New Delhi, June 19 -- Walk into almost any Indian home, and you will find a collection of jewellery sitting unused. We all know what it looks like: a single gold earring whose match was lost years ago, a chain with a broken clasp, a bent ring, or ornate designs that no longer fit everyday life. In India, our emotional connection to gold is undeniable. We buy it to honour family milestones, celebrate festivals, or pass down heirlooms through generations. Yet, keeping these damaged or outdated pieces locked away in a safety deposit box means their functional value remains at zero.

A practical shift is changing how households view these assets. Structured recycling allows pieces that are no longer worn to be converted into contemporary desi...