Gold has been valued for thousands of years. In ancient times, kings and queens wore gold crowns and ornaments to show their power and wealth. Temples were decorated with gold, and families passed down from one generation to the next as a symbol of prosperity.
Even today, gold remains one of the most loved and trusted metals. People buy gold jewellery not only as an investment but also because it holds emotional value. It has become a part of our lives, from small gifts to wedding ornaments.
But when we buy gold, we often notice that the price changes from one jewellery store to another. Even if the gold purity and weight are the same, the final price can still differ. The reason for this difference is something known as gold making charges.
These charges are added to cover the cost of the work, skill, and time it takes to turn raw gold into a piece of jewellery. Understanding these charges helps you know what you are really paying for. Let us look at what they are and how to calculate them.
When you buy gold jewellery, you are not only paying for the gold itself. You are also paying for the workmanship that gives it design and shape. This extra cost is called gold making charges. Making charges cover the process of melting, cutting, shaping, and polishing the gold to create a finished ornament. They represent the labour and skill of the craftsman who made the jewellery.
Making charges are the amount jewellers add to the gold price to cover the cost of making the jewellery. It includes the labour work and artistic effort that goes into making each piece. The more complex and detailed the design, the higher the making charges will be. Simple designs, on the other hand, usually have low making charges.
Jewellers calculate gold making charges in a few different ways. The method they use affects the final price of your jewellery.
Some jewellers charge a fixed amount for a jewellery piece, no matter how much it weighs or how simple or complex it is.
For example, a pair of earrings may have a fixed making charge of ₹2,000
In this method, the jeweller calculates making charges as a percentage of the total gold value. For example, if your gold chain is worth ₹50,000 and the making charge is 10 percent, you will pay ₹5,000 as the making charge.
In this method, the jeweller charges a specific amount for every gram of gold. This is known as the gold making charge per gram.
For example, if the rate is ₹300 per gram and your ring weighs 10 grams, the making charge will be ₹3,000.
This method is easy to understand and commonly used for plain gold jewellery.
Now that you know the types, let us see how to calculate gold jewellery price based on the making charges. There are two main ways – cost per gram and percentage based.
In this method, you multiply the making charge per gram by the total weight of gold.
Formula:
Making Charge = weight of Gold × Making Charge per Gram
Example:
If the making charge is ₹250 per gram and your bracelet weighs 12 grams,
Making charge = 12 × ₹250 = ₹3,000
Here, the making charge is calculated as a percentage of the total gold value.
Formula:
Making charge = (Percentage Rate ÷ 100) × Value of Gold
Example: If the gold value is ₹60,000 and the making charge is 10 percent,
Making Charge = 10 ÷ 100 × ₹60,000 = ₹6,000
Always check with your jeweller which method they are using before you make a purchase.

Also read: How to Check Gold Purity: Essential Tips for Jewellery Buyers
The cost of making gold jewellery depends on several factors.
The more detailed and decorative the design, the higher the making charge. Simple gold bands or chains have lower charges compared to designs with intricate patterns or gemstones.
Handmade jewellery costs more to make because it takes more time and skill. Machine made jewellery usually has lower charges.
Heavier jewellery requires more work and time to polish and finish, which increases the cost.
During the wedding or festive seasons, demand for gold increases, and so do the making charges.
Established jewellery brands charge more because of their quality, trust,and exclusive designs.
Apart from the gold making charges, a free other costs may also be added to your bill. It is important to be aware of them.
Here is a simple formula to find the final price of your jewellery:
Final Jewellery Price = (Gold Rate × Weight) + Making Charges + GST
Example:
Gold Rate = ₹6,000 per gram
Weight = 10 grams
Making Charges = 10 percent of gold value
Gold Value = ₹6,000 × 10 = ₹60,000
Making Charge = 10 percent of ₹60,000 = ₹6,000
Subtotal = ₹66,000
GST (3 percent) = ₹1,980
Final Jewellery Price = ₹67,980
Gold has been valued for its beauty and purity for centuries. From ancient times to today, it has held a special place in our lives as a symbol of wealth, love, and celebration. Knowing how to calculate making charges for gold helps you make wiser choices when purchasing jewellery and ensures that you understand what you are paying for.
Now, when you buy gold jewellery, you will know how the price is calculated, from the daily gold rate to the gold making charge per gram. By staying informed and comparing prices, you can make confident decisions and invest in jewellery that truly reflect both value and craftsmanship. Understanding these details allows you to appreciate the true value of every piece you own.