Buying Gold in Nepal: Hallmark, Tola, Purity & Prices Explained (2026)

Introduction

Buying gold in Nepal without understanding hallmark, purity, and how the final bill is calculated can cost you thousands. This guide explains what Hallmark 995 means, how tola and lal convert to grams, the difference between fine and tejabi gold, and why your jewelry bill is higher than the advertised gold rate—so you can buy with confidence.

What Is Hallmark Gold in Nepal?

A hallmark is an official mark stamped on gold items to certify their purity. In Nepal, hallmarking is overseen by the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM), which tests and certifies gold according to national standards.

Why purity markings matter

Trust: A hallmark tells you the gold content has been independently verified, not just claimed by the seller.

Value: Purity directly affects resale value and buyback rates.

Protection: Certified gold reduces the risk of being sold under-purity items at premium prices.

How fineness numbers work

Fineness indicates parts of pure gold per 1,000 parts. For example:

• 995 = 995 parts gold per 1,000 (99.5% pure)
• 999 = 999 parts gold per 1,000 (99.9% pure)
• 916 = 916 parts gold per 1,000 (91.6% pure, or 22K)

What buyers should look for

When purchasing gold in Nepal, check for:

• The NBSM certification mark (NS mark)
• Fineness number (995, 999, 916, etc.)
• Seller's invoice clearly stating purity and weight

Important: A purity claim without independent certification is just a claim. Always ask for hallmark certification or buy from FENEGOSIDA-registered dealers.

What Does Hallmark 995 Mean?

Hallmark 995 means the gold is 99.5% pure—995 parts gold out of 1,000. This is considered high-purity gold, often used for investment bars, coins, and some traditional jewelry.

Gold Purity Comparison Table

Note: Terminology and available products can vary between sellers. Not every Nepali jeweler uses identical standards, so always verify the fineness number and ask for certification.

22K vs 24K Gold in Nepal

Karat (K) measures gold purity on a 24-part scale:

• 24K = 24/24 parts gold (100% theoretical, practically 99.9%+)
• 22K = 22/24 parts gold (91.6% gold, remainder alloys)

24K Gold (Fine/Hallmark)

• Purity: 99.9%+ (999 fineness)
• Characteristics: Soft, malleable, high intrinsic value
• Best for: Investment bars, coins, bullion, traditional fine gold items
• Limitations: Too soft for intricate jewelry that needs durability

22K Gold

• Purity: 91.6% (916 fineness)
• Characteristics: Harder due to alloy metals (typically silver and copper), more durable
• Best for: Everyday jewelry, pieces with stones, intricate designs
• Trade-off: Slightly lower gold content but better wear resistance

Which should you choose? For investment: 24K (fine/hallmark) gold retains maximum intrinsic value. For jewelry: 22K is generally more practical due to durability. Neither is universally "better": It depends on your purpose—investment vs. wearable jewelry.

Tola, Lal and Gram: Gold Weight in Nepal

Nepal uses the tola as the traditional unit for gold, not grams or ounces. Understanding these conversions is essential before buying.

Key conversions

• 1 tola = 11.664 grams (standard Nepali measurement)
• 1 tola = 100 lal
• 1 lal ≈ 0.11664 grams

Conversion formulas

Tola → Grams: Tola × 11.664 = grams. Grams → Tola: Grams ÷ 11.664 = tola.

Important: These are weight conversions only, not prices. Gold rates are quoted per tola, so always confirm which unit the seller is using.

Fine Gold vs Tejabi Gold

What "fine gold" means

• Purity: Typically 99.9%+ (999 fineness, 24K)
• Local name: commonly reported as Chhapawal (छापावाल) — dealer terminology varies, so confirm the stated fineness number rather than relying on the name alone
• Certification: Often NBSM-certified with hallmark stamp
• Use: Investment bars, coins, high-purity bullion

What "tejabi gold" means

• Purity: Traditionally ~99.5% (995 fineness)
• Verification: Often acid-tested by dealers rather than formally certified
• Use: Traditional jewelry, local trading
• Price: commonly reported as typically Rs 200-400 per tola less than fine gold — treat as indicative, since tejabi pricing varies by seller and day

Why purity matters: Resale value — higher purity = higher buyback rate. Price transparency — fine gold has standardized rates; tejabi can vary by seller. Verification — always ask for the stated fineness (995, 999, 916) rather than relying only on terminology.

Tip: Reputable dealers will clearly state the fineness number and provide certification where applicable.

How Is the Gold Rate Determined in Nepal?

Nepal's daily gold rate is not set arbitrarily—it follows a structured process tied to international markets and local economics.

Four factors that set the rate

1. International gold price: Nepal imports almost all gold, so the London Bullion Market spot price is the baseline.
2. Exchange rate: The international price (in USD) is converted to NPR using Nepal Rastra Bank's daily USD/NPR reference rate.
3. Import duty and taxes: Customs duty and applicable taxes (13% VAT is commonly cited — confirm with current IRD/customs notices whether VAT applies to the bullion value, the making charges, or the full jewelry bill) are added to the converted price.
4. Local market conditions: FENEGOSIDA (Federation of Nepal Gold & Silver Dealers' Association) publishes the official daily rate, commonly reported as typically after 11 AM NPT on business days — confirm timing on the day, as publication schedules can shift.

