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Buying & Selling Tips • ⏱️ 6 min read • Updated: 2026-09-23

Gold Rate vs. Jewellery Price: Why You Pay More at the Jeweller

Written by: AssetRateHub Market Research Team • Reviewed by: Consumer Protection Desk
Direct Answer / Quick Summary

Published daily gold rates represent raw bullion metal value. A finished piece of jewelry costs more because jewelers add craftsmanship making charges (Katai/Jarai, typically Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 4,000+ per tola or 5%–15%), wastage allowances (Kaat), and separate pricing for stones and beads.

The Retail Jewelry Price Equation

Estimated Jewelry Price = (Net Gold Weight × Gold Rate per Gram) + Making Charges (Katai) + Non-Gold Component Value + Dealer Margin / Tax.

Key Retail Cost Components Explained

1. **Net Gold Weight vs. Gross Weight:** Always ensure the jeweler weighs gemstones, glass beads, or enamel separately and subtracts them from the gold weight before calculating the gold price. 2. **Making Charges (Katai / Mazdoori):** Compensation for goldsmith labor. Intricate bridal filigree or die-cast jewelry commands higher making charges than simple plain bangles. 3. **Wastage (Kaat):** Gold lost during cutting, filing, and soldering. Consumers should negotiate transparency on wastage percentages.
Live Bullion Context

Today's 24K Gold Rate in Pakistan: Rs. 451,799 / tola

Apply these concepts directly with our real-time precious metals calculation tools.

Open Gold Calculator → Live Rates

Sources & Reference Material:

  • Karachi Sarafa & Jewellers Association
  • Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you get making charges back when selling old jewelry?

No. Making charges (craftsmanship cost) and stone weight are not refunded upon resale. The jeweler pays strictly for the tested net weight of pure gold at current market spot rates.