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Tanishq is one of the most trusted names for exchanging old gold in India. Whether you have old jewellery from another brand, inherited pieces, or Tanishq pieces you bought years ago, their exchange programme allows you to convert the gold value into new jewellery. Here’s exactly how it works.
What gold does Tanishq accept for exchange?
- Jewellery from any brand — Tanishq, Malabar, local jewellers, or unbranded gold.
- Gold coins and bars (up to a limit; confirm at the store).
- Old 22K, 18K and lower purity gold.
- Jewellery with stones (stones are separated and not counted in the gold weight).
Tanishq does not accept gold-plated jewellery, imitation pieces, or base-metal items for their gold exchange programme.
How purity testing works at Tanishq
Tanishq uses the Karatmeter — a non-destructive XRF (X-ray fluorescence) device — to test your gold’s purity accurately and instantly. The process takes under a minute:
- Hand your jewellery to the store associate.
- The associate places the piece in the Karatmeter.
- The device reads the exact karat (e.g., 22K, 18K, 14K) without melting or scratching the piece.
- You receive a printed purity report on the spot.
The Karatmeter test is free at all Tanishq stores, even if you don’t proceed with the exchange.
How the exchange value is calculated
The exchange value is calculated as:
Exchange value = Net gold weight × Purity factor × Today’s gold rate
Less: Melting/refining charge (typically 2–4%)
Example: If you bring 10 grams of 22K gold (91.6% purity), and today’s 24K gold rate is ₹7,000/gram:
- 22K gold rate = ₹7,000 × 0.916 = ₹6,412/gram
- Gross value = 10 × ₹6,412 = ₹64,120
- Less 3% melting charge = ₹1,924
- Net exchange credit = ₹62,196
Step-by-step: How to exchange gold at Tanishq
- Visit any Tanishq store with your old gold jewellery. No appointment needed.
- Get the Karatmeter test done — hand over your pieces to the associate.
- Review the purity report — confirm the karat reading and net weight.
- Get the exchange value quote — the associate will show you the credit amount based on today’s gold rate.
- Choose your new jewellery — browse the store and select a piece (or set) totalling the credit amount or more.
- Pay the difference — if your new purchase costs more than the exchange credit, pay the balance by cash, card or UPI.
- Collect the invoice — the bill will clearly show the old gold credit, new jewellery price, making charges, and GST separately.
What deductions to expect
| Deduction Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melting/refining charge | 2–4% | Applied to the gross gold value |
| Stone weight | Deducted before calculation | Stones are not counted in gold weight |
| Non-gold components | Deducted before calculation | Solder joints, enamel filler |
Note: Tanishq does NOT charge separately for the Karatmeter test. The only deductions are the melting charge and non-gold weight adjustments.
Tips to get the best deal
- Exchange when gold rates are high — the exchange value rises with the gold rate.
- Bring the original bill if available — while not mandatory for the Karatmeter test, it avoids questions and speeds up the process.
- Clean your jewellery before visiting — accumulated dirt can affect the net weight reading slightly.
- Compare the Tanishq exchange rate with your bank’s gold price — to know if you’re getting fair value.
- Negotiate making charges on the new piece — Tanishq’s making charges are partially negotiable, especially on heavier pieces.
For a broader look at how gold exchange works across jewellers in India, see our guide on How to Exchange Old Gold Jewellery in India. If you’re considering selling rather than exchanging, read How to Sell Gold Jewellery in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange gold at Tanishq without a bill?
Yes. Tanishq accepts gold for exchange regardless of whether you have the original bill. The Karatmeter determines the value, not the paperwork.
Does Tanishq give cash for old gold?
Tanishq’s standard exchange programme gives you store credit to be used against a new jewellery purchase, not cash. For cash, you would need to use a separate gold buying service.
Can I exchange 18K gold at Tanishq?
Yes. Tanishq accepts gold of all purities (22K, 18K, 14K and lower). The Karatmeter will read the exact purity and calculate the value accordingly.
Is Tanishq’s exchange rate better than local jewellers?
Tanishq’s Karatmeter gives an accurate, verifiable purity reading — so you know you’re not being shortchanged on purity. Local jewellers may offer slightly higher headline rates but with less accurate purity testing. The net result is often similar or better at Tanishq.