Confirm the Daily Gold Rate
The first component of your bill is the price of gold itself. This rate fluctuates daily based on market conditions. Before visiting a jeweller, check the prevailing rate for 22-karat (91.6% purity) or 18-karat (75% purity) gold for your city from a reliable
source like the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA). Your bill should apply this specific rate. On September 8, 2026, for instance, 22-karat gold was trading around ₹14,129 to ₹14,240 per gram in major Indian cities. Ensure the rate on your bill aligns with the day's official price, as jewellers should not arbitrarily set a higher rate.
Verify Purity and Net Gold Weight
Your bill must clearly state the purity (e.g., 22K/916) and the weight of the gold. Crucially, distinguish between gross weight and net weight. Gross weight is the total weight of the item, which might include stones or other materials. Net weight is the actual weight of the gold in the piece, and this is the weight the gold rate should be applied to. If your jewellery is studded, the bill should list the weight and cost of the stones separately to ensure you are not paying for them at the price of gold.
Scrutinise the Making Charges
Making charges, or labour charges, are the cost of converting raw gold into a piece of jewellery. This is often the most variable and negotiable part of the bill. These charges can be a fixed amount per gram or a percentage of the gold's value, typically ranging from 6% to 25% or even higher for intricate, handcrafted designs. Machine-made jewellery generally has lower making charges. Always ask the jeweller to explain how these charges are calculated and check if they are applied to the net weight of the gold before taxes.
Check for Hallmarking and HUID
In India, it is mandatory for jewellers to sell hallmarked gold jewellery. A proper hallmark consists of three marks: the BIS logo (a triangle), the purity grade (e.g., 22K916), and a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number. This HUID must be printed on your bill and should match the code engraved on the jewellery. You can instantly verify this HUID using the 'BIS Care' app to confirm the item's authenticity, purity, and details of the jeweller and hallmarking centre. The hallmarking fee, a nominal charge of ₹45 per item, should be listed separately on the bill.
Understand the GST Calculation
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied in two parts on a jewellery bill. A 3% GST is levied on the total value of the gold plus the making charges. Some jewellers may show a 3% GST on the gold value and a separate 5% GST on the making charges. Both methods are in practice, but the bill must clearly show the tax breakdown. Ensure the GST is itemised and not bundled into the total price, as this transparency is required by law. The final price of the jewellery is the sum of the gold value, making charges, and the applicable GST.