FENEGOSIDA's role

FENEGOSIDA (also written as FeNeGoSiDA) is the industry association that sets and publishes Nepal's official daily gold and silver rates. The rate: is derived from international spot prices + currency conversion + duties/taxes, is quoted per tola (and often per 10 grams), and does not change on Saturdays and public holidays. Important: The published rate is the base metal rate, not the final jewelry price you'll pay.

Gold Price Today Nepal: Why the Final Bill Is Different

The published gold rate (e.g., Rs 301,000 per tola, as of September 2026 — illustrative; commonly reported October 2026 rates sit around Rs 291,500–292,300, so always check the current FENEGOSIDA rate) is only the starting point. Your final jewelry bill will almost always be higher due to additional charges.

Key point: Charges vary significantly by seller and product. Two shops may quote the same gold rate but charge very different making fees.

Gold Making Charges in Nepal

Making charges (बनाउने शुल्क) are the labour fees jewelers charge for crafting your jewelry. This is where prices can differ dramatically between shops.

Why two pieces with the same gold weight cost different amounts

• Design complexity: Intricate patterns require more labour and skill
• Craftsmanship level: Handmade pieces cost more than machine-made
• Shop overhead: Premium showrooms charge higher making fees
• Charge structure: Some charge a flat rate per tola; others charge a percentage of gold value

Fixed vs percentage-based charges

Fixed rate: Rs 500-3,000 per tola depending on design. Percentage-based: 5-15% of the gold value, common for standardized chains and mass-produced items.

Questions to ask your jeweler

• "What is the making charge per tola for this design?"
• "Is there a wastage/jarti charge? How is it calculated?"
• "Can I get an itemized bill showing gold value, making charge, and other fees separately?"
• "Do you offer different making charge options for simpler designs?"
• "What is your buyback or exchange policy?"

Always ask for an itemized bill—it helps you compare offers and understand exactly what you're paying for.

Example: How to Calculate the Cost of Gold Jewelry

Here's a hypothetical example to show how the final price is calculated. These are not today's market rates—always check the current rate before buying.

Scenario

• Gold weight: 1.5 tola
• Gold rate (hypothetical): Rs 300,000 per tola (24K fine gold)
• Making charge: Rs 2,000 per tola
• Wastage: 2% of gold value
• VAT: 13% on total (gold + making + wastage)

Step-by-step calculation

1. Gold value: 1.5 tola × Rs 300,000 = Rs 450,000
2. Making charge: 1.5 tola × Rs 2,000 = Rs 3,000
3. Wastage charge: 2% of Rs 450,000 = Rs 9,000
4. Subtotal (before VAT): Rs 450,000 + Rs 3,000 + Rs 9,000 = Rs 462,000
5. VAT (13%): 13% of Rs 462,000 = Rs 60,060
6. Final price: Rs 462,000 + Rs 60,060 = Rs 522,060

Result: While the gold value alone is Rs 450,000, the final bill is Rs 522,060—about 16% higher due to making charges, wastage, and VAT.

Want to calculate your own estimate? Use SolutionsNepal's Gold Price Calculator Nepal or Tola–Gram converter for quick estimates.

How to Check Gold Before Buying in Nepal

Use this practical checklist before paying for any gold item:

Pro tip: Take photos of the hallmark stamp and keep the invoice safely—you'll need both for future buyback or exchange.

Common Mistakes When Buying Gold in Nepal

Avoid these costly errors:

• Looking only at the advertised gold rate: The base rate is just one component of the final price.
• Not checking purity: Assuming "gold" means 24K without verifying fineness.
• Confusing karat and fineness: 22K = 916 fineness, not 999.
• Ignoring making charges: Two shops with the same gold rate can have vastly different final prices.
• Not asking for an itemized bill: You can't compare offers without seeing the breakdown.
• Assuming all sellers have identical charges: Making fees, wastage, and policies vary widely.
• Not checking the exchange/buyback policy: Some shops offer better resale terms than others.
• Comparing jewelry only by total price: A cheaper piece may have less gold weight or lower purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Buy Gold in Nepal

5 essential checks before paying:

• ✅ Verify the purity/fineness number (999, 995, 916) and look for NBSM hallmark certification
• ✅ Confirm the weight in tola/grams/lal matches the invoice
• ✅ Check today's FENEGOSIDA rate before visiting the shop
• ✅ Ask for an itemized bill showing gold value, making charge, wastage, and taxes separately
• ✅ Understand the buyback/exchange policy before purchasing

Ready to buy? Check Today's Gold Price in Nepal for the latest FENEGOSIDA rates, and use SolutionsNepal's calculators to estimate your total cost before visiting the jeweler.

**Official sources:** Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) for hallmark certification standards; FENEGOSIDA (Federation of Nepal Gold & Silver Dealers' Association) for the published daily gold/silver rate; Nepal Rastra Bank (nrb.org.np) for the USD/NPR reference rate; IRD (ird.gov.np) for current VAT and tax applicability. Rates in this guide are date-stamped where given — always confirm the day's rate before buying.