Buying gold on Dhanteras? 7 things you must check before paying the jeweller

Buying gold on Dhanteras and Diwali is a long-standing tradition for many Indian households. Many purchase it with a belief that it will bring prosperity and good fortune to their lives. Others buy it as an investment so that they can sell or exchange it if needed. With jewellers rolling out festive collections, discounts and special offers ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali, buyers may find plenty of options to choose from.

But before you rush to shop for festive gold offers or attractive designs, wait. The price of gold jewellery depends on various factors like gold purity, weight, making charges, and the gold rate on that particular day. You ned to check these 7 things before buying the yellow metal.



Also read: Gold rate today (November 3, 2026): Check 24k, 22k, 20k and 18k gold jewellery prices from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq & IBJA in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad & more cities

1. Check gold purity and BIS hallmark

The first thing to check when buying gold jewellery is its purity. Most gold jewellery is sold in 22-carat, 18-carat or 14-carat purity.

Check the BIS hallmark on the qualifying gold jewellery. You should also look for the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number, which is engraved on the piece. You can check HUID information in the BIS Care app and assess the purity claim of the gold seller.

2. Ask for the exact weight of the jewellery

The weight of the jewellery directly impacts its price. Ask the jeweller to weigh the item in front of you and clearly mention the gross weight and net gold weight on the bill.

This becomes particularly important when buying jewellery studded with diamonds, gemstones or other materials. However, the final price of jewellery can include stones and other non-gold parts. So you should know the weight of gold present in the jewellery.

3. Know the gold rate for the day before you walk into a shop

Gold rates are subject to daily changes depending on its rate in the international market, state tax, the exchange rate and the yellow metal’s demand. It can also vary from one jeweller to another.

4. Understand making charges and wastage

Charges added can make gold jewellery more expensive. These charges cover the cost of gold’s design and making. These charges may be a percentage of the value of gold or a fixed amount per gramme.

Depending on the design and manufacturing process, some jewellers may also charge for the wastage while making a design. Do not be afraid to demand separate explanations of both charges.

Do not accept an aggregated number. Ask for a price breakup, so you can compare the true value of similar jewellery in stores. There could be a festive discount on making charges, but check your total outlay.

5. Examine the buyback and exchange policy

If you plan to exchange or sell jewellery later, it is important to know the jeweller's buyback policy before purchasing it. The rules for exchanging old gold will vary for every retailer (e.g., deductions for stones, making charges, etc.).

Ask these questions before paying: Will the jeweller buy back the jewellery at the prevailing gold rate? Are there any deductions when exchanging the item?

6. Check the final bill and tax details

Before making the payment, go through the invoice carefully. It should clearly specify the description of the jewellery, purity, weight, gold rate, making charges, applicable taxes and the total amount payable.

Check whether the price of diamonds or other stones has been listed separately, if applicable.

7. Compare coins, bars and jewellery before deciding

Not every gold purchase has to be in the form of jewellery. If your main aim is to buy gold as an investment, compare the cost of jewellery with gold coins, bars or financial options such as gold ETFs.

Jewellery usually involves making charges and other costs that may not be recovered when you sell it.

The best choice for you depends on your reasons for buying gold. If you plan to wear it at festivals and family functions, jewellery may be the option. But if you are investing, consider the amount you will need to spend to buy and sell it, etc., before you actually buy it.