How Much Does a Gold Chain Cost?

Quick answer: A 22K gold chain costs about ₹14,300–₹15,400 per gram all-in as of 26 Oct 2026. That is ₹13,085/g for the gold, plus 6–14% making charges and 3% GST. A thin 2 g chain costs roughly ₹28,600–₹30,700; a 10 g chain costs about ₹1,42,900–₹1,53,600.

What is the price of a gold chain today?

The price depends on three things: weight, karat and making charges. On 26 Oct 2026, Groww listed the India average rate at ₹13,085 per gram for 22K and ₹10,706 per gram for 18K. City rates differ slightly, so your local jeweller's board rate may be a little higher or lower.

Jewellers then add making charges and 3% GST on the total. For chains, IIFL Finance puts typical making charges at 6–14% of the gold value. Plain machine-made chains sit near the bottom of that band; handmade or heavily patterned chains sit near the top.

Gold chain price table by weight (22K and 18K)

All figures are as of 26 Oct 2026, using Groww's India average rates. "All-in" includes 6% to 14% making charges and 3% GST.

How the range is built: gold value × 1.06 × 1.03 for the low end, and gold value × 1.14 × 1.03 for the high end. A 14K chain would cost less again; 14K is about ₹8,350/g, derived as 24K (₹14,275) × 0.585.

How much does a small or thin gold chain cost?

A small or thin 22K chain of 2–5 g costs about ₹28,600 to ₹76,800 as of 26 Oct 2026. These are the delicate chains used for a small pendant, a child's chain or a minimal everyday look.

Two points matter more at this size:

• Making charges weigh more. Fine chains take the same clasp and finishing work as heavier ones, so expect quotes towards the upper end of the making band. Some jewellers also set a minimum making charge per piece.

• Hallmarking can be missing. Outlook Money notes that gold items under 2 g may be sold without a hallmark, with the invoice saying so. If you want a hallmarked chain with a 6-digit HUID, ask for one of at least 2 g.

Thin chains also stretch and snap more easily. If the chain will carry a pendant, a 3–4 g chain is usually a sturdier choice than a 1–2 g one.

How much does a gold chain weigh by type and length?

Chain weight is set by style, thickness and length. The table below gives indicative 22K weights based on BlueStone's and IIFL Finance's weight guides; the lightest band is our own estimate.

Length changes weight in a straight line for the same design. If an 18-inch chain of a given pattern weighs 9 g, the same pattern at 22 inches weighs about 11 g (9 ÷ 18 × 22). Common Indian lengths are 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches; women tend towards 16–20 inches, men towards 20–24 inches. See [How Long Should a Chain be for a Man?] for fit guidance.

How is the price of a gold chain calculated?

Jewellers in India use the same formula for every chain. Ask for each line on the bill.

1. Gold value = net weight (g) × today's rate for that karat.

2. Making charges = a percentage of gold value or a fixed ₹ amount per gram.

3. Wastage (VA), if the jeweller charges it separately from making. Many chains roll this into one "VA" figure. See What Is Va in Gold?.

4. Subtotal = gold value + making + wastage + hallmarking fee, if listed.

5. GST = 3% of the subtotal.

6. Final price = subtotal + GST.

The making-charge method matters when gold rates rise. A percentage charge rises with gold; a flat per-gram charge does not.

Worked example: the bill for an 8 g 22K chain

Here is a realistic bill for an 8 g plain 22K chain with 10% making, as of 26 Oct 2026.

If the same jeweller quoted making at ₹600 per gram instead, making would be ₹4,800. The bill would then fall to ₹1,12,764 (₹1,09,480 + ₹3,284 GST). Always compare quotes on the final figure, not on the making rate alone.

Is a 22K or 18K gold chain better value?

22K is the default for plain gold chains in India because it holds more gold. It is 91.6% pure and marked 916 on the hallmark. 18K is 75% gold (marked 750), so it is about 18% cheaper per gram and slightly harder.

What will you get back when you sell or exchange a gold chain?

You get the gold value, not what you paid. Making charges and GST are not refunded on resale. Most jewellers pay on net weight and tested purity, and some also deduct a small percentage.

In the 8 g example above, you paid ₹1,18,602. At today's rate, the gold inside is worth ₹1,04,680 before any deduction. The ₹13,922 gap is the cost of making and tax. Exchanging with the same brand usually loses the least; check the deduction in writing before you buy. See [How Much Is Old Gold Jewelry Worth?].

How to pay less for a gold chain

• Compare making charges, not just the gold rate. The rate varies little between shops; making charges vary a lot.

• Choose machine-made patterns. Plain rope, box and cable chains usually fall near the bottom of the 6–14% band.

• Watch festival offers. Many jewellers cut making charges around Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras. Compare the final bill, not the discount headline.

• Buy the weight you need. Two extra inches on a heavy chain can add several grams.

• Check the HUID. Enter the 6-digit HUID in the BIS CARE app before you pay. It shows the purity and the hallmarking centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 10 gram gold chain cost in India?

A 10 g 22K gold chain costs about ₹1,42,900 to ₹1,53,600 as of 26 Oct 2026. That covers ₹1,30,850 of gold, 6–14% making charges and 3% GST. An 18K chain of the same weight costs about ₹1,16,900 to ₹1,25,700.

How much does a 5 gram gold chain cost?

A 5 g 22K chain costs about ₹71,400 to ₹76,800 as of 26 Oct 2026. The gold alone is worth ₹65,425 at ₹13,085 per gram. In 18K, the same chain costs about ₹58,400 to ₹62,900.

What is the cheapest gold chain I can buy?

Very thin 1–2 g chains are the cheapest real gold chains, at roughly ₹14,300–₹30,700 in 22K as of 26 Oct 2026. Items under 2 g may not carry a BIS hallmark, so ask the jeweller to state the purity on the invoice.

What are the making charges on a gold chain?

Chain making charges in India typically run 6–14% of the gold value, per IIFL Finance. Plain machine-made chains sit near 6–9%; handmade or intricate chains go higher. Some jewellers quote a flat ₹ per gram instead.

Is GST charged on gold chain making charges?

Yes. On a normal jewellery bill, 3% GST applies to the full value, including gold and making charges. On a ₹1,15,148 subtotal, that is ₹3,454.

How many grams should a daily-wear gold chain be?

Most daily-wear chains weigh 3–12 g for women and 10–35 g for men. A chain that carries a pendant should be at least 3–4 g so the links do not stretch.

Does the length of a chain change its price?

Yes, because longer chains use more gold. For the same pattern, weight rises in proportion to length: a 9 g chain at 18 inches weighs about 11 g at 22 inches.

Why do two shops quote different prices for the same chain weight?

The gold rate is similar everywhere, so the gap usually comes from making charges, wastage and stone or design work. Ask both shops for an itemised quote and compare the final amount.