Quick answer: silver Lakshmi Ganesh idols sold in India come in four kinds: solid cast silver (heavy, heirloom), electroformed silver (hollow but entirely real silver; large and detailed at a lower price), filled silver (a thin silver shell filled with wax, lac or resin) and silver-coated resin or foil (little real silver). The first two are real silver idols. The third is acceptable only if the net silver weight is disclosed. The fourth should be priced as decor, not silver. Before you pay, ask for the net silver weight, the purity and a hallmark. Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and Dhanteras, the traditional day to buy metal, is on Friday, 6 November.
The four kinds of "silver" idol
| Type | What it is | Feel | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid cast silver | Molten silver poured into a mould; solid throughout | Very heavy for its size | Full silver value by weight |
| Electroformed silver | Silver grown on a mould by electric current; mould removed; hollow shell of real silver | Light for its size; crisp detail | Silver value by weight; lower price for the same size |
| Filled silver | Thin silver shell filled with wax, lac or resin for rigidity | Medium weight | Only the silver shell has value |
| Silver-coated / foil | Resin, plaster or base metal with a silver coating or foil | Light; may sound plastic | Little or no silver value |
Electroforming is the reason you can now buy a large, finely detailed silver murti without paying for half a kilo of silver. Read what is electroforming to see how it is done.
How to check a silver murti before you buy
- Ask for the net silver weight in grams, written on the bill. If the shop gives only the gross weight, ask how much is filling or base.
- Ask for the purity: 925 (sterling) or 999 (fine). Most detailed idols are 925 or close to it; 999 is softer.
- Look for a hallmark (BIS logo, purity grade and a 6-character HUID) and verify the HUID in the BIS CARE app. As of 2026, hallmarking silver is voluntary, so not every idol carries one, but a hallmarked idol gives you independent proof.
- Look underneath. Electroformed idols are often open or have a small vent hole at the base. Filled idols may show wax or resin at the base. Coated idols may show a different colour at chips or scratches.
- Weigh it against its size. A large idol that weighs very little is hollow; that is fine if it is priced by its real silver weight.
What a fair price looks like
Fair price ≈ net silver weight × the day's rate for that purity + making charge.
Detailed idols carry a higher making charge than plain coins, because of the moulds, detailing and hand-finishing. For two idols of the same size, the electroformed one costs less because it uses less silver. If two shops quote very different prices for the same weight and finish, ask why. GemKrishna prices silver murtis by weight at the day's silver rate plus making charges, and shares the weight before you pay.
Electroformed or solid: which should you buy?
- Choose electroformed if you want a larger, more detailed Lakshmi Ganesh pair for the mandir within a sensible budget, or as a Diwali, Griha Pravesh or shop-opening gift.
- Choose solid if you want an heirloom murti that will be handled every day, given abhishek often, or passed down. Solid metal is more resistant to knocks and easier to repair.
- Avoid "silver" idols with no stated silver weight, unless you knowingly buy them as decor.
Puja care for a silver idol
- Abhishek: after bathing the idol with water, milk or panchamrit, rinse with clean water and dry it completely with a soft cloth. For hollow idols, turn them so any water inside drains out through the base or vent hole, and let them air-dry before placing them back.
- Kumkum and haldi can stain silver. Wipe them off after puja.
- Tarnish is natural. Clean with a soft silver cloth; avoid harsh acids, toothpaste and steel wool on detailed faces and ornaments.
- Handle by the base, not by thin parts such as crowns or raised hands, especially with hollow idols.
- Store in a dry box away from camphor fumes and moisture when not on display.
Silver murtis at GemKrishna
GemKrishna offers 925 silver murtis, including a Lakshmi Ganesha murti set, a Goddess Lakshmi murti, a Lord Ganesha murti and a Laddu Gopal idol, as well as lightweight pieces made with modern techniques such as electroforming. We share the silver weight and today's price before you pay, offer BIS hallmarking on request, and pack every murti in premium packaging for gifting. Our karigars can also make an idol to your size or design.
Because silver prices change daily, message us on WhatsApp (+91 76782 75972) for today's price, photos and weight. For smaller Diwali silver, see the Lakshmi Ganesh 925 silver coin (12 g), our silver coins and 925 silver god pendants.
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Frequently asked questions
Are lightweight silver idols real silver?
Many are. Electroformed idols are hollow but made entirely of real silver. Some lightweight idols, however, are silver-coated resin. Ask for the net silver weight and a hallmark.
What is an electroformed silver idol?
An idol made by depositing silver onto a mould with electric current and then removing the mould, leaving a hollow, finely detailed figure of real silver.
Is a hollow silver murti acceptable for puja?
Families follow their own traditions, but many use hollow silver murtis for daily puja. Dry it fully after abhishek, including inside.
How do I check a silver murti's purity?
Look for a BIS hallmark with HUID and verify it in the BIS CARE app, and get the net silver weight and purity written on the bill.
When should I buy a silver idol for Diwali 2026?
Dhanteras, on Friday 6 November 2026, is traditionally considered auspicious for buying silver. Order ahead so it arrives in time.
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