Gold Jewellery Making Charges

Gold Jewellery Making Charges

Understand gold making charges, what drives them, and how they add to your jewellery's final cost, along with simple tips to save on your next purchase.

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What are gold making charges?

Gold making charges are the fees jewellers add for turning raw gold into finished jewellery, covering the craftsmanship, labour, and design work involved. These charges are separate from the actual gold value and vary based on design complexity, whether they're calculated per gram or as a fixed amount. Understanding gold jewellery making charges helps you compare prices across jewellers and know exactly what you're paying for.

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Key takeaways

  • Gold making charges are the labour and craftsmanship costs added to the value of gold jewellery.
  • Gold making charges can vary based on the design, craftsmanship, gold weight and jeweller.
  • Simple designs generally have lower making charges, while detailed or customised jewellery may cost more.
  • Making charges are separate from the gold rate and applicable taxes.
  • Compare the gold rate, making charges and final bill to understand the total cost before buying jewellery.

What decides how much you pay in making charges?

Several factors push making charges up or down:


FactorEffect on making charges
Design complexityIntricate and detailed designs usually cost more than simple ones
Craftsmanship typeHandcrafted jewellery may have higher charges than machine-made pieces
Jeweller's reputationEstablished or branded jewellers may charge a premium
Jewellery typeElaborate necklaces can cost more to make than simple rings
LocationCharges can vary based on the city and local market conditions
SeasonWedding and festival periods may see higher charges
Added materialsGemstones, enamel and other decorative work can increase the charges

How much do gold making charges typically cost?

In India, making charges typically run 8% to 25% of the gold's value, depending on the piece.


  • Machine-made jewellery: around 8–10%, suited to simple, uniform designs
  • Handcrafted or intricate pieces: 20–25%, reflecting the labour and skill involved
  • Premium or fully custom-designed pieces: can go above 25%

Some jewellers charge a flat fee per gram instead of a percentage, always ask which method applies before you buy.


Quick tip: Discover your borrowing potential by checking your gold loan eligibility. It takes just a few clicks and no waiting.

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Do making charges affect your gold loan amount?

No. If you are pledging jewellery for a gold loan, making charges don't add to your eligible loan amount. Lenders assess your loan primarily on the gold's purity and weight, not on what you paid for the craftsmanship. This is worth knowing if you're weighing whether an intricately designed piece is a better pledge than a plainer one of the same weight for loan purposes, they're valued the same.


Gold loan basics: What you should know before applying

With Bajaj Finance, you can borrow from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2 crore against your gold jewellery, ornaments, and gold coins. The loan against gold interest rate starts from 9.50% per annum.


Jewellery and ornaments are accepted between 18-22 karat purity. Gold coins are accepted up to 24 karat purity. Your gold is stored in secure vaults with insurance cover for the entire loan duration.


A few things worth knowing before you apply:


  • Your loan amount is based on the weight and purity of your gold, not what you originally paid for it
  • Bajaj Finance uses the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange
  • Only one valid KYC document is required: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, passport, driving licence, NREGA job card, or a letter from the NPR
  • You can repay interest monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually, with the principal settled at the end of the tenure
  • There are no foreclosure charges; you can close the loan early without any penalty

Before applying, use the gold loan calculator to estimate your eligible amount, or check your gold loan eligibility online to understand your borrowing capacity based on today's gold rate, gold purity, and weight.


Curious about your loan eligibility? Enter your mobile number to see how much you can get for your gold.

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How can you save on gold making charges?

You can reduce the overall cost of buying gold jewellery by understanding how making charges are calculated and comparing prices before making a purchase.


  • Compare jewellers: Compare making charges offered by different jewellers, as these charges may vary and are often negotiable.
  • Choose simple designs: Plain or machine-made jewellery usually has lower making charges than intricate handcrafted designs.
  • Understand the pricing method: Ask whether the making charges are calculated as a fixed amount per gram or as a percentage of the gold value.
  • Buy during offers: Purchase jewellery during promotional or festive offers when some jewellers may provide discounts on making charges.
  • Request a detailed bill: Always ask for an itemised bill showing the gold value, making charges, GST, and other applicable charges for complete price transparency.
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Frequently asked questions

Gold Making Charge

Gold Jewellery

What is gold making charge?

Gold making charges are the costs associated with transforming raw gold into finished jewellery. These charges cover the craftsmanship, labour, and design intricacies involved in creating the jewellery piece. Typically, making charges are calculated either as a percentage of the gold's value or as a fixed amount. These charges can vary based on the complexity of the design, the type of jewellery, and the reputation of the jeweller, significantly impacting the final price of the jewellery.


 

To avoid high gold making charges, opt for machine-made jewellery, which typically incurs lower charges compared to handcrafted pieces. Shop around and compare prices at various jewellers, especially during sales or festive promotions when discounts may be available. Consider purchasing simpler designs, as intricate and customised pieces often have higher charges. Additionally, negotiating with the jeweller can sometimes lead to reduced making charges, especially for bulk purchases or loyal customers.

The current making charges on gold in India typically range from 8% to 25% of the gold's value. Machine-made jewellery often incurs lower charges, around 8-10%, while handcrafted or intricate designs may attract higher charges, up to 20-25%. Premium jewellers and custom pieces can even have charges exceeding 25%. It's advisable to check with local jewellers for specific rates, as these can vary based on factors such as design complexity and the jeweller's reputation.


 

Making charges tax on gold refers to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied to the labour cost of crafting gold jewellery in India. Currently, the GST rate on gold making charges is 5%. This tax is in addition to the 3% GST on the value of the gold itself. The making charges tax increases the overall cost of the jewellery, as it is levied on the service provided by the jeweller in creating the final piece.


 

Making charges for gold jewellery are calculated either as a fixed rate per gram or as a percentage of the total gold value. These charges cover the labour, craftsmanship, polishing, and design work involved in creating the jewellery piece.

Gold jewellery making charges vary based on design complexity, craftsmanship, brand pricing, machine-made or handcrafted work, and regional demand. Designer and intricate jewellery usually attract higher making charges compared to simple or lightweight gold jewellery designs.

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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. *