Muscat: Gold remains one of the most popular purchases in Oman, whether for weddings, gifts or long-term savings. Yet many shoppers walk into jewellery stores without fully understanding how the final price is calculated, making them vulnerable to overpaying.
Industry experts say that while gold prices are largely linked to international market rates, several factors contribute to the amount customers ultimately pay at the counter.
The first thing buyers should check is the purity of the gold. Jewellery is commonly sold in 24K, 22K, 21K and 18K varieties, with 24K being the purest. In Oman, 21K gold is among the most popular choices for jewellery purchases.
The second factor is weight. Gold is priced per gram, meaning even a small difference in weight can significantly affect the final bill. Buyers are advised to verify the weight displayed on the scale before proceeding with the purchase.
The basic calculation starts with multiplying the daily gold price per gram by the item's weight. However, this is only part of the total cost.
Jewellers also add what is known as a "making charge" — a fee covering the design and craftsmanship involved in producing the jewellery. These charges vary from one retailer to another and can sometimes account for a substantial portion of the final price.
For example, if the market price of 21K gold is RO 50 per gram and a necklace weighs 10 grams, the gold value would be RO 500. If the jeweller adds a making charge of RO 25, the subtotal becomes RO 525 before any applicable taxes or fees.
Experts recommend comparing making charges between stores, as these are often negotiable, particularly for larger purchases.
Customers should also request a detailed invoice showing the gold weight, purity, gold rate and making charges separately. A transparent breakdown allows buyers to verify the calculation and compare offers from different retailers.
Another important tip is to check for official hallmarks that certify the purity of the gold. Hallmarking helps protect consumers and provides assurance regarding the quality of the jewellery being purchased.
With gold prices remaining relatively high, understanding the pricing formula can help shoppers make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises at the checkout counter.
For many buyers, a few minutes spent checking the numbers could translate into significant savings.
The following table shows live prices of gold, which provides live rates for gold in Oman, spanning a range of purities including 24K, 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K.
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