Are Jewellery Making Charges Lower in Dubai Gold Souk or India?

Buying gold is not just a tradition in India, it’s an investment. But over the years, many Indian buyers have started flocking to Dubai, especially to the famous Dubai Gold Souk, in search of better deals, purer gold, and, lower jewellery making charges. But is the price difference truly worth the flight ticket? 

Let’s take a close look at how making charges in Dubai compare to those in India, why Dubai is considered a gold shopping paradise, and whether it’s actually cheaper to shop there for your next jewellery purchase. 

What Are Making Charges?

Making charges refer to the cost involved in transforming raw gold into finished jewellery. This fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the gold’s value or as a fixed amount per gram of gold used in the piece.  

The charges cover various factors such as craftsmanship, design complexity, labour, and sometimes even a premium associated with the brand or designer. 

Depending on the intricacy of the design, the making charges can vary significantly. High-end, custom-made, or intricate jewellery pieces tend to have higher making charges due to the skill and time required to craft them. 

Jewellery Making Charges in Dubai Gold Souk

In Dubai’s Gold Souk, making charges typically range from 5% to 8% of the gold price, depending on the complexity and design of the jewellery. For simpler designs, making charges can be as low as AED 10–20 per gram, making it more affordable for buyers looking for basic pieces.  

One of the unique aspects of purchasing gold in Dubai is that making charges are often negotiable, with bargaining being both common and expected in the market. 

The gold sold in Dubai’s Gold Souk is known for its high purity, with most pieces being 22K or 24K gold, and they are hallmarked to ensure quality and authenticity. 

Read More: How to Avoid Frauds in Dubai Gold Souk When Buying Gold. 

Jewellery Making Charges in India 

In India, jewellery making charges typically range between 8% to 25% of the gold price, depending on factors like the brand, design complexity, and the type of jewellery. For instance, well-known brands may charge higher percentages compared to local jewellers, and more intricate designs, such as bridal sets, often come with a premium.  

Some jewellers charge fixed amounts per gram, usually ranging from ₹400 to ₹800, while others charge a percentage based on the gold value. Additionally, GST is applicable, and buyers may incur extra charges for wastage, which refers to the loss of gold during the manufacturing process. 

Price Comparison Table 

 Read More: How to Get VAT Refund When Buying Gold From Dubai Gold Souk? 

Conclusion 

If you’re looking purely at numbers, Dubai often beats India in terms of lower making charges, especially for plain gold jewellery. However, once you factor in travel, customs duty (if exceeded), and emotional value, the savings may or may not justify buying abroad. For frequent flyers or those visiting anyway, shopping gold in Dubai can be a golden deal. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.