GST and making charges on gold jewellery
How GST, making charges and wastage affect the final invoice beyond the published gold rate.
The published gold rate is only the metal. Your invoice almost always adds making charges (and sometimes wastage) plus GST on the taxable components. That is why two shops quoting the same 22K rate can bill very differently.
Typical add-ons
- Making charges — labour/design fee, often a % of metal value or a flat ₹/g.
- Wastage — extra metal allowance some jewellers apply on handmade work.
- GST — applied as per current rules on taxable value; confirm with your jeweller/CA.
- Hallmarking / stone charges — separate line items when applicable.
Practical tip
Compare the all-in price for the same weight and purity, not just the metal rate board. Use gold value + making charge calculator to sanity-check an estimate before you buy.