Buying gold jewellery is not like buying clothes and shoes, which can be done every now and then. It is a very rare procedure that most of us can do only annually, or maybe, even once in a few years! That’s because gold is so expensive that most of us cannot afford buying it often. So, when it is a once-in-a-while opportunity, you want to make not only the best, but also the most calculated purchase. Let’s tell you how you make your gold purchase a calculated one so that you know what you are buying, and that you are buying what can bring you attention now and a good resale value in the future.
Purity
The gold you buy must be pure . Typically, the gold jewellery available in India is 91.6% pure. This is because gold is so soft that 100% pure gold cannot be crafted to make jewellery. This is why it is mixed with a little alloy to bring to it the strength, without altering the colour or genuineness too much. That’s why it is generally 91.6% gold and 8.4% another metal like copper or zinc. Such pure gold is identified as 916 gold or 22 carat gold. However, in certain cases, you’ll have to use a lower carat like 18 carat gold, for example, when you want to install a diamond within. This is because the soft 22 carat gold will not be able to hold the diamond.
Standard
As much as the purity of gold is important, equally important is the standard of the precious metal. The most basic and most trusted stamp that is seen on gold is the BIS Hallmark . This hallmark is divided into the BIS logo, jeweller mark, assaying center mark, year of marking, and purity information. Similarly, if you are having a diamond set into your gold, look for a GIA certified diamond.
Stones to be set in
If you are looking for jewellery made only of gold, you don’t need to get into the details of this particular part of the blog. But, if you are looking to set in some stones or diamonds, it’s an important thing to consider. Diamonds and genuine gemstones come with a certificate; so you could always ask for it. However, other stones may not have a certificate, so you need to be careful. Also remember, completely gold jewellery may help you get a full resale value in the future, which will be reduced by 20-25% if you have stones or diamonds set in. So, keep that in mind.
Diamond/stone fitting
This again is what you need to consider when you want diamonds or stones to be set in your jewellery. There are a variety of fittings available that you can choose from, such as bezel, channel, prong, bead, pave, burnish, etc. Whatever kind of setting you choose, make sure to see that the setting holds the diamond/stone perfectly in place. You don’t want your stone to fall off from the jewellery with use. This is specifically important when the setting is such that there is no gold at the back of the stone to hold it tight, which is done to reduce the usage of gold, thus reducing the weight, and hence the price of the jewellery.
Pricing
Once everything about the design and construction is decided upon, the next aspect that is to be considered is the price. First and foremost, the price is decided upon by the weight of gold used in the particular piece of jewellery. When you have stones set in, you will be given two weights – the weight of the entire piece, and the weight of gold (without the stones). To calculate the price, you can multiply the weight of gold with its prevailing rate. Then, you add the value of the stone, which is decided upon by the carat. Each type of stone varies in price, depending upon its carat number. Finally, the GST will be charged at 3% the rate. Other than this, if you are having your jewellery custom-made, from a customized gold jewellery shop in Bangalore, one like Aura Jewels, there will be an added making charge, or also a wastage charge, depending upon where you are buying your jewellery from.
