If you are planning to buy gold jewellery for a wedding, festive occasion, or long-term investment, checking the gold rate alone is not enough. Many buyers are surprised at jewellery showrooms when the final bill turns out to be much higher than expected. This happens because the actual cost of gold jewellery includes making charges and GST, in addition to the prevailing gold price.

To avoid confusion and budget better, it is important to understand the complete cost calculation. Based on current market prices, here is a detailed explanation of how much it may cost to make a 10-gram gold necklace and a 5-gram gold ring, along with all additional charges.

At present, the price of 24-carat gold is around ₹1,53,310 per 10 grams. While 24-carat gold is considered the purest form, it is generally not used for jewellery making because it is very soft and can easily bend or lose shape.

For this reason, jewellers usually use:

• 22-carat gold for traditional jewellery like necklaces and bangles




• 18-carat gold for modern, intricate designs

The current price of 22-carat gold stands at approximately ₹1,40,540 per 10 grams, while 18-carat gold costs around ₹1,15,020 per 10 grams.

For a 10-gram necklace made from 22-carat gold:

• Gold value: ₹1,40,540




• Making charges (approx. 12%): ₹16,865

This brings the subtotal to ₹1,57,405.
On this amount, 3% GST is applied, which comes to around ₹4,720.

Total estimated cost: approximately ₹1.62 lakh

If you opt for an 18-carat gold necklace:

• Gold value: ₹1,15,020




• Making charges (up to 15% due to complex designs): ₹17,250

Subtotal: ₹1,32,270
GST at 3%: approximately ₹3,970

Final cost: close to ₹1.36 lakh

The price of 22-carat gold per gram is roughly ₹14,054.

• Gold value for 5 grams: ₹70,270




• Making charges (12%): ₹8,430

Subtotal: ₹78,700
GST at 3%: around ₹2,360

Total estimated cost: about ₹81,000

For an 18-carat gold ring:

• Gold price per gram: ₹11,502




• Gold value for 5 grams: ₹57,510




• Making charges (15%): ₹8,630

Subtotal: ₹66,140
GST at 3%: approximately ₹1,980

Final cost: around ₹68,000

The final jewellery price is not just about the gold weight. Making charges cover the craftsmanship, labour, and design complexity involved in creating the ornament. The more detailed the design, the higher the making charges, which may be calculated either as a percentage or on a per-gram basis.

Additionally, 3% GST is levied on the total value, including both gold cost and making charges. This combined tax impact often pushes the final price significantly higher than the base gold rate.

Before finalising your purchase, keep these points in mind:

• Always check the gold purity and hallmark certification




• Confirm gross weight and net gold weight clearly




• Ask whether making charges are percentage-based or fixed




• Ensure the bill clearly mentions gold rate, carat, making charges, and GST

Taking these precautions can help you avoid hidden costs and ensure transparency.

Gold jewellery is a valuable purchase, whether for personal use or as an investment. However, understanding how making charges and GST affect the total cost can help you make a smarter decision. By knowing the complete calculation in advance, you can plan your purchase confidently and avoid last-minute surprises at the jewellery counter.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Gold prices and charges may vary based on market conditions and jeweller policies. Buyers should verify details before making a purchase.