A jeweler's final bill can contain several components. The metal value is based on weight, purity, and the applicable gold rate, while making charges can cover craftsmanship, wastage, design, brand premiums, and other services.
Common making charge formats
- Per gram MC — a fixed amount added for each gram
- Percentage of gold value — a percentage applied to the metal value
- Fixed per piece — common for some designer or specialized pieces
- Wastage allowance — an additional amount or weight associated with manufacturing loss
Step-by-step: calculate fair price
- Weigh the piece on a certified scale
- Confirm the karat (22K, 21K, 18K, etc.)
- Look up the applicable 24K gram rate on My Gold Info
- Multiply weight × purity × 24K rate to estimate metal value
- Add the seller's applicable making charges and other costs to estimate the final price
Our gold calculator can help with the metal-value calculation.
Red flags when buying
- Refusal to show the item's weight
- Rate quoted without specifying karat
- Unexplained or unclear making charges
- A stale rate that does not match the current quoted market rate
Resale and making charges
When selling jewelry back, making charges may not be recovered in full because buyers often value the underlying metal separately from the original craftsmanship cost. Consider this when comparing jewelry with bullion.