Updated September 8, 2026 · By Bulawan
Retail price vs gold content value
Every gold jewelry price has two parts: the gold content value (weight × purity × market price) and the premium for workmanship, design, brand, and margin. A reasonable premium for plain chains and bangles is often 10–30%; intricate or branded pieces carry much more.
Buyer's checklist
- Ask for the exact weight in grams and the karat, and compute the gold content value with the Bulawan calculator.
- Look for a hallmark: 750 (18K), 875 (21K), 916 (22K), 999 (24K).
- Ask whether the store will buy the piece back and at what rate — this reveals how much is workmanship premium.
- Get an official receipt stating karat and weight.
- Be cautious with 'gold-plated', 'gold-filled', or 'Italian gold' labels without a karat stamp.
Which karat should you buy?
| Karat | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | Investment bars, coins | Too soft for daily-wear jewelry |
| 22K / 21K | Traditional and 'Saudi gold' jewelry | Higher gold value, softer |
| 18K | Everyday jewelry, engagement rings | Durable, most common in PH retail |
| 14K | Budget and fashion pieces | Lower resale value per gram |
Frequently asked questions
- Is 18K or 21K gold better to buy?
- 21K holds more gold value per gram and is preferred for savings-type jewelry. 18K is harder and better for everyday wear. Neither is 'better' — it depends on whether you prioritize resale value or durability.
- What is Saudi gold?
- In the Philippines, 'Saudi gold' usually refers to 18K or 21K gold jewelry sold in the Middle East, often with minimal workmanship premium. The value still depends on the actual karat and weight.
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