Gold Bar or Jewellery: Which is a Better Investment?

Gold Bar or Jewellery: Which is a Better Investment?

Compare gold jewellery and bars to determine which offers better value and return on investment.

Rs. 5,000 - Rs. 2 crore

To find the nearest gold loan branch,

Enter phone and OTP | Check amount you can get | Apply for quick funds

Different ways to invest in gold: Jewellery, bars, and coins

Gold has always been seen as a symbol of wealth and a safe way to store value, especially in India. You can invest in gold in different forms, like jewellery, bars, and coins, and each comes with its own benefits. Knowing the differences can help you make smarter investment choices. Jewellery is popular not just for its beauty but also for cultural and traditional reasons. On the other hand, gold bars and coins are usually bought mainly as investments because they are pure and easy to store. This guide will help you understand the key points about each type of gold, so you can decide which option works best for you.

Show More Show Less
 
 

Key takeaways

  • Gold bar or jewellery which is better depends on your investment goals, budget and intended use.
  • Gold bars may be suitable for investment due to their high purity and generally lower making charges.
  • Gold jewellery offers both personal use and financial value, but making charges can affect resale value.
  • Consider purity, costs, liquidity and resale value before making a decision.
  • If you plan to use gold as collateral, check which gold assets the lender accepts for a gold loan.

Gold jewellery vs gold bars: Which to choose?

Choosing between gold jewellery and gold bars depends on what you want from your investment. Jewellery is not only beautiful but also holds cultural and sentimental value, making it perfect for special occasions and gifting. Gold bars, on the other hand, are ideal if your goal is purely investment—they are easy to store, usually purer, and simpler to sell when needed. Understanding the purpose behind your purchase can help you pick the option that suits your needs, whether it is for tradition, wealth preservation, or financial growth.


Is buying gold bars better than jewellery?

Buying gold bars is generally considered better for pure investment purposes. Bars are usually available in 24-carat purity, making them more valuable and easier to sell in the international market. They also avoid the added costs associated with jewellery, such as design and making charges. Bars can be purchased in bulk, making them ideal for significant investments. Jewellery, while valuable, includes subjective elements like craftsmanship and fashion trends, which don’t translate to financial value. If you aim for wealth accumulation or preservation, gold bars offer a higher return on investment. Jewellery, on the other hand, is more about tradition and personal adornment.


Gold jewellery vs gold bars: Pros and cons

Gold jewellery offers aesthetic pleasure, and cultural significance, making it more than just an investment. Its downside lies in the additional costs of design, craftsmanship, and lower purity, often resulting in lower resale value. Gold bars, however, are typically pure and carry no making charges, making them a more straightforward investment for wealth preservation. They are more liquid and easier to trade, especially in large amounts. Jewellery may carry emotional value, but it lacks the practicality of bars in financial terms. Bars, although lacking in beauty or sentimental value, are more suitable for those seeking tangible investment returns. 


Pro tip: Manage planned to urgent expenses with ease. Check your  gold loan eligibility now and make your gold work for your needs.


Gold coins vs gold jewellery: Which is more valuable?

When comparing gold coins and jewellery, coins offer a purer and more flexible investment. Coins are generally made from 24-carat gold, and they are easier to liquidate as their market value is solely determined by weight and purity. Jewellery, although beautiful, often comes with making charges, which lowers its resale value. In terms of investment, gold coins are a better option as they retain more of their original value. However, jewellery can hold cultural and sentimental value, making it important for special occasions and gifts. While coins are more valuable in financial terms, jewellery’s value extends beyond mere monetary worth.


Should you invest in gold bars or jewellery?

Investing in gold bars is more beneficial if you're looking solely for financial returns. Bars are available in larger quantities and higher purity levels, usually at lower premiums compared to jewellery. This makes them ideal for large investments. Jewellery, on the other hand, offers a dual purpose: it is a wearable asset and a store of value, though with extra costs. If emotional and cultural factors are crucial, jewellery might be the better option. But if maximising returns is the priority, gold bars outperform jewellery in terms of liquidity, purity, and return on investment.


Gold bars vs gold coins vs jewellery: What’s the best choice?

