In today’s digital-first retail environment, product transparency is more than a good business practice—it’s a legal requirement. For jewellery brands and sellers, especially those dealing in high-value items like gold, silver, and diamonds, compliance with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 is essential. Among these rules, the declaration of net quantity remains one of the most critical and often overlooked obligations.

What Is Net Quantity?

Net quantity refers to the actual content of the commodity, excluding packaging or decorative elements. In the case of jewellery, this involves two key components:

• Metal weight (gold, silver, platinum) declared in grams
• Gemstone weight (diamonds, precious stones) declared in carats

These values must be mentioned using standard units of measurement as per Indian legal metrology standards, ensuring that buyers understand precisely what they are purchasing.

Net Quantity for Diamond Jewellery

Diamonds are typically measured in carats, a globally recognized unit where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. The Legal Metrology Rules allow diamond weight to be stated in carats. Sellers can use terms like:

• Diamond weight: 1.0 ct
• Total diamond weight: 1.0 ct tw (carat total weight)

This is an acceptable practice for diamond-centric jewellery. However, this should not be the only weight information provided if the product includes a base of gold, silver, or any other precious metal.

Net Quantity for Gold and Silver Jewellery

Gold and silver jewellery are subject to stricter weight declarations under legal metrology. Even if a ring or pendant’s primary feature is a gemstone, the metal content must be clearly mentioned in grams, along with its purity level:

• Gold jewellery: 3.25 grams of 14K gold
• Silver jewellery: 2.8 grams of 925 sterling silver

Failing to disclose this information could be seen as misleading packaging, which is restricted under Rule 23 of the Legal Metrology Rules. This applies equally to in-store labels and e-commerce product listings, where consumers rely on product descriptions for informed decision-making.

How to Declare Net Quantity When Both Diamond and Gold Are Present

When a jewellery item contains both diamonds and precious metals, both components must be declared separately and clearly. A compliant and consumer-friendly format would look like:

• Diamond Weight: 1.0 ct tw
• Gold Weight: 3.5 grams, 14 karat

This format ensures legal clarity while also enhancing buyer trust, especially in luxury segments where pricing is closely tied to material weight and quality.

Why Accurate Net Quantity Declarations Matter

Clear and correct quantity declarations are not just about ticking legal boxes as they’re vital for:

• Building consumer trust through transparency;
• Avoiding legal penalties under the Legal Metrology Act;
• Reducing returns or disputes due to miscommunication; and
• Ensuring pricing clarity in competitive, high-value categories

Jewellery is a high-involvement purchase, and consumers expect full disclosure of what they’re paying for. By providing both carat and gram details, sellers can demonstrate credibility and avoid any perception of hidden costs.

Final Thought

For jewellery brands and retailers, especially in the premium or luxury space, compliance with net quantity rules is non-negotiable. It’s not just about meeting regulatory standards but it’s also about honouring customer expectations and protecting your brand’s reputation.

Whether you’re selling in physical stores or through e-commerce platforms, always ensure that your diamond, gold, and silver products clearly display both gemstone and metal weights using the appropriate units. In a competitive market, clarity is currency and transparency drives trust.