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If you’ve seen “VA gold jewellery” on a price tag, an invoice, or a jewellery store board and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. VA is one of those industry shorthand terms that shop assistants use casually but rarely explain. This guide breaks it down plainly.
What does VA mean in gold jewellery?
VA stands for Value Added. In the Indian gold jewellery trade, VA gold jewellery refers to pieces where the final price includes craftsmanship, design work, stone-setting or enamel finish — not just the raw metal weight. It distinguishes finished, wearable jewellery from plain gold bars or coins.
When a jeweller says “this is VA gold,” they mean the piece carries making charges on top of the gold rate. The more intricate the design, the higher the value-added component.
How is VA gold jewellery priced?
The price of VA gold jewellery has three components:
Gold value = weight in grams × today’s gold rate (per gram, 22K or 18K)
Making charges = a flat per-gram fee or a percentage of the gold value (typically 8–25%)
GST = 3% on gold + 5% on making charges
Machine-made VA gold pieces carry lower making charges (₹150–₹400 per gram) while handcrafted or kundan/meenakari work can run ₹600–₹1,500 per gram or more.
VA gold vs. plain gold: what’s the difference?
| Feature | Plain gold (bars/coins) | VA gold jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Investment, gifting | Wearing, gifting |
| Making charges | Nil or minimal | 8–25% of gold value |
| Resale value | Close to spot price | Gold value only (making charges not recovered) |
| Hallmarking | BIS hallmarked | BIS hallmarked (look for HUID) |
What is 22K vs 18K VA gold jewellery?
Most VA gold jewellery in India is made in 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) — the traditional choice for bangles, chains and earrings. 18 karat gold (75% purity) is used for diamond-set or gemstone jewellery because it’s harder and holds stones more securely.
A piece marked 916 is 22K; a piece marked 750 is 18K. Always check for the BIS HUID hallmark to confirm purity before buying.
How to read a VA gold jewellery price tag
- Find the net weight of gold (in grams) — this excludes stones and any non-gold components.
- Multiply by today’s gold rate per gram for that karat (your jeweller should display this on a board).
- Add the making charges (shown as per gram or as a percentage).
- Calculate GST on gold (3%) and making charges (5%) separately.
Example: A 10-gram 22K gold bangle at ₹6,200/gram gold rate + ₹350/gram making charges:
Gold value: 10 × 6,200 = ₹62,000 | Making: 10 × 350 = ₹3,500 | GST: 1,860 + 175 = ₹2,035 | Total: ₹67,535
Tips for buying VA gold jewellery smartly
- Always check the hallmark — look for the BIS logo, karat marking and 6-digit HUID code.
- Compare making charges across stores — these vary widely and are negotiable at independent jewellers.
- Weigh on your own scale if buying a significant piece — cross-check the net gold weight on the bill.
- Buy during off-peak periods — making charges tend to be lower outside Diwali and wedding season.
- Ask for an itemised invoice — gold rate, weight, making charges and GST should be listed separately.
Where to buy VA gold jewellery online
Certified gold jewellery from established brands is available online with BIS hallmarking, easy returns and certificate of authenticity. Browse a curated selection on Amazon India:
Shop BIS hallmarked gold jewellery on Amazon India →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VA gold jewellery a good investment?
As wearable gold, yes — you get both the ornamental value and the underlying gold value. But for pure investment, gold coins or digital gold give you better resale value since making charges are not recovered on resale.
Can I exchange VA gold jewellery?
Most jewellers accept old VA gold for exchange at today’s gold rate for the metal weight, minus a refining charge (usually 2–4%). The original making charges are not refunded.
What is VA gold jewellery making charge?
Making charges on VA gold jewellery range from ₹150 to ₹1,500+ per gram depending on design complexity — machine-made chains are cheapest; handcrafted temple or jadau jewellery is most expensive.
The bottom line
VA gold jewellery simply means finished, wearable gold jewellery where the price includes craftsmanship on top of the raw gold rate. Understanding how making charges and GST work helps you compare prices across stores and negotiate better. Always insist on a BIS hallmark and an itemised bill — those two things protect your money every time.