Buying gold in Pakistan usually happens on trust: a family jeweller, a quick weigh on the scale, a handwritten slip. Most jewellers are honest, but small misunderstandings about karat, stones or making charges can cost you thousands of rupees. Use this checklist every time you buy.
Before You Go
✔ Check today’s rate. Open our live gold rate and your city page, such as Lahore or Karachi, so you know the fair base price.
✔ Set a budget. Use the gold price calculator to estimate the total including making charges.
The 12 Questions
1. “What karat is this exactly?”
Ask for 21K, 22K or 18K specifically, and make sure it is written on the receipt. Learn what the stamps mean in our hallmark guide.
2. “What is your rate per tola for this karat today?”
Compare it with the published 21K or 22K rate. A small premium is normal; a big one is not.
3. “What is the exact weight?”
Watch the item weighed on a zeroed digital scale. Ask for weight in grams and tola/masha/ratti.
4. “How much are the making charges, and how are they calculated?”
Per tola, per gram or a percentage? Get the number in rupees. See typical making charges in Pakistan.
5. “Is there any wastage or polish added?”
Some shops add extra weight for wastage. Ask whether it is included in the weight or charged separately.
6. “How much do the stones weigh, and how are they priced?”
Stones, kundan, pearls and beads must be deducted from the gold weight and priced separately.
7. “Is this piece solid or hollow / filled?”
Bangles and large pendants are sometimes filled with wax or lac. You should pay gold rate only on actual gold.
8. “Can you test it on the karat machine?”
For large purchases, an XRF test removes doubt. Many sarafa markets offer it for a small fee.
9. “Will you give a printed receipt with full details?”
The receipt should list: item, karat, gross weight, stone weight, net gold weight, rate, making charges and total.
10. “What is your buy-back or exchange policy?”
Ask the kaat you would face if you sell or exchange later at this same shop.
11. “Can I return or exchange it if there’s a problem?”
Clarify the time limit and conditions, especially for gifts and wedding orders.
12. “When will the order be ready, and is the rate locked?”
For custom orders, confirm whether you pay today’s rate or the rate on delivery day. This matters a lot when prices are moving. Read about what moves gold prices.
Red Flags
- Refusing to write the karat on the bill
- Weighing out of your view
- Pricing stones at the gold rate
- Rates far below the market, which can mean low karat or fake gold
- Pressure to decide immediately
After You Buy
- Photograph the item and receipt; keep the receipt safely.
- If buying for investment, consider whether bars or coins suit you better.
- Add gold to your zakat calculation if it crosses the nisab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate making charges?
Yes, often. Especially for large orders, repeat customers and outside wedding season.
Why is the jeweller’s rate higher than the website rate?
Published rates are for raw gold. Jewellers add a small premium plus making charges. Read how the rate is calculated.
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