When shopping for gold or diamond jewelry, one of the most confusing parts of the bill is often the making charges. Have you ever wondered why making charges differ so dramatically from one jewelry brand to another?
Welcome to our Know Your Jewellery series! Let's break down the two main factors that drive these price differences so you can become a smarter jewelry shopper.
1. Pricing Strategy & Hidden Cost Offsets
Different jewelers adopt different pricing structures:
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The "Discount" Illusion: Some brands lure buyers in with advertised low or discounted making charges. However, they often offset this discount by inflating prices elsewhere—such as increasing the markups on diamonds, gemstone settings, or base metals. While it feels like you're getting a deal, you end up paying the difference indirectly.
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Transparent Pricing: At Veyaa, we believe in complete transparency. Each component—gold weight, diamond cost, and labor—is itemized fairly without shifting hidden costs from one category to another.
2. Gold Purity & Craftsmanship Wastage
Making charges aren't just an arbitrary fee for labor; they account for the intricate crafting process and unavoidable metal loss during manufacturing.
How Gold Karatage Affects Wastage & Cost
Pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday jewelry, so it is alloyed to create 9K, 14K, or 18K gold. During buffing, polishing, and shaping, micro-particles of gold are lost:
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9K Gold: Contains a lower percentage of gold content, meaning the monetary value of gold lost during polishing is minimal. Consequently, making charges are lower.
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14K & 18K Gold: Contains higher gold purity and value per gram, so any particle loss during crafting carries a higher monetary value. This results in higher making charges compared to 9K pieces.
How to Make a Smart Jewelry Purchase
The next time you evaluate a piece of jewelry, look beyond the standalone making charge. Always request a full cost breakdown including:
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Net gold weight and current market gold rate
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Diamond/gemstone rates
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Labor & making charges
By evaluating the complete invoice structure rather than focusing on discounted making charges alone, you ensure you're getting genuine value for your investment.
