Buying Gold in Pakistan — What the Per-Tola Price Really Means
Published: 23 October 2026 · Updated: 30 October 2026
The board at the jeweller's shop says: today's rate is Rs 426,500 per tola (23 October 2026, 24K). But when you buy jewellery, the bill comes to more than this. Why? This guide covers everything you should understand before going to the shop.
Tola, gram and karat
- 1 tola = 11.6638 grams. The rate is always quoted per tola or per 10 grams.
- Karat = purity. 24K means 99.9% pure gold — used only for bars/coins, because it is too soft for jewellery. 22K (91.6%) is the most common for jewellery in Pakistan. 21K and 18K contain more of other metals, so the rate is lower.
- Sarafa rates of 23 Oct 2026: 24K Rs 426,500/tola, 22K Rs 391,064/tola, 21K Rs 373,289/tola, 18K Rs 319,875/tola (APGJSA).
What else is charged besides the rate?
- Making charges: The labour cost of making the jewellery — usually 8% to 20%, depending on the design. Always ask first.
- Wastage: Some jewellers also charge a percentage for gold lost during making. When you sell back, this same wastage is deducted — so when buying, clearly ask about wastage and the buy-back policy.
- Stones: The weight of stones must not be weighed as gold — stones separate, gold separate.
6 rules to avoid being cheated
- Check the same day's rate on a source like PakRoz before you go.
- Look for the hallmark/purity stamp on the jewellery.
- Have the weight done on a certified scale in front of you.
- Get karat, weight, rate and making charges written separately on the bill. Keep the bill safe; it is what matters when you sell back.
- On buy-back the jeweller normally does not return making charges — the gold sells at its metal value.
- For investment, a bar/coin is cheaper than jewellery, because no making charges apply.
The gold price is formed from the international market (the per-ounce rate in dollars) and the dollar-rupee rate — which is why the rate changes daily. To find the value of your weight, use the Gold Value Calculator.