Nowadays, people choose different types of options for investment, but when it comes to trust, most people still have a tendency towards investment in gold. Gold is not only an ornament, but it has also become a strong means of our economic security. But a little carelessness can also put you in heavy losses in the purchase of this precious metal. Especially when you buy offline gold from bullion market or local jewelers, then the possibility of fraud is much more.
So if you are also thinking of purchasing gold, then keep these 5 important tips in mind so that you can avoid cheating and invest properly.
1. Do the hallmark check – this is the real identity of gold!
First and important thing – whenever you buy a gold jewel, check the hallmark on it. There is a government certification given by Hallmark BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), which shows how much your gold is the purity.
These 4 things are necessary in Hallmark:
- BIS logo
- Carat marking (eg 22k, 18k)
- Identification of Jeweler (License Number)
- Year and Testing Center Code
What is a carat?
The purity of gold is measured in carats – such as 24 carats are pure gold, while some percent of other metals are added to 22k so that it is worth making jewelery.
Note a matter:
If there is no hallmark on a jewelry, it means that it is not pure or uncertified. In such a situation, the risk of cheating increases greatly.
2. Take information about the making charge in advance – otherwise the pocket will be light
Often when you go to the jewelery store, you are told the value of the jewelry there but the making charge is hidden. Making charge means the cost in making that jewelry, which is usually different from the price of gold.
How do you get a making charge?
- Some shopkeepers take fix percentage (eg 10%-20%)
- Some also work at flat rates (eg ₹ 500 per gram)
What to do?
- Take complete information about the making charge before purchasing.
- Compare different stores-some stores also offer discounts or offers on it.
- More making charge means expensive jewel, even if the weight is the same!
Tip:
Online jewelery stores often offer low -making charge offers. In such a situation, if you are buying from trusted websites, then this can also be a good option.
3. Do not take the weight lightly – the difference of every ounce may be heavy!
Gold is a precious metal, and the role of weight is the most important. If you are buying jewel just by looking at the design, then wait once – check its weight.
What loss can be done?
- If the shopkeeper tells more weight then you will pay extra.
- Sometimes jewelery has holow design, and the shopkeeper also shows it like a solid weight.
What to do?
- See the weight of jewelry in front of the digital weight machine.
- Weight, Hallmark and Bill – Compare all three.
- Keep information about the fresh price of gold in advance so that you can do the correct calculation.
Note:
The difference of 1 gram can also harm you up to ₹ 6000+ (March 2025 rate). In such a situation, ignoring weight can be your biggest mistake.
4. Never buy gold without a bill – this is the guarantee of your safety!
Many times the customer tells the shopkeeper, “Don’t make the bill, make it a little cheaper.” But this greed can be very expensive in the future. The bill is the only proof that you:
- Can sell jewelry back in future
- Can file a complaint against any fraud
- Can confirm tax and purchase
What should happen in the bill?
- Gold weight
- Carat or purity
- Making charge
- Tax (GST)
- Total price and store details
What if there is no bill?
- Major problems at the time of resail
- No proof of purity
- Will not get legal protection
Therefore, it is as important as buying gold.
5. There should be complete information about gold in transparent bill – otherwise do not hesitate to ask
When you look at the jewelry bill, do not only see the total amount – read the detailing given in it carefully. All these things should be clearly done in a right and transparent bill:
- Gold carat value – such as 22k or 18k
- Weight (in village) – so that the right rate can be charged
- Making Charge – On what basis
- Tax (GST) – 3% general tax levies
- Total value – which is the sum of all these
What to do if nothing is understood?
- Ask the shopkeeper openly
- Until you are satisfied, do not pay
- Regardless of the big brand, it is your right to ask questions
In this way you can do a safe and reliable gold shopping with complete transparency.
