Gold Spot Price vs Local Price: Why They Differ
A calculator based on spot gives you the international reference. The price you are quoted locally is built from that reference plus several things the spot price does not include.
Published by the Heartline Works team · Last reviewed 2026-10-02 · Editorial policy
What sits between spot and the price you pay
- Dealer premium or discount over spot, which varies by product, size and demand.
- Import duties, taxes and levies in your country.
- Currency conversion margins and local banking costs.
- Making charges and wastage on jewelry.
- Local supply and demand, which can move a local market away from the international price for days.
Selling is different from buying
Buyers of scrap gold typically pay a percentage below the reference value to cover testing, melting, refining and their margin. The gap depends on the buyer and the item.
How to use a reference value well
- Calculate the reference value of the metal content.
- Ask the dealer for the quote broken down into metal, making charge and tax.
- Compare the metal part of the quote with your reference value; the difference is the dealer’s premium for that part.
This site never publishes a “local rate”. Local association rates are set by local bodies and change through the day; use them directly from the source that issues them.
Try the tools
- Gold Value Calculