The complete gold-buying guide for India (2026)
From reading the daily gold rate to GST, making charges and buy-back — everything a first-time buyer should know.
Reading the daily gold rate
The 'gold rate' a jeweller quotes is the price per gram for 22K gold, before making charges and GST. Rates change twice a day and follow international bullion plus the rupee. Ask for the rate in writing before you weigh the piece.
Reputable jewellers display the day's rate openly at the counter. Walk away from any shop that won't put the rate on paper.
Making charges explained
Making charges are the jeweller's fee for converting raw gold into a finished piece. They are quoted either as a percentage (typically 8–25% of gold value) or as a fixed rate per gram. Machine-made chains carry the lowest making charges; handcrafted temple and bridal pieces carry the highest because of the labour involved.
Always ask for an itemised invoice: gold value, making charges, GST and hallmarking fee — listed separately.
GST, hallmarking and the BIS HUID
GST on gold jewellery in India is 3% on the total invoice value. Hallmarking is a small fixed charge (~₹45 per piece) and is mandatory by law. Every piece you buy must carry the BIS logo, the 916 purity mark, a six-digit HUID and the jeweller's identification — verify the HUID in the BIS Care app before you leave the store.
Buy-back, exchange and insurance
Insist on a written buy-back and exchange policy at purchase. At Ambaa Gold we buy back our own pieces at the prevailing rate against the gross weight, and exchange against other pieces at no deduction. We also help insure high-value bridal sets through partner providers.
