Everything you need to check to ensure the purity and quality of the gold you buy.
Check the SLAO SRI LANKA ASAAY OFFICE) hallmark signs
This consists of four signs:
SLAO logo
This signifies that the gold item meets the quality and purity guidelines set by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Sri Lanka Under the Guidance of the International Hallmarking Convention.
Purity grade and fineness of the gold
A code depicting the purity of your gold item.
24Kt 999 PPT corresponds to 24 karat gold.
22Kt 916 PPT corresponds to 22 karat gold.
21Kt 875 PPT corresponds to 21karat gold.
18Kt 750 PPT corresponds to 18 karat gold.
14Kt 585 PPT corresponds to 14 karat gold.
10Kt. 417 PPT corresponds to 10 karat gold.
9Kt. 385 PPT corresponds to 9 karat gold.
8Kt. 333 PPT corresponds to 8 karat gold.
Jeweller’s identification mark (Sponsor’s Mark)
A unique sign designated to every NGJA licensed jeweller. It can also be verified from the NGJA website.
Precious Metal Identification Mark
A unique sign is allotted to every Precious Metal (GOLD/SILVER/ PLATINUM) You can verify the same from the NGJA website.
Calculate the right cost
The final price of a gold item differs from jeweller to jeweller depending on an array of factors.
So, it is important to check the price with multiple jewellers before making a purchase.
However, you can get an appreciative estimate of the price by checking the real-time price.
Ensure you’re not overcharged
Calculate the making charges according to the weight of the item.
This usually varies between 5% and 25% of the cost of gold. However, this can be bargained with the jeweller.
Know the karatage
The higher the karatage, the higher the purity of the gold.
24K is pure gold; 22K and 18K gold are alloyed with other metals to increase strength and durability.
Check the true weight
For calculating the cost, make sure that the jeweller considers only the weight of the gold and not any stones that may be embedded in the piece.
Sometimes, soldering is also done using a different metal.
So, be sure to ask the jeweller and confirm that the weight and cost of the soldering metal is excluded from that of gold.
Check the return, refund, and buy-back policy
This will come in handy case you decide to sell/recycle your jewellery later.
When you decide to sell your gold, the weight of the gold considered will be excluding that of the gemstones.
The money you receive will be minus the making and wastage charges. Different jewellers also have different buy-back rates. Make sure that you ask this before making the purchase.
Remember, hallmarked gold may attract lesser deductions as compared to non-hallmarked gold.
Ask for a proper invoice with key information
Check if details such as rate per gram of gold, total weight and price of gold, making charges, etc. are included