Jewelry Tool
Making Charge Calculator
Calculate how much making charge (also called workmanship charge) adds to the cost of your gold jewelry. Enter per-gram rate or flat fee.
💍 Making Charge Calculator
- Gold value
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- Making charge
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- Total (gold + making)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a making charge on gold jewellery?+
Making charge (workmanship/fabrication fee) is charged by jewellers for crafting the piece. It can be a flat amount per gram or a percentage of the gold value. Typical range: $1–$8 per gram.
How is making charge calculated?+
Per gram: making charge = weight (g) × rate ($/g). As percentage: making charge = gold value × rate%. For example, 10g jewellery at $3/g making = $30.
Why do making charges vary so much?+
Hand-crafted and intricate designs cost more to fabricate than machine-made plain bangles or chains. Karigari (artisanal work) can be 3–10× higher than mass production.
Can making charges be negotiated?+
Yes. At many jewellers, especially in India and the Middle East, making charges are negotiable — particularly for plain items like bangles and chains. Festival sales often reduce making charges.
Do I pay making charges when selling gold back?+
No. Buyback price is based only on the gold's metal value (typically 90–95% of spot). Making charges are not returned when you resell.