Latest news with #goldjewellery
Khaleej Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai gold shopping guide: 15 tips for buying jewellery, diamonds, and gems
Dubai has long earned its reputation as a global hub for gold jewellery. Known as the "City of Gold," it attracts not only residents but also tourists from around the world who come to purchase exquisite ornaments for weddings, as gifts, or for their collections. Despite high global gold prices, jewellers in Dubai say that shoppers can still make smart, cost-effective purchases by following a few strategic tips. These guidelines not only help buyers save money but also ensure they invest in certified diamonds and genuine gold pieces. Recommended For You According to recent data, gold jewellery demand in the UAE declined by 7.9 tonnes in the first quarter of 2025 — an 18 per cent year-on-year drop —largely driven by record-high gold prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade war concerns. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. As of Sunday, 24K gold was trading at Dh402.25 per gram, while 22K gold stood at Dh372.25 per gram. To help consumers navigate this high-price environment, Dubai jewellers have shared 15 practical tips that could lead to significant savings: Time your purchase – Shop during major sale events like Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid, or Valentine's Day Compare prices across stores – Visit multiple jewellers to compare prices, craftsmanship, and collections. Request a price breakdown – Always ask for the gold rate, making charges, and VAT to be quoted separately. Check daily gold rates – Gold prices fluctuate; ensure you know the rate on the day of purchase. Negotiate making charges – Making charges can vary widely between retailers, so don't hesitate to negotiate. Look for loyalty programmes – Some jewellers offer points or rewards for repeat customers. Explore discounts and cashback offers – Malls and banks often partner with stores to offer exclusive deals. Use credit card offers – Many credit cards offer instant discounts or 0% instalment plans. Check certifications and policies – Ensure all jewellery comes with proper certification and clear return policies. Verify diamond certification – Diamonds should come with IGI or GIA certificates. Ask about after-sales services – Look for buyback guarantees, exchange options, and lifetime service warranties. Inquire about VAT refunds – Tourists may be eligible for VAT refunds on purchases. Discounts on making charges – Many stores offer promotions on the making charge portion of the price. Look for diamond discounts – Some stores offer flat percentage discounts on diamond jewellery. Take advantage of bundle offers – Consider sets or combos that come with free gifts. By following these tips, shoppers can make informed decisions, get the best value, and enjoy a seamless jewellery-buying experience in Dubai.
Khaleej Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: How can shoppers save big while buying gold jewellery?
Shoppers in Dubai can enjoy substantial savings by taking advantage of promotions and discounts offered by gold jewellers. While Dubai's gold and jewellery market is known for its transparency, experts advise buyers to purchase from retailers who openly disclose the gold rate per gram, making charges, and applicable VAT to ensure they get the best value. 'The simplest way to guarantee the best price when buying jewellery in Dubai is to understand exactly what you're paying for,' said Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director for International Operations at Malabar Gold and Diamonds. 'Jewellery prices consist of multiple components — gold rate, stone charges, making charges, and VAT. It's essential that customers receive a clear, itemized breakdown of the total cost before making a purchase.' Ahamed assured that every piece of jewellery at Malabar Gold and Diamonds comes with an accurate price tag detailing the total weight, stone weight, making charges, and all other cost components. 'With every purchase, customers are guaranteed buyback, 100 per cent value on exchange, and assured lifetime maintenance, ensuring that the value of their jewellery is protected well beyond the point of sale.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. He also highlighted the advantages of their advance payment programme. 'Given that gold prices fluctuate constantly, customers can make an advance payment of 50 per cent or 100 per cent to lock in the current gold rate for three or six months, respectively. If prices rise, they benefit from the locked-in rate, and if prices fall, they can take advantage of the lower rates.' Save up to 50 per cent on making charges Dubai-based jeweller Joyalukkas recommends buying from well-established and reputable jewellers who offer transparent pricing, certified products, and clear itemized invoices — especially those who openly declare the gold rate per gram, making charges, and VAT. 