Gold, Silver rates today, October 21: Gold gets costlier or cheaper? Check 24K, 22K gold prices in 10 cities

Gold and silver prices remained in focus on Wednesday as buyers tracked bullion rates ahead of the upcoming Dhanteras and Diwali festive season. MCX gold futures were trading 0.40% lower at ₹1,45,939 per 10 grams around 9:40 am, while MCX silver futures declined approximately 0.94% to ₹2,09,494 per kilogram.

Retail prices vary across cities and providers. Here is a look at the gold and silver rates supplied for major Indian cities, along with factors jewellery buyers should consider before making festive purchases.

Gold rates today in major Indian cities

The following rates are per gram.

Silver rates today in major Indian cities

Dhanteras and Diwali gold shopping: What buyers should know

With Dhanteras and Diwali approaching, gold and silver purchases are expected to remain an important consideration for households planning festive shopping. Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026, according to the cited Hindu calendar sources. Buying gold, silver coins and jewellery on the occasion is a longstanding tradition associated with prosperity and good fortune.

Consumers planning purchases can compare rates across cities and jewellers before visiting a showroom.

Jewellers' prices: GST and making charges

The final price of gold jewellery can be higher than the quoted bullion rate. Applicable GST, making charges and other retailer-specific costs may increase the bill. Making charges can vary according to the design, craftsmanship and jeweller.

Before purchasing, customers should ask for a detailed invoice showing the gold purity, net gold weight, rate per gram, making charges and applicable taxes. They should also check hallmarking and verify the jeweller's exchange and buyback terms.

Gold ETF inflows rise despite price pressure

Gold prices remained largely unchanged in the week ended October 16, with the LBMA Gold Price PM closing at US$4,189 an ounce, up 0.1% week-on-week, according to the World Gold Council's Weekly Markets Monitor dated October 19. Gold was still down 4.1% year-to-date, according to the figures supplied for this report.

Meanwhile, gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continued to attract investor interest. The World Gold Council's September ETF report recorded US$10 billion in global inflows during September, taking third-quarter inflows to a record US$31 billion. Its data also tracked gold ETF activity through October 16.

For investors, ETF inflows indicate demand for gold-backed investment products but do not guarantee further price gains. Buyers considering gold as an investment should account for price volatility, costs and their own financial objectives.