KDM Gold is a type of gold alloy containing 92% gold and 8% cadmium. The term KDM derives from “Kadmium”, the German world for cadmium. Cadmium is used as a soldering agent in KDM gold to create intricate patterns and designs, commonly associated with Indian gold jewelleries. Soldering refers to the process of blending metals. Since cadmium has a lower melting point than gold, it is an ideal soldering agent for gold.
Cadmium is a bright and lustrous metal, similar to pure gold, and provides strong joints, which makes the process of creating detailed designs much simpler for the craftsmen. Furthermore, cadmium maintains the purity of gold, while allowing complex designs. KDM was highly popular in India due to its malleability, durability and affordability. Moreover, the need for intricate designs for traditional gold jewellery items in India made KDM a favoured gold alloy to work with for jewellers.
Legality in India
KDM Gold was banned in India by the Bureau of Indian Standards or BIS in January 2017. The ban is applicable on new jewellery production. However, there is no ban on old jewellery pieces of KDM gold, which are allowed to circulate. But hallmarking is prohibited for such jewellery pieces.
Bureau of Indian Standards has issued strict guidelines prohibiting the use of cadmium in gold jewellery manufacturing process. In June 2021, the BIS made hallmarking mandatory for all kinds of gold jewelleries to certify their purity and cadmium-free production.
Reasons for the Ban
Hazardous nature of cadmium is the primary reason behind the ban on KDM gold in India. Exposure to cadmium fumes during the soldering process can lead to a number of serious health issues like respiratory ailments, kidney damage and even cancer. The BIS also found traces of cadmium in finished jewellery. Consequently, the BIS concluded that KDM gold pose a serious health risk to workers and consumers alike.
Cadmium residue is also toxic in nature. In the event of improper disposal, it contributes to soil and water pollution.
Impact on Indian Market
Consequent to the ban on KDM Gold, Indian jewellers shifted to alternative soldering materials like Zinc and Silver for making intricate designs. This shift led to increased production costs and a rise in the prices of gold jewelleries. However, adoption of sustainable practices enabled the jewellers to enhance their reputation among the consumers.
The ban on KDM gold has served to increase the trust on Indian gold jewellery, particularly in the international market.