'Shopping during seasonal promotions or major festivals like Diwali, Akshaya Tritiya, or UAE National Day can unlock additional benefits such as gifts, cashback, or zero making-charge offers,' said the company. 'Always look for certification — whether it's BIS Hallmark for gold or IGI/GIA certification for diamonds.' Customers can save anywhere from 10 per cent to 50 per cent on making charges or enjoy perks like free gold coins, diamond voucher redemptions, or price protection guarantees. 'For instance, a 50 per cent flat making charge offer can save several hundred dirhams on larger gold pieces. With diamond jewellery, promotions may include buy-back assurances, complimentary upgrades, or exclusive combo pricing, especially popular during wedding seasons.' Shop during festive season Aditya Singh, Head of International Jewellery Business at Titan Company, recommends shoppers choose brands offering global guarantees, ensuring long-term care for their jewellery. 'To get the best deals, it's ideal to shop during special festive periods,' he said. 'Additionally, the Dubai Jewellery Group runs promotional campaigns during events like Dubai Summer Surprises and the Dubai Shopping Festival, featuring attractive offers and raffle draws.' Singh advises shoppers to visit two to three of their favourite brands since promotions often vary. 'By leveraging retailer deals, shoppers can save up to 25 per cent – if timed well. Offers based on personal bargaining aren't fair to other customers, so rely on brands that provide uniform offers for all.' Anuraag Sinha, Managing Director of Liali Jewellery, also suggests timing purchases around major sale periods such as Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid, Diwali, and Valentine's Day. He recommends visiting multiple jewellery retailers in the Gold Souk, Meena Bazaar, Dubai Mall, and Mall of the Emirates to compare craftsmanship and pricing.
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Gold jewellery sales to pick up slightly as summer travel season begins
Gold and jewellery sales are expected to pick up ahead of the summer holidays, as residents purchase gold jewellery as gifts, wedding presents, or to mark personal milestones when they travel back to their home country. However, given the reduced price arbitrage between the UAE and certain Asian countries, the trend is expected to be muted, according to jewellers in Dubai. A large number of families travel for vacations during the two-month summer break to their home countries, spending a significant amount of their budget on gifts, including gold and diamond jewellery. Local jewellers said they cater to this demand by offering lightweight, travel-friendly designs, customised gifting solutions and attractive seasonal offers tailored for outbound travellers. 'The onset of summer vacation and the subsequent travel plans of residents always bring with increased sales in jewellery. With expats planning to travel to their home countries, we see an increased demand for mostly lightweight articles that are an ideal gifting choice,' said Shamlal Ahamed, managing director for international operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds. 'We do see a noticeable uptick in jewellery purchases during the summer months — especially among expatriates who travel home. Many choose to buy gold jewellery before flying out as gifts, wedding presents, or to mark personal milestones back home,' Joyalukkas said in a statement. 'Gold from Dubai is still widely considered a symbol of quality and purity; furthermore, buying here offers price advantages and design variety. Whether it's a pair of elegant bangles for a mother, a solitaire for a sibling, a gold chain as a cherished keepsake or ornaments for an upcoming wedding - these purchases often carry deep emotional value beyond the price tag,' said the statement. Echoing his industry peers, Anuraag Sinha, managing director of Liali Jewellery, added that sales often pick up during summer in Dubai despite the heat as many residents buy gold or diamond jewellery as gifts for family before travelling to their home countries. In addition, he said the inflow of tourists from the GCC, Dubai Summer Surprises and community events like weddings and aggressive discounts by jewellers boost sales. Aditya Singh, head of international jewellery business at Titan Company, said there has been a trend in past years where Indian and Asian customers, before travelling to their home countries, used to buy gold for their families. 'However, the trend is expected to be muted, given that the price arbitrage has reduced between the countries. Many people also take vacations during the summer period, and therefore, jewellery sales tend to become muted. Fewer tourists coming to Dubai during summer months also have an impact on sales,' added Singh. However, Dubai has been promoting the Dubai Summer Surprises offer period during July and August, making it a good time to buy jewellery for those looking for good bargains, he added.
