Gold Buying, Sarafa Markets & Jewelry Guide for Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi Sarafa Bazar is one of the oldest bullion trading hubs in Northern Pakistan, setting daily gold benchmarks for the Potohar region, Azad Kashmir, and Hazara division. Gold rates in Pakistan are officially issued daily by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gem and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), primarily determined by international London bullion spot prices (LBMA) and the prevailing interbank USD to PKR exchange rate. Pakistan trades predominantly in Tola and 10 Gram units.
When buying gold jewelry in Rawalpindi, always distinguish between raw bullion value and finished jewelry cost. Finished jewelry carries additional craftsmanship making charges (typically 8%) and applicable local sales tax (GST (Bullion 0% Exempt)). Always demand an itemized digital receipt specifying the net gold weight, gross weight, karat hallmarking certification, and stone deduction.
Hallmarking & Purity Testing
Always verify the official karat stamp or laser hallmark on jewelry (e.g. 916 for 22K, 875 for 21K, 750 for 18K, 999 for 24K bars). Request an electronic density or XRF spectrometer test before purchasing high-value pieces.
Craftsmanship Making Charges
Standard casting jewelry carries lower making charges (6–8%), whereas elaborate antique, Kundan, polki, or meenakari bridal jewelry can range from 10% to 15%. Making charges are negotiable at major Sarafa bazaars.
Islamic Zakat Nisab on Gold
The classical Shariah Nisab threshold for gold is 7.5 Tolas (87.48 grams) of pure gold (approx. Rs 2,131,616 in Rawalpindi today). Holding wealth above this threshold for a full lunar year obligates 2.5% Zakat.