In India’s highly dynamic gold sector, consumers are increasingly seeking retailers who follow a strict Code of Conduct that offers transparency, trust, and sustainability across the entire gold value chain.

To establish a stringent framework across the industry, the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES), a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) established by and for the Indian gold industry, has officially accredited one of Maharashtra’s oldest and legacy jewellery brands, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers (WHP), with its authorised certification.

“Our mission with the IAGES accreditation is to align our local businesses with global standards while addressing the unique needs of the Indian market with a framework that benefits the consumer, retailer and the gold industry at large. We are delighted to welcome Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers to the IAGES network, whose long-standing reputation of over 100 years and their integrity reflect the values we strive to uphold. This association is yet another step towards bringing greater transparency and reliability to our gold industry,” said Kaushlendra Sinha, IAGES.

The IAGES accreditation framework covers the entire gold value chain, which includes Refining, Bullion trading, Manufacturing, Assaying and Hallmarking, to Retailing and even Digital Gold Selling.

As an IAGES value chain partner, WHP can enjoy several benefits such as an established market leadership, a competitive edge over non-IAGES accredited contemporaries, loyalty of both old and new consumers and deeper investor relations. For consumers, an IAGES-certified retailer means they can shop with total confidence knowing their retailer has sourced and processed the gold ethically and responsibly.

Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers has been a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship and customer care since 1909. An IAGES accreditation helps the brand to further expand its market presence and establish its authenticity among the younger, more informed consumers.

Aditya Pethe, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, added, “I am honoured to be a part of the IAGES effort. We have been in the jewellery business for a long time, almost 115 years, but what our industry still definitely lacks today is formalisation. The IAGES accreditation is a very positive step towards process management. Consumers need to be assured that the highest due diligence has been implemented by retailers across the entire supply chain, and that is what the IAGES framework promises. I hope more gold businesses join this cause, elevating the ethics and standards of India’s gold sector.”