A jeweler's final bill has two parts: metal value (weight × purity × live rate) and making charges (craftsmanship, wastage, brand premium). Only the first part tracks spot gold — the second is where negotiations happen.
Common making charge formats
- Per gram MC — e.g. PKR 1,500/g on top of metal
- Percentage of gold value — e.g. 12% making on total metal
- Fixed per piece — common for designer collections
- Wastage allowance — extra weight charged for casting loss
Step-by-step: calculate fair price
- Weigh the piece on a certified scale
- Confirm karat (22K, 21K, 18K)
- Look up live 24K gram rate on My Gold Info
- Multiply: weight × purity × 24K rate = metal value
- Add making charges quoted by the shop = total
Our gold calculator handles steps 3–4 instantly.
Red flags when buying
- Refusal to show weight on scale
- Rate quoted without karat specification
- Making charges above local market norms with no brand justification
- Stale rate board dated yesterday while spot moved significantly
Resale and making charges
When selling back, shops usually pay on metal value only — making charges are rarely recovered. Factor that into wedding or fashion purchases versus pure bullion bars.