Check gold purity in 30 seconds flat!

X-ray Fluorescence machine at the Legal Metrology ascertains elements used in making ornaments, their percentage and carat, in half-a-minute

Ever since the Legal Metrology Department launched the free gold testing facility at its PWD building near Golconda crossroads, Gandhinagar last week, many customers have been making a beeline to the department’s office to utilise the facility.

The department had installed X-ray Fluorescence machine at a cost of Rs.15 lakh.

After placing the ornament in the machine’s plate, it delivers a report about the elements used in making the ornaments, their percentage used and carat of the ornament.

All this takes about 30 seconds. This is an advantage for consumers for they can ascertain the purity of the gold ornament purchased.

Several jewellers take their customers for a ride by charging 24 carat price for a 22 or 18 carat ornament but the X-ray Fluorescence machine declares the purity of the ornaments.

Everyday, about 50 customers are getting their ornaments tested, explained V. Srinivas, Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology (Hyderabad City zone).

To take serious action against violators, the department is now planning to approach the Central government to permit officers in using the machine’s report as a valid document in the court during prosecution or levy penalty accordingly, says Mr. Srinivas.

There is a necessity to include this facility in the Legal Metrology rules as many cases are being booked against jewellers regularly in the capital.

Inspections

Last month alone, the department had conducted over 100 inspections and booked 27 cases against different jewellers and a total of Rs.3.41 lakh was collected from them towards compounding fee, he says.

In March, 129 inspections were conducted and 33 cases were booked against different jewellers and about Rs.10.30 lakh was collected as compounding fee.

Irregularities

Many jewellers were found to be indulging in irregularities including charging 24 carat price for a 22 carat ornament, adding stones weight in the total ornament weight and not mentioning the purity of the ornament in the bill, he adds.

For details and lodging complaints, customers can contact the helpline number 1860-425-3333 or send an SMS to 09490165619.