New Delhi, June 12 -- Indian households view gold as a store of wealth that is purchased and then left untouched in bank lockers and safes for years. While the metal may appreciate in value over time, it does not generate any direct return for the owner. In many cases, gold jewellery is passed across generations and rarely sold, meaning the value remains largely locked unless it is pledged or sold.

Gold leasing offers an alternative by allowing owners to lend their gold for a specified period in exchange for a return. The arrangement allows you to put your gold assets sitting idle in some locker to productive use while the ownership does not change hands. Here's a look at how gold leasing works and the risks investors should understand b...