Work out the final bill for gold jewellery, including making charges and GST, before you visit the jeweller.
How gold jewellery price is calculated
Final price = (Gold rate × Weight + Making charges) + 3% GST. Jewellers quote the rate for the purity you are buying. This calculator starts from the 24K rate and multiplies it by the purity, so a 22K price is the 24K rate × 91.6%. If your jeweller quotes a 22K rate directly, set purity to 24K and type their 22K rate in the rate box.
Gold purity (karat) chart
| Karat | Purity | Hallmark code | Used for |
|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 / 24K995 | Coins and bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 22K916 | Most Indian jewellery |
| 18K | 75% | 18K750 | Diamond and stone-set jewellery |
| 14K | 58.5% | 14K585 | Light, everyday jewellery |
Tips to pay less
- Making charges vary a lot, from about 3% on plain chains to 25% or more on detailed designs. Ask for the making charge separately and compare shops.
- Check for the BIS hallmark and the 6-digit HUID code. Hallmarking is mandatory for most gold jewellery sold in India.
- Stones are often weighed together with gold. Ask for the net gold weight on the bill.
Borrowing against your gold? Try the gold loan calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How is the 22K gold rate calculated from the 24K rate?
The usual approximation is 22K rate = 24K rate × 0.916, because 22K gold is 91.6% pure. 18K is about 24K rate × 0.75. Jewellers publish their own 22K and 18K rates, which can differ slightly, so check the board at the shop.
How much GST is charged on gold jewellery?
GST on gold jewellery is 3% of the total of gold value and making charges. If you give your own gold to a jeweller only for making (job work), GST on the making charge is 5%.
What are normal making charges for gold jewellery?
Making charges usually range from about 3–8% for plain chains and coins to 12–25% or more for detailed, handmade or antique designs. Some jewellers charge a fixed amount per gram instead. They are often negotiable, especially during offers.
Do I get making charges back when I sell or exchange gold?
No. When you sell or exchange jewellery, the jeweller pays only for the gold content at the current rate, often minus a small deduction. Making charges and GST are not refunded, which is why coins and bars lose less value than jewellery.
What is HUID on gold jewellery?
HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) is a 6-digit code laser-marked on hallmarked jewellery along with the BIS logo and purity. You can verify it in the BIS CARE app. Hallmarking with HUID is mandatory for most gold jewellery sold in India.