Tips for Choosing a Trustworthy Jeweller or Bank

Original content · Published 6 July 2026

Buying or selling gold often involves meaningful sums, so choosing the right shop matters. Reputation, transparency and after-sales protection are usually worth more attention than a one-off headline price gap. These tips help lower your risk. This site only provides a directory of jewellers and banks with official-site links — it does not publish per-shop prices and claims no official ranking.

1. Benchmark with spot first, then compare

Before committing, set a mental benchmark using the international spot reference price. Use our gold reference and calculator to estimate the metal value, then ask several shops and compare total prices (including craftsmanship) and buy-back terms — don't look at a single number in isolation.

2. Insist on a clear receipt

A proper transaction should come with a clear receipt stating weight, purity (fineness), metal price, craftsmanship, surcharges and total. Keep receipts and product details when buying, so they are easy to check later for buy-back or enquiries. When selling, ask which purity, weight and deductions the offer is based on.

3. Check fineness marking and testing method

A trustworthy shop clearly marks fineness (e.g. 999, 916, 750) and, when buying back, explains how purity is tested (instruments, touchstone) and how non-gold parts and solder points affect the estimate. If they are vague or refuse to explain, be cautious.

4. Understand buy-back and after-sales terms

Ask how the spread, commission and melt loss (weight deduction) are calculated.
Check for any buy-back guarantee, trade-in terms and time limits.
Chain jewellers and bank paper gold differ: physical vs passbook, wider vs tighter spreads.

5. Verify licensing and reputation

Prefer merchants with a physical store, a trading record and clear contact details; bank gold products are subject to relevant regulation. Public reviews can help, but understand they may be biased — the key is to verify terms in person.

Reminder: be sceptical of any "guaranteed return," "sure profit" or "definitely the cheapest today" claims. Gold carries price risk, and no one can guarantee returns.

This article is for education and reference only and is not investment or dealing advice. All gold prices, estimates and conversions are reference values; actual dealing, purity and buy-back terms are subject to a jeweller's on-site testing and quotation.