote — the associate shows you the value based on today’s rate.
- Choose your new jewellery from the store’s collection.
- Settle the balance — pay the difference between your exchange credit and the new piece’s total price (gold value + making charges + GST).
- Collect your invoice — the bill shows old gold credit and new purchase breakdown clearly.
What deductions to expect
| Deduction | Typical Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Melting / wastage charge | 2–4% | Cost of refining old gold |
| Stone weight | Deducted from gross weight | Diamonds/gems not valued |
| Non-gold components | Deducted from gross weight | Solder, enamel, base metal parts |
Malabar vs Tanishq exchange: key differences
Both Malabar Gold and Tanishq use XRF/Karatmeter testing and calculate exchange values on today’s gold rate. The main differences are:
- Malabar sometimes has slightly lower melting charges (2% vs Tanishq’s 3%), though this varies by store and period.
- Tanishq’s stores may have a more standardised national rate; Malabar’s may vary slightly by franchise.
- Both accept gold from any brand and do not require the original bill.
Tips to maximise your exchange value at Malabar
- Exchange when gold rates are high — your credit increases proportionally.
- Avoid exchanging jewellery with heavy stone settings — you lose the stone value entirely in a gold exchange.
- Compare the exchange rate offered with the IBJA rate for that day before accepting.
- Negotiate making charges on the new piece — especially during festive sales when Malabar offers making charge discounts.
- Bring the original bill if you have it — speeds up the process, though not mandatory.
For a broader look at gold exchange options across India, including tips on when to exchange versus sell, see our guide on How to Exchange Old Gold Jewellery in India. If selling is more appealing, see How to Sell Gold Jewellery in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange gold at Malabar without the original bill?
Yes. Malabar Gold accepts gold for exchange regardless of whether you have the original purchase bill. The XRF test determines the value.
Does Malabar Gold give cash for old gold?
Malabar’s standard exchange programme credits the value against a new jewellery purchase, not cash. Contact Malabar directly if you need cash — they may offer a separate buy-back service.
Can I exchange jewellery bought at a different Malabar store?
Yes. Exchange is accepted at any Malabar Gold store, regardless of which branch you originally purchased from.
Will Malabar accept 14K gold for exchange?
Yes. Malabar accepts all karat values. The XRF device reads the exact purity, and the exchange value is calculated proportionally.