Buying Gold Jewellery? Check These 6 Things Before Paying Your Bill

Buying gold jewellery is an important financial decision for many Indian families. Apart from being a traditional purchase, gold is often considered a long-term store of value. However, with gold prices remaining high despite recent fluctuations, buyers need to be careful about additional charges at jewellery shops.

Making charges, wastage fees, gold purity and stone weight can significantly affect the final bill. To avoid unnecessary expenses and make an informed purchase, here are six important things to check before buying gold jewellery.

1. Check the Gold Rate Before Visiting the Shop

Before visiting a jewellery store, check the prevailing gold rate for the day. Reliable news websites, official rate sources and mobile applications can help you compare prices.

Pay particular attention to the difference between 22-carat and 24-carat gold. Most traditional gold jewellery is made using 22-carat gold, while 24-carat gold is generally associated with higher purity and is commonly used for investment products such as bars and coins.

Confirm the rate per gram with the jeweller and check how it is calculated on your bill.

2. Compare Making Charges

Making charges cover the labour and craftsmanship involved in producing gold jewellery. Depending on the jeweller and design, these charges may be calculated as a percentage of the gold value or as a fixed amount per gram.

Simple jewellery designs may attract lower making charges than intricate designs.

Before purchasing, ask the jeweller to explain the making charges separately. Compare the rates offered by different stores and check whether the charges are negotiable. Even a small reduction can help you save money on an expensive purchase.

3. Understand Gold Wastage Charges

Wastage charges are fees that jewellers may apply to account for material loss during the jewellery-making process. The amount varies depending on the design, manufacturing method and store policy.

Some jewellers may quote wastage charges ranging from 8% to 15%, while others may charge more for certain designs. These figures are not universal industry rates, so buyers should verify the actual charges before making a purchase.

Ask the jeweller to specify the wastage percentage and its monetary value on the bill. Compare the total cost, including making charges and wastage, rather than choosing a store based only on its advertised gold rate.

Festive offers may include discounts on making or wastage charges. Check the terms carefully before deciding whether the offer provides genuine savings.

4. Verify the BIS Hallmark and HUID

Gold purity is one of the most important factors to check when buying jewellery. Look for the applicable BIS hallmark and six-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code on hallmarked jewellery.

You can use the official BIS CARE app to verify the HUID details and check the information associated with the hallmarked item.

Do not rely only on the jeweller`s verbal assurance. Confirm the hallmark details before paying and ensure that the description on your invoice matches the jewellery purchased.

5. Check the Net Gold Weight and Stone Weight