How does old gold exchange work at a jewellery shop?

You bring your old gold (any condition, any karat). The jeweller tests its purity using a touchstone or XRF machine, weighs it after deducting stone weight, and calculates value at today's gold rate. This amount is credited toward your new purchase — you pay only the difference.

Do I need the original bill to exchange old gold?

No, a bill is not required. Any gold — jewellery, coins, broken pieces, even dental gold — can be exchanged without a bill. However, having the original bill speeds up the process and some shops offer a small premium for billed gold.

What percentage of gold value do you get on exchange?

At reputed jewellers, you get full metal value (100% of the gold content) based on today's market rate. You lose only the original making charges, which are not refundable. Avoid shops that charge a separate 5-10% exchange fee — that is an unnecessary deduction.

Can I exchange gold bought from another jeweller?

Yes, most reputed jewellers accept gold from any shop. The gold is tested for purity on the spot regardless of where it was purchased. At Gondilal Saraf, we accept old gold of any purity, any condition, from any jeweller with no exchange fees.

Is it better to sell old gold or exchange it?

Exchanging is almost always better than selling. When you sell, you get only the gold value minus dealer margin. When you exchange, you get full gold value credited toward new jewellery. You effectively upgrade your gold without losing metal value.

How is the purity of old gold tested?

Jewellers use two main methods: the traditional touchstone (kasouti) test where gold is rubbed on a stone and tested with acid, or the modern XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machine which gives precise karat readings without damaging the piece. XRF is more accurate and non-destructive.

Exchange Guide

Old Gold Exchange

Have old jewellery you don't wear anymore? Exchanging old gold for new is one of the smartest things you can do — you lose only the making charges, not the gold value.

How the Process Works

Bring your old gold

Any gold — jewellery, coins, broken pieces, even dental gold. No bill needed (though it helps). Any karat accepted.

Purity testing

The jeweller tests your gold using a touchstone (kasouti) or XRF machine. This determines the karat — 22K, 18K, etc.

Weighing

Your gold is weighed on a digital scale. Stone weight is deducted. You see the pure gold weight.

Value calculation

Pure gold weight × today's gold rate = your old gold value. This is credited towards your new purchase.

Choose new jewellery

Select new pieces. Pay only the difference: new piece cost minus old gold value. Making charges on new piece still apply.

Melting (optional)

Some shops melt your old gold in front of you to verify purity. At Gondilal Saraf, we use XRF testing — no melting needed.

Worked Example

You bring an old 22K necklace (20g) and want to buy a new 22K bridal set (30g):

Old gold value	20g × ₹7,200/g	₹1,44,000
New set (gold value)	30g × ₹7,200/g	₹2,16,000
New set (making)	30g × ₹800/g	₹24,000
New set (GST)	3% + 5%	₹7,680
New set total		₹2,47,680
You pay	₹2,47,680 − ₹1,44,000	₹1,03,680

Tips for Best Exchange Value

Exchange at the same shop

Most shops give better rates if you buy new from them. It's goodwill and repeat business.

Bring your old bill

It proves purity and weight, saving testing time. Some shops give a small premium for billed gold.

Exchange when gold prices are high

Your old gold is valued at today's rate. Higher market = higher credit for your old pieces.

Avoid shops with 'exchange charges'

Some charge 5-10% cut on exchange value. Reputed shops (like us) give full metal value.

Remove stones before exchange

Stones have zero gold value. Remove removable stones yourself to keep them; declare fixed stones.

Choose low-making pieces if maximising value

Exchange into simple chains or bangles if you want minimum making charge deduction.

Gondilal Saraf Exchange Policy: We accept old gold of any purity, any condition, from any jeweller. Full metal value credited — no exchange fees. XRF purity testing in front of you. Bring old gold, walk out with new jewellery.

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