Gold Bar or Jewellery: Which is a Better Investment?

Compare gold jewellery and bars to determine which offers better value and return on investment.
Gold Loan
2 mins
28 October 2024
Gold has long been a symbol of wealth and a reliable store of value, especially in India. With options ranging from gold jewellery, bars, and coins, each type presents distinct advantages. Understanding the differences between these forms of gold is vital when deciding on an investment. While jewellery is often favoured for its aesthetic and cultural significance, gold bars and coins are preferred for pure investment purposes. This guide explores key aspects of these choices, aiming to help Indian readers make informed decisions.

Gold jewellery vs gold bars: Which to choose?

Is buying gold bars better than jewellery?

Buying gold bars is generally considered better for pure investment purposes. Bars are usually available in 24-carat purity, making them more valuable and easier to sell in the international market. They also avoid the added costs associated with jewellery, such as design and making charges. Bars can be purchased in bulk, making them ideal for significant investments. Jewellery, while valuable, includes subjective elements like craftsmanship and fashion trends, which don’t translate to financial value. If you aim for wealth accumulation or preservation, gold bars offer a higher return on investment. Jewellery, on the other hand, is more about tradition and personal adornment.

Gold jewellery vs gold bars: Pros and cons

Gold jewellery offers aesthetic pleasure, and cultural significance, making it more than just an investment. Its downside lies in the additional costs of design, craftsmanship, and lower purity, often resulting in lower resale value. Gold bars, however, are typically pure and carry no making charges, making them a more straightforward investment for wealth preservation. They are more liquid and easier to trade, especially in large amounts. Jewellery may carry emotional value, but it lacks the practicality of bars in financial terms. Bars, although lacking in beauty or sentimental value, are more suitable for those seeking tangible investment returns.

Gold coins vs gold jewellery: Which is more valuable?

When comparing gold coins and jewellery, coins offer a purer and more flexible investment. Coins are generally made from 24-carat gold, and they are easier to liquidate as their market value is solely determined by weight and purity. Jewellery, although beautiful, often comes with making charges, which lowers its resale value. In terms of investment, gold coins are a better option as they retain more of their original value. However, jewellery can hold cultural and sentimental value, making it important for special occasions and gifts. While coins are more valuable in financial terms, jewellery’s value extends beyond mere monetary worth.

Should you invest in gold bars or jewellery?

Investing in gold bars is more beneficial if you're looking solely for financial returns. Bars are available in larger quantities and higher purity levels, usually at lower premiums compared to jewellery. This makes them ideal for large investments. Jewellery, on the other hand, offers a dual purpose: it is a wearable asset and a store of value, though with extra costs. If emotional and cultural factors are crucial, jewellery might be the better option. But if maximising returns is the priority, gold bars outperform jewellery in terms of liquidity, purity, and return on investment.

Gold bars vs gold coins vs jewellery: What’s the best choice?

Each type of gold investment—bars, coins, or jewellery—serves different needs. Gold bars offer high purity and bulk investment potential, ideal for those focusing on financial returns. Coins, while also pure, come in smaller denominations, providing flexibility. They are easier to trade and can be an affordable investment option for those with smaller budgets. Jewellery, although less ideal as an investment, is valuable for cultural reasons and personal use. For pure investment purposes, bars are best, while coins offer a balanced mix of value and liquidity. Jewellery is suitable for those who value aesthetics and tradition alongside their investment.

Gold loan EMI calculator for gold jewellery or bars

A gold loan EMI calculator is a valuable tool for determining how much you would need to repay on a gold loan. By entering details such as loan amount, interest rate, and tenure, you can estimate your repayments. For the gold you pledge, the loan amount will be dependent on the purity, and weight of the gold. Jewellery loans typically fetch lower amounts due to lower purity and added costs, while loans on gold bars often offer higher value due to their purity. Using an EMI calculator can help in planning repayment and managing finances efficiently.

Gold loan eligibility on gold coins, jewellery, and bars

Gold loan eligibility depends on the type, purity, and weight of the gold you pledge. For loan against jewellery, Bajaj Finance requires only 18-22 karat worth of gold jewellery to offer up to 75% of your gold’s value as loan.

Due to making charges and lower purity, the loan amount may be less compared to gold bars, which are generally 24 carats. Gold coins, too, must be of high purity to qualify, usually 99.9%. Some lenders may have restrictions on accepting gold coins above a certain weight limit, while bars are considered more straightforward assets to pledge. Meeting eligibility criteria ensures you receive the highest loan amount based on the value of your gold.

How to get the best gold loan on your gold bars, gold jewellery and coins?

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a gold loan on gold bars?
Yes, you can take a gold loan on gold bars. Gold bars are generally purer than jewellery, often containing 24-carat gold, making them highly valuable for pledging. Lenders typically offer a higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on gold bars due to their higher purity and liquidity. You will need to present the bars, along with proof of ownership, for valuation. Loan terms, such as interest rates and repayment tenure, depend on the lender and the value of your gold bars. Though Bajaj Finance only offers gold loan against 18-22 karat gold jewellery.

Is it better to take a gold loan on gold jewellery or gold bars?
Gold bars, with their high purity, often 24-carat, are typically preferred for gold loans, as they can yield higher loan amounts. Banks and financial institutions value bars highly due to their standardised purity and absence of making charges. However, gold jewellery is a convenient and widely accepted collateral option, particularly as it is readily available in many households. With most women owning gold jewellery, it becomes an easier and practical alternative for those seeking quick financing. Ultimately, whether using bars or jewellery depends on the assets you have and your lender’s valuation policies, with both options offering flexible loan solutions.

How much loan can I get on my gold jewellery?
The loan amount you can get on your gold jewellery depends on its weight, purity, and the lender's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Bajaj Finance offers up to 75% of the market value of your jewellery. Jewellery with higher purity, 18-22 carat, will attract a higher loan amount compared to lower-carat pieces. The final loan amount also considers factors like the prevailing gold rate, making charges, and other associated costs, which can affect the overall value.

What is the interest rate for a gold loan on jewellery or gold bars?
The interest rate for a gold loan on jewellery or gold bars varies by lender and market conditions. Bajaj Finance offers attractive interest rates starting at just 9.50% per annum. Gold bars, due to their higher purity, may fetch slightly better terms, but the rates are generally comparable to jewellery loans. Factors like loan tenure, repayment terms, and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio also influence the interest rate. Always compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal for your gold loan.

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