A survey conducted by LocalCircles reveals that 31% of Indian consumers who purchased silver items in the last five years feel cheated, prompting a call for mandatory hallmarking to ensure product purity. The survey, which included 19,235 respondents, found that an overwhelming 93% support this measure, citing concerns over quality and authenticity. As the festival of Akshay Tritiya approaches, silver demand is expected to surge, with projections indicating an 18-22% year-on-year increase in 2026. This rise is attributed to silver's affordability compared to gold, its growing popularity in fashion, and heightened awareness of certified purity through hallmarking. Silver prices are anticipated to be between ₹1.7 lakh and ₹1.9 lakh per kg in 2026, raising financial risks for buyers. To address these concerns, consumers can utilize the BIS Care mobile app to verify details like purity level and hallmarking date for silver jewellery hallmarked after September 2025. The hallmarking ecosystem has expanded significantly, with over 300 Assaying and Hallmarking Centres across 110 districts, enhancing accessibility and consumer protection.