A behind-the-scenes look at how jewelers calculate Mazdoori and how you can negotiate it down.
Machine-Made vs Hand-Crafted
The biggest factor in making charges is the manufacturing process. Machine-made chains (like Dubai chains or Italian ropes) are mass-produced and carry low making charges (often fixed per gram). Hand-crafted bridal sets require weeks of labor by skilled artisans, commanding a percentage-based making charge (15% to 25%).
The Complexity of the Design
Pieces with intricate filigree work, Meenakari (enameling), or hundreds of tiny gemstone settings require intense focus and high wastage during production. You are paying for the artisan's time and the inevitable gold dust lost during the filing process.
How to Negotiate
Jewelers rarely negotiate the base gold rate, as that is a fixed market price. The entirety of their profit margin lies in the making charges. Always negotiate the making charges heavily. A good tactic is to visit three different showrooms, find the same machine-made design, and ask who offers the lowest per-gram making charge.