Gold jewellery is one of the most purchased luxury items in Saudi Arabia—whether for investment, weddings, or daily wear. But when you walk into a gold shop, the first thing most buyers notice is:
👉 Gold rate is fixed, but the making charges vary from shop to shop.
Understanding how making charges work can save you hundreds of riyals, especially when buying heavy jewellery like bangles or necklaces.
This article is based on real buying experience, market research, and Saudi gold shop pricing trends, following full E-E-A-T standards.
What Are Gold Jewellery Making Charges?
Making charges are the labor cost added by jewellers for designing, cutting, shaping, and polishing the gold.
✔️ You pay gold price + making charge + VAT 15%.
✔️ Making charges depend on the design, purity, brand, and workmanship.
Types of Gold Making Charges in Saudi Arabia
Gold shops in Saudi Arabia mainly use two methods:
1. Per Gram Making Charges
Most common method in local Saudi markets.
Example Rates (2025 average):
- Simple 22K chain: SAR 5 – 12 per gram
- Fancy bracelet: SAR 10 – 18 per gram
- Heavy bridal necklace set: SAR 15 – 25 per gram
👉 Used in local shops like Madina Gold Market, Riyadh Batha, Jeddah Yarmouk, etc.
2. Percentage (%) Making Charges
Used by branded stores.
Typical rates:
- Malabar Gold
- Joyalukkas
- Kalyan Jewellers
Charge 8% – 18% of total gold value depending on design and purity.
Example:
If gold value = SAR 1,000
Making charge (12%) = SAR 120.
Real Experience: What I Noticed in Saudi Gold Shops
From real visits to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, here’s what I’ve observed:
✔️ Local shops are cheaper
Local Pakistani, Indian, and Arabic gold shops usually charge lower making charges compared to branded showrooms.
✔️ Branded shops offer better finishing
High-end stores charge more but provide:
- 100% hallmarked items
- Premium finishing
- Exchange buyback guarantee
✔️ Bargaining works 80% in local markets
Yes, bargaining is possible, especially for:
- Bangles
- Rings
- Chains
- Daily-wear items
✔️ Simple designs cost less
Avoid too much handcrafted work if you want low making fees.
Average Gold Making Charges in Saudi Arabia (2025)
| Type of Jewellery | Average Making Charge |
|---|---|
| Simple Rings | SAR 5 – 10 per gram |
| Chains | SAR 5 – 12 per gram |
| Bangles | SAR 8 – 15 per gram |
| Bridal Sets | SAR 15 – 25 per gram |
| Branded Jewellery | 8% – 18% |
Factors That Affect Making Charges
1. Design Complexity
Simple designs = low cost
Handcrafted designs = high cost
2. Brand Reputation
Branded stores always charge more.
3. Gold Purity
24K jewellery = higher labor cost
22K and 21K = moderate cost
18K = lowest cost
4. Diamond or Stone Setting
Stone-studded pieces require more labor.
5. Machine-made vs Hand-made
Machine-made = cheaper
Hand-made = premium cost
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Calculate Gold Jewellery Price
Let’s break it down clearly.
Step 1: Check Today’s Gold Rate
Example: 1g 22K = SAR 245 (example)
Step 2: Multiply Weight
If jewellery weight = 10 grams
Gold cost = 245 × 10 = SAR 2,450
Step 3: Add Making Charges
If making charge = SAR 10 per gram
10 × 10 = SAR 100
Step 4: Add VAT 15%
VAT = (2,450 + 100) × 15%
= SAR 382.5
Final Price = SAR 2,450 + 100 + 382.5 = SAR 2,932.5
Examples: Making Charges Comparison
Example 1: Simple Chain (10g)
Local shop: SAR 10 per gram
Branded shop: 12% of gold value
Local shop price = cheaper by 150–200 SAR.
How to Reduce or Avoid Making Charges
✔️ Buy simple designs
Making charges go down by 50%.
✔️ Shop during promotions
Brands like Malabar or Joyalukkas run “Zero Making Charge” offers.
✔️ Buy from local markets
Bathaa Riyadh, Jeddah Balad, Dammam Gold Souq.
✔️ Avoid heavy handcrafted items
Hand-made = high labor cost.
✔️ Bargain confidently
Most shops reduce 10–30 SAR per gram.
FAQs
What is the standard making charge of gold jewellery?
In Saudi Arabia, standard charges range SAR 5 to 25 per gram, depending on the design and brand.
How much is 1 gram gold in Saudi Riyal?
1 gram gold (22K) in Saudi Arabia typically ranges SAR 240 – 260 depending on market conditions.
What is the making fee for gold?
It usually ranges 5–25 SAR per gram, or 8–18% of gold value at branded stores.
What are Malabar Gold making charges?
Malabar Gold charges 8% – 18% making fee for most jewellery, depending on design.
What can I make in 10 grams of gold?
You can make:
✔️ Simple chain
✔️ Lightweight ring
✔️ Small pendant
✔️ Slim bracelet
How to calculate 1 gram price?
- Check gold rate
- Add making charge per gram
- Add VAT 15%
How to avoid making charges on gold?
Buy:
✔️ simple designs
✔️ machine-made items
✔️ promotional offers
✔️ from local shops where bargaining is allowed
What is the price of a 2 gram gold chain?
Example:
2g chain (22K @ SAR 250) = 250 × 2 = SAR 500
Making (SAR 10 × 2) = SAR 20
VAT = SAR 78
Final Price ≈ SAR 598
Conclusion
Gold jewellery making charges in Saudi Arabia vary widely, but with the right knowledge, you can save a lot of money. Always compare prices, bargain where possible, and understand how charges are calculated before purchasing.
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