In Singapore, a city known for its combination of contemporary sophistication and traditional culture, finding the perfect piece of gold jewellery can be both exciting and overwhelming.
To make your search for the ideal jewellery as enjoyable as possible, especially if you are new to buying gold in Singapore, we have put together this guide to help make your experience easier.
After all, gold jewellery isn't just about looking good—it’s an investment that holds its worth.
So, if buying gold is something you have in mind, you may want to stick around for this!
Understand Gold Purity (916 or 999?)
When you are shopping for gold, you probably hear the term 916 or 999 gold a lot. What do these numbers mean?
Simply put, 916 gold refers to gold that is 91.6% pure, or 22 karats, whereas 999 is gold that is 99.9% pure, or 24 karats. This is the purest form of gold you’ll ever find in the market as it is impossible to obtain 100% gold with zero impurities.
999 gold may sound more enticing as it has ‘more’ gold, but it is important to note that it is softer and more prone to dents and scratches compared to the 916 gold. Hence, this is why 916 gold is a more popular choice among Singaporeans for rings, necklaces, and other jewellery pieces especially for daily wear.
However, if you are set on buying 999 gold jewellery pieces, we recommend purchasing a pendant or an investment piece that will be cherished and kept in pristine condition at all times.
LEARN MORE: WHICH GOLD KARAT IS BETTER 999 OR 916 GOLD JEWELLERY
Find a Reliable Gold Shop
There have been several reported cases where people were scammed into thinking they were buying real gold when in fact, it was gold-coated. When purchasing gold, you can never be too careful. Your first task prior to purchasing is to do your research and locate a reliable and trustworthy gold store.
The good news is that when it comes to quality and craftsmanship, Singapore has some of the most amazing gold shops! So, you will never run out of options here.
If you are looking for a reliable gold shop in Singapore, areas such as Orchard Road, Little India, and Chinatown have plenty of places to shop.
Set Your Budget
Now that you have located the store of your choice, it is advisable to set a certain budget before you start gold hunting.
While you are considering your budget, you may also want to consider the fact that gold comes in several forms, with 916 and 999 being the most common in Singapore.
999 gold tends to be more expensive than 916 gold, so if you are aiming for the highest purity, you’ll need to adjust your budget accordingly to match your choice.
Another factor to keep in mind is the design of the gold jewellery. Intricate and unique designs will generally cost more when it comes to workmanship whereas more straightforward, mass-produced designs are often more affordable and might fit better within a tighter budget.
With the set budget in mind, you will avoid overspending. Moreover, your sales associate will know exactly what to show you while staying within your budget.
TAKE NOTE: The budget you set should include the total cost of the jewellery, including extra charges like workmanship, taxes, or any customization fees.
Consider the Design
When it comes to gold jewellery in Singapore, there are a variety of designs. You can choose from traditional designs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the island to modernistic, contemporary designs. One of the many reasons people love to shop for gold here.
When choosing your gold pieces, take into account how often you are planning to wear them. Is it an everyday piece or are you looking for something more exquisite for an event?
For example, you can choose a 916 gold ring to be worn daily, whilst you could choose a 999 gold necklace that boasts more intricate designs, meant to be worn only with certain garments on certain occasions.
Think of your personal style and how the jewellery will fit in with the rest of your wardrobe; will it complement the accessories you usually wear, or will it be a statement piece on its own?
You may also want to consider the value of the jewellery; although intricate designs may cost more, they can also add significant value and uniqueness to the piece!
PRO TIP: When checking the jewellery pieces in store, make sure to check the clasps to see if it is secure. A well-made clasp will keep your piece safe and prevent it from accidentally falling off.
Understanding the Hallmarks
Gold jewellery that are sold in Singapore have stamps on them to show the purity (and authenticity) of the gold. The stamps are important because it is one of the many ways customers can verify if they are buying genuine gold.
916 gold, which is 91.6% pure gold, will be stamped with 916. If it is pure gold, it will have 999 stamped on it. It is important to check for these stamps because it will help you evaluate the gold and make sure you are paying the right price.
It is a small detail but makes a big difference when it comes to understanding the value and authenticity of the gold that you are buying.
Compare Prices
Gold prices fluctuate daily based on the global market and they can be different between stores, due to the workmanship charges. Before you make a purchase, it would be a good idea to give yourself the option of seeing prices from a few stores and comparing the prices of similar items.
The goal is not solely to get the cheaper item, consider factors like craftsmanship, design intricacy, and the reputation of the jeweler.
PRO TIP: Keep in mind that a slightly higher price, especially at a reputable store, will provide a sense of security that the gold is genuine and the quality is there.
Here at Merlin, we pride ourselves in our authenticity and transparency when it comes to gold jewellery. Our dedication to quality means that every item you find with us is made with the finest care and accuracy.
We think that buying gold should be a rewarding experience, and we are committed to providing you with the best options and information to help you make the right choice.
Visit our store today!