Each type of gold investment—bars, coins, or jewellery—serves different needs. Gold bars offer high purity and bulk investment potential, ideal for those focusing on financial returns. Coins, while also pure, come in smaller denominations, providing flexibility. They are easier to trade and can be an affordable investment option for those with smaller budgets. Jewellery, although less ideal as an investment, is valuable for cultural reasons and personal use. For pure investment purposes, bars are best, while coins offer a balanced mix of value and liquidity. Jewellery is suitable for those who value aesthetics and tradition alongside their investment.


Gold loan calculator for gold jewellery 

A gold loan calculator is a valuable tool for determining how much you would need to repay on a gold loan. By entering details such as loan amount, interest rate, and tenure, you can estimate your repayments. For the gold you pledge, the loan amount will be dependent on the purity, and weight of the gold. You can pledge your fold jewellery, ornaments and coins as collateral against the gold loan. Using an calculator can help in planning repayment and managing finances efficiently.


Quick tip: Why let your gold sit idle when it can power your financial goals? Apply for a Bajaj Finance Gold Loan now!


Gold loan eligibility on gold coins, jewellery, and ornaments

Gold loan eligibility depends on the type, purity, and weight of the gold you pledge. For loan against jewellery and ornaments, Bajaj Finance requires only 18-22 karat purity, while coins up to 24 karat gold purity are also accepted. 


Due to making charges and lower purity, the loan amount on jewellery may be less compared to gold coins, which are generally 24 carats. Gold coins must be of high purity to qualify. It is important to note that gold bars are not accepted as collateral for Bajaj Finance Gold Loan. Meeting eligibility criteria ensures you receive the highest loan amount based on the value of your gold. 


Eligible limit for each collateral type

Here is a list of single borrower limit for each collateral type:
 

1. Ornaments: The total weight pledged across all loans for a borrower cannot be more than 1 kilogram.

2. Jewellery: As per maximum loan amount.

3. Coins: The aggregate weight of coin(s) pledged for all loans to a borrower shall not exceed 50 grams in case of gold coins.

4. Overall exposure limit: The total loan exposure across ornaments, jewellery, and gold coins together must not exceed the maximum loan limit of Rs. 2 crore.

Show More Show Less

Calculate your gold loan

How to get the best gold loan on your gold?

To get the best gold loan, start by knowing the applicable gold rate and the purity of your gold, whether it’s ornaments, jewellery, or coins. Choose a trusted lender like Bajaj Finance, which offers low interest rates and multiple repayment options. Ensure your gold is well-certified, such as BIS-hallmarked or certified coins, to get a higher loan amount. Use the gold loan calculator to get the estimate of your repayment amount, check the loan-to-value ratio, and read the terms carefully. By doing this, you can unlock quick funds at the best rates while keeping your gold safe.


Please note: Bajaj Finance considers lower of the previous day’s closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange to evaluate the loan amount against your gold jewellery, ornament or coin. 

The maximum LTV eligible for a loan depends on the loan amount and cannot be more than the limits given. To know more, click here.

Show More Show Less

Frequently asked questions

Loan Value

Can I take a gold loan on gold bars?

No, you cannot get a gold loan on gold bar with Bajaj Finance. We only accept 18-22 karat gold jewellery, or ornaments and coins up to 24 karat as collateral for a gold loan. 

The loan amount you can get on your gold jewellery depends on its weight, purity, and the lender's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Bajaj Finance offers up to 75% of the market value of your jewellery. Jewellery with higher purity, 18-22 carat, will attract a higher loan amount compared to lower-carat pieces. The final loan amount also considers factors like the prevailing gold rate, making charges, and other associated costs, which can affect the overall value.
 

The interest rate for a gold loan on jewellery varies by lender and market conditions. Bajaj Finance offers attractive interest rates starting at just 9.50% per annum. Gold bars, due to their higher purity, may fetch slightly better terms, but the rates are generally comparable to jewellery loans. Factors like loan tenure, repayment terms, and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio also influence the interest rate. Always compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal for your gold loan.

Show More Show Less

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) has the sole and absolute discretion, without assigning any reason to accept or reject any application as per BFL policy. *