Maybe you need cash for a family emergency, want to exchange old jewellery for a new design, or simply want to cash in after gold has risen. Whatever the reason, selling gold in Pakistan can feel confusing — every jeweller seems to offer a different price. Here is how the process works and how to make sure you get a fair deal.
Today 24K gold is Rs 432,000 per tola and 22K is Rs 396,000. Your selling price starts from these numbers.
How Jewellers Value Your Old Gold
When you sell, the jeweller looks at four things:
- Weight — the gold weight in tola or grams
- Karat — usually checked with an XRF machine or acid test
- The day’s buying rate — usually a little below the selling rate on the board
- Deductions (katoti) — a percentage of weight removed for melting losses and impurities
The making charges you paid when buying are almost never returned.
What Is Katoti?
Katoti is the deduction a jeweller makes from the weight of your jewellery when buying it back. It covers:
- Gold lost when melting
- Solder, stones, lac or other non-gold material
- The jeweller’s margin
Katoti varies from shop to shop and piece to piece. Simple pieces bought from the same shop with a receipt often get the lowest deduction. Unknown, old or mixed pieces usually get higher deductions. Always ask what percentage is being deducted, and why.
8 Tips to Get the Best Price
1. Check the live rate first
Open the gold rate in Pakistan today page on your phone before you leave home. You will know the fair starting point.
2. Know your karat
Get an XRF test if you are not sure. If the jeweller says your 22K gold is 21K, a test result protects you. Many Sarafa markets have independent testing shops.
3. Bring your receipt
If you are selling to the shop where you bought the jewellery, the original receipt usually means a better deal and lower katoti.
4. Get at least three quotes
Visit three jewellers and ask each for the final cash amount, not just the rate. Compare the total.
5. Ask for the calculation
Ask the jeweller to write: weight → karat → rate → deduction → final amount. If they refuse to explain, go elsewhere.
6. Remove stones yourself if possible
If your piece has removable stones that you want to keep, ask about it before they test or melt it.
7. Exchange can be better than selling
If you plan to buy new jewellery anyway, exchanging old gold at the same shop often gives a better rate than selling for cash.
8. Avoid selling in a hurry
If possible, check the gold price chart. Selling a few days after a drop might mean a lower price. If you are not in urgent need, wait for a better day.
Selling Gold Bars and Coins
24K bars and coins from known brands are easiest to sell and get the best price, because there is little or no katoti and no making charge to lose. This is one reason they are better for savings than jewellery. Read more in is gold a good investment in Pakistan.
Safety Tips
- Go to well-known Sarafa markets during busy hours.
- Take a family member with you.
- Prefer a bank transfer or cheque for large amounts instead of carrying cash.
- Do not sell to people who approach you on the street or online with “very high” offers.
Example
You sell a 22K bracelet weighing 2 tola. The jeweller’s 22K buying rate is Rs 355,000 per tola, and the katoti is 4%.
- Weight after katoti: 2 × 0.96 = 1.92 tola
- Amount: 1.92 × 355,000 = Rs 681,600
Another shop with a 2% katoti would offer 1.96 × 355,000 = Rs 695,800. That small percentage makes a Rs 14,200 difference, which is why comparing shops pays off.
Documents to Bring
- Your CNIC — most jewellers ask for it when buying gold, especially large amounts
- The original receipt, if you have it
- Any lab or XRF test report for the piece
Having these ready speeds things up and usually gets you a better deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the selling price of 22K gold in Pakistan today?
It is based on today’s 22K rate of Rs 396,000 per tola, minus the jeweller’s deduction.
Do jewellers buy gold without a receipt?
Yes, but they may test it more carefully and apply a higher deduction.
Is it better to sell or exchange gold?
If you want new jewellery, exchanging often gets a better value than selling for cash.
Final Word
Selling gold is easy; selling it for a fair price takes a little homework. Know today’s rate, know your karat, compare three shops and ask for the full calculation. Bookmark the live gold rate in Pakistan before your next visit to the Sarafa market.