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Planning to buy gold on Dhanteras? Jewellery vs coins vs gold ETFs vs sovereign gold bonds comparison before you invest
Mint 1 hr ago·2 Nov 2026, 12:14 pm
Dhanteras marks the start of the festive season, and buying gold is a traditional choice for many Indian investors. However, the metal comes in several forms, each with its own set of costs and benefits. Understanding these differences is key to making a cost-effective investment decision.
Gold jewellery is popular for its aesthetic value but often carries high making charges and GST, which can significantly eat into your returns. Gold coins are a middle ground, offering purity at a lower making charge than jewellery. For those seeking a paper asset, Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) provide liquidity and zero making charges, while Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) offer the advantage of interest payments and tax exemptions on maturity, though they lack physical possession.
Investors should weigh the trade-off between physical ownership and financial returns. If liquidity and lower costs are priorities, ETFs or SGBs might be suitable. Conversely, if the intent is purely ornamental, jewellery remains the preferred option. Always compare the total expense ratio before investing.
Excerpt from Mint
Planning to buy gold this Dhanteras? Compare jewellery, coins, gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds on making charges, GST, liquidity, resale costs and taxation to understand which option is more cost-effective for investment. Gold buying is considered auspicious during Dhanteras, with many households purchasing…Read the original at Mint
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