Gold jewellery is a festive tradition in many families, and a large purchase for most. A few simple checks at the counter can protect you from paying for purity you are not getting.
Five checks before you pay
- Look for the hallmark. Hallmarked jewellery carries a stamp showing the standard mark, the purity grade (for example 22K916) and a six-digit alphanumeric code that identifies the piece.
- Verify the code. The code can be checked on an official verification app. Ask the jeweller to show you the result.
- Ask for a detailed bill. It should list the weight of the gold, the purity, the rate per gram on the day, making charges and any stone weight separately.
- Watch the making charges. They can be charged per gram or as a percentage. Compare two or three shops for the same design.
- Weigh stones separately. If a piece has stones, make sure you are not paying the gold rate for their weight.
Why the bill matters
When you sell or exchange jewellery later, the buyer will value the gold on its purity and weight. A detailed bill and a verified hallmark make that process faster and fairer.
"Customers spend a lot of time choosing the design and very little time reading the bill," said a jewellery trade trainer. "Two minutes with the bill can save thousands."
If you are budgeting for the season, see our five-step festive budget.
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