Buying Gold
As a first timer, how should one go ahead and buy Gold?
How does one select the Karat? (difference between 18 K and 24 K)
What does one mean by making charges? Is it standard across all shops?
Which is a good, trustworthy place to buy Gold from in Doha or elsewhere? (Not gold biscuits)
I did check the below link, but just seen that the info may not be up to date:
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/58039#ixzz19J5hPq9Q
Thanks!
You can come to Ghana to buy Gold if you want. 22 carats.
speedysid, I would not recommend to buy rings in 22 Carat, too soft...the rings will become deformed in no time! Only 18 Carat for rings.
Your replies are very much appreciated.
I will bear the above in mind when I take the plunge :)
Thanks again :D
yes still available 23 karat(95.8 Percent pure gold) jewels made to order basis.in which the maker add spl metals for the jewel strength.
price difference whole world almost same price( dont see only the basic cost)
yes formatted soul is right for your 2nd questine.
the difference between 18 and 24 is minos 6 haha lol.
24 karat means 99.9 percentage of pure gold (3 nines are fine) he he.
22 karat is 91.66 percent pure gold and balance 8.34 percent will be all other metals like copper(impurities)91.66 is equal to division of 22 by 24( when 99.9 percent is 24 karats.)
now lets come to 18 karats is 75 percent pure gold bal 25 is impurities. 75 is equal to division of 18 by 24
this is true.
i hope your head is rolling take hot tea and read again.
bye.
FS.. You beat me with your speed.. But I am glad we both agree on most of what we posted! :-)
Good question...And good that you asked before you went to the gold shop. There are mainly three kinds - 18,22 and 24 Carat.
18 Carat contains less % of gold and hence must cost less. But the designs available in that variety usually costs more than its worth in gold.18 Carat is popular with Arabs and Teenagers.
22 Carat is the ideal gold. The gold content is more. Strength is good and the designs and availability of selection far more than that of 18 Carats.Popular with Indians, Pakistanis,etc.
24 Caratis not used for making jewellery as the purest form will be too brittle.
Basically it comes in variety like ethnic,machine cut, Singapore design,Italian design,etc.Machine cut is stronger usually, especially for chains.
I saw a 23 Carat ornament set years back and bought it because of the unique design. It is a Bahrain speciality.
Keeping in mind, the current cost of gold, look around for something light,unique, clever and wearable.
Inlays of enamel, semi/precious stones,pearls, oxide coating like Rhodium,etc give gold a richer look.But remember that you are paying the cost of gold for all these cheaper attractions.
If you are really interested in buying jewellery, visit all the good shops when it is not weekend, festival season or evening... :-)
Get friendly with the guys and they usually provide very good tips about what to buy and what not to buy.
About the shops in Doha..I see that Akshaya has good selection and sales. But I trust Damas(Lulu+ other braches) for its quality. You can visit Alukkas, Sky, Atlas,and the other shops just for learning purpose.
Ornaments as such are losing their appeal world wide. But investing in Gold bars and biscuits is very much on the rise.
I used to save grocery money, go and buy gold for 28 Dirhams per gram back in 1998, in Dubai.Now I cannot imagine going and buying the same thing for 100 plus Riyals(how much is it?!)...
In unavoidable cases, I mostly buy gold biscuits and small pendants to give as gifts....
All the best!
If you are not buying gold bars or coins...
all the jewelries are pretty much the same...Damas..Allukas etc..
18K price is less..making charge is more...no value for that in India...22k is most liked in India..
24K is more pure..Gold bars are 24k..Coins you can get 22k & 21k
Making charge for Indian Jewelry is QR 15 to 22 per gram...depending on the design...
If you are buying for investment purpose avoid stones...and go for simple designs..