The real spread
Gold making charges in Dubai.
Every major Dubai jeweller prices raw gold from the same DGCX rate. The real cost difference for jewellery is in making charges, and on a 100g bridal set, that spread is over AED 12,000 between the cheapest and priciest retailer.
Making charges, cheapest first
What are making charges?
Making charges are what the jeweller charges you for the labour and craft of turning raw gold into a finished piece. They're expressed as a percentage of the gold's value, added on top of the gram rate.
On a 100g 22K piece at today's rate of AED 503.00/gram, you pay:
- Gold value: AED 50,300 (same everywhere)
- + Making at 4%: AED 2,012 → Total AED 52,312 (cheapest)
- + Making at 25%: AED 12,575 → Total AED 62,875 (priciest)
- Spread: AED 10,563 for the same gold
Why such a wide range?
- Piece complexity: Plain bangles and bars sit at the low end of each jeweller's range. Intricate designer sets, kundan work, and meenakari sit at the high end.
- Brand positioning: Damas markets itself as premium / designer, they have higher base fees. ARY and souk independents compete on price.
- Location: Mall-located stores (Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates) typically charge 2-5% more than Souk or Karama branches of the same chain.
- Negotiation: Making charges are negotiable, especially in the Gold Souk and for large pieces. Walk in with confidence and a counter-offer.
Pro tips to save money
- Get making charges quoted before you fall in love with a specific piece.
- Watch for "Free making charges" weekends · Eid, Diwali, Dhanteras, store anniversaries.
- The Gold Souk (Deira) is for negotiating. Mall jewellers will rarely budge.
- Plain pieces (bangles, chains) have the lowest making · best for value-per-gram.
- Buy gold coins/bars if you just want gold exposure · no making at all.
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