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A gold jewellery bill is not just a receipt — it’s a document you need to understand before you hand over your money, and one you’ll need years later when you sell or exchange. Most people glance at the total and sign. Here’s how to read every line of the bill, what each item means, and what to do if something looks wrong.
The standard gold jewellery bill — what should be on it
- Jeweller’s name, address and GSTIN
- Date of purchase
- Item description — type of jewellery, metal, karat
- Net weight of gold (in grams, after deducting stones)
- Current gold rate per gram at the karat bought
- Gold value — weight × rate
- VA / Making charges / Wastage
- Stone value — priced separately if diamonds/gemstones
- GST — 3% on total
- HUID number for each piece
- Total payable
Line by line: understanding each item
Net gold weight
The weight of actual gold in the piece in grams. On a plain chain this equals the total piece weight. On a diamond ring, the stones are subtracted. Always ask to verify on the jeweller’s scale in front of you.
Gold rate per gram
The gold rate changes daily. Check the MCX website or a financial app before you go — the jeweller’s rate should be at or close to the published market rate.
Gold value
Gold weight × rate per gram. Verify this arithmetic yourself — errors happen and they’re not always in your favour.
VA / Making charges / Wastage
Some jewellers show this as a single “VA” (Value Addition) percentage; others break it into making charges and wastage separately. For a machine-made chain, 8–12% is fair. Handcrafted bridal sets typically run 15–25%. See our VA in gold guide for the full breakdown.
GST
A flat 3% on the total (gold + making charges + stone value). Mandatory, non-negotiable, the same everywhere. Verify it’s calculated on the correct subtotal.
HUID
The six-digit BIS Hallmark Unique Identification code. Verify it on the BIS Care app before paying — enter the code and confirm the details match the piece. See our HUID guide for the full process.
A worked example
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gold weight | 10g (22K) |
| Gold rate | ₹7,000/gram |
| Gold value | ₹70,000 |
| VA (10%) | ₹7,000 |
| Subtotal | ₹77,000 |
| GST (3%) | ₹2,310 |
| Total | ₹79,310 |
What to do if something looks wrong
- Weight discrepancy: Ask to re-weigh in front of you.
- Rate seems off: Compare to MCX rate for that day.
- VA seems high: Ask for a breakdown — making vs wastage.
- HUID not on bill or doesn’t verify: Do not complete the purchase.
- GST doesn’t match: Recalculate 3% on the subtotal and ask for correction.
Keep the bill safely
Your gold bill is your proof of ownership, purity and purchase price. Photograph it and store the image in your cloud — physical bills yellow and fade.
Browse gold jewellery
Browse gold jewellery and accessories on Amazon India — always verify the HUID on the BIS Care app before purchasing. Also see global gold options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must be on a gold jewellery bill in India?
Jeweller’s GSTIN, item description, gold weight, gold rate, gold value, VA/making charges, stone value (if any), 3% GST, HUID for each piece, and total payable.
Can I negotiate making charges on a gold bill?
Yes — making charges are negotiable unlike GST or the gold rate. Festival seasons, bulk purchases and long-standing customer relationships provide grounds for negotiation.
The bottom line
Reading a gold bill takes two minutes and can save you thousands. Check the weight, verify the rate, understand the VA, confirm the HUID on the BIS Care app, and verify the GST arithmetic. Keep the bill safely. The jeweller who objects to any of these steps is worth walking away from.