When you buy gold jewellery, you pay for two things: the gold (weight × today’s rate for its karat) and the work that turned that gold into a piece of jewellery. The second part is called making charges.
The parts of a jewellery price
- Gold value — net weight × gold rate for that karat on the day.
- Making charges (mazdoori) — labour and design. Quoted as a percentage, a rate per tola or a fixed amount.
- Wastage — some jewellers add an allowance for gold lost during making and polishing.
- Stones — priced separately; ask for the stone weight to be shown separately from the gold weight.
Why making charges vary
A plain bangle takes far less work than a detailed bridal set with fine filigree or stone setting. Handmade and intricate designs cost more to make; machine-made and simple designs cost less.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What is the karat, and what is the net gold weight?
- How are making charges calculated for this piece?
- Is there any wastage added?
- What is the stone weight, and how are stones priced?
- What happens to the making charges if I sell or exchange the piece later?
Estimate a price with our gold price calculator — it lets you add making charges as a percentage, per tola or a fixed amount.
Are making charges returned when I sell gold?
Generally no — when you sell, the jeweller pays for the gold content. Ask about exchange options, which can work differently.
Why is the gold rate on the website lower than my bill?
The gold rate covers the metal only. Your bill also includes making charges, any wastage, and stones.