Gold Jewellery Buying Checklist: 12 Checks Before You Pay

This is a short list to carry in your head, or on your phone, when you stand at the counter. Each item takes a minute or less.

Before you choose

1. Decide the purpose. Daily wear, wedding, gift, investment-like keepsake? The purpose points to the right karat and design. See 18K vs 22K gold jewellery.

2. Set a total budget. Include tax and making. It is easier to stay within a number you set in advance.

3. Know today's rate. Check the day's rate for the karat you are buying so that you can follow the arithmetic. See why gold rate differs between shops and cities.

At the counter

4. Look for the BIS hallmark. Logo, purity mark and HUID. See BIS hallmark marks explained.

5. Ask for net and gross weight. Make sure stones are not counted as gold.

6. Ask for the making charge in rupees. Whether it is per gram or percentage, you need a number. See making charges explained.

7. Ask about wastage. Is it separate or included? See what wastage is.

8. Check stones. For diamonds, ask for the certificate or grades. For coloured stones, ask about origin and treatment.

9. Examine the piece. Check clasps, joins, settings and finish. Wear it, and look in a mirror.

At billing

10. Read the invoice. Weights, rate, HUID and tax. Our guide on how to read a jewellery invoice goes line by line.

11. Confirm exchange and return terms. What will the shop pay if you bring it back? Under what conditions? Get it in writing.

12. Ask about service. Cleaning, polishing, prong checks and resizing: what is free and what is charged?

After you buy

Keep the invoice, certificate and box together. See what to keep with your jewellery. Store the piece safely, as in how to store diamond and gold jewellery.

When to slow down

If anyone pressures you to decide on the spot, cannot show a hallmark, refuses an itemised bill or will not put terms in writing, take it as a reason to pause. A reputable jeweller will be happy to answer every question on this list.

Common questions

Which check is most often skipped? The HUID. People see the BIS mark and stop. Compare the code on the piece with the one on the bill.

Do I need all of this for a small purchase? No. For a small gift, the hallmark, the bill and the exchange terms are the essentials.

What if the seller will not give a breakup? Take it as a signal to compare with another seller who will.

A simple habit

You do not have to use all twelve each time. For small purchases, items 4, 6, 10 and 11 cover most of the risk. For a big purchase, go through everything and take your time. If you would like company while you do, book a visit to our Patna showroom, or begin with our bangles and bracelets pages where the breakup is already laid out.