Are You Paying Too Much?
Check Your Making Charges Against Industry Benchmarks
Enter Your Making Charges
Fairness Result
Your Making Charges
₹/g
Benchmark Range
₹–/g
Verdict
You could save approximately ₹ by finding a jeweller within the benchmark range.
The making charges quoted are within the fair industry benchmark for this jewellery type and complexity. You are getting a reasonable deal.
Industry Benchmark (₹/gram)
| Jewellery Type | Simple | Standard | Intricate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring | ₹150–250/g | ₹250–400/g | ₹400–600/g |
| Earrings | ₹200–300/g | ₹300–500/g | ₹500–750/g |
| Necklace | ₹250–350/g | ₹350–600/g | ₹600–900/g |
| Bangles | ₹100–200/g | ₹200–350/g | ₹350–500/g |
| Bracelet | ₹150–250/g | ₹250–400/g | ₹400–600/g |
| Pendant | ₹200–300/g | ₹300–500/g | ₹500–700/g |
| Chain | ₹80–150/g | ₹150–250/g | ₹250–400/g |
| Mangalsutra | ₹200–300/g | ₹300–500/g | ₹500–800/g |
| Jhumka | ₹250–400/g | ₹400–600/g | ₹600–900/g |
| Bridal Set | ₹400–600/g | ₹600–800/g | ₹800–1,200/g |
* Benchmarks reflect 2024–25 market averages for India. Handmade and designer pieces may legitimately exceed these ranges.
3 Tips to Negotiate Making Charges
Ask for a Percentage Rate
Request making charges as a percentage of gold value rather than a flat per-gram rate. This is easier to verify and compare across jewellers. Industry standard ranges from 8–15% for most pieces.
Exchange Old Gold
Bringing old gold for exchange often gets you a better making charge deal. Jewellers prefer this as it reduces their raw material sourcing cost and may pass some savings on to you.
Shop During Off-Season
Avoid buying during peak seasons like Diwali or wedding months. Off-season purchases (February–March, July–August) often attract lower making charges as jewellers try to move inventory.
FAQ — Making Charges
Making charges (also called labour charges or wastage charges) are the fees a jeweller adds for the craftsmanship involved in converting raw gold into jewellery. They cover labour, design, polish, and overheads.
No. Making charges are not regulated and are set freely by each jeweller. This is why they can vary widely — from 5% to 30% of gold value depending on the piece and the jeweller.
A simple machine-made chain typically has making charges of ₹80–₹150 per gram. Handmade chains can go up to ₹250/g. Always compare with at least 2–3 jewellers.
Some jewellers offer exchange deals with reduced making charges. However, "no making charge" schemes usually compensate by offering a slightly lower gold purity or a markup on the gold rate.
Yes. Making charges attract 5% GST separately from the 3% GST on gold value. However, many jewellers show a combined effective rate of 3% on the total — always request an itemised bill to verify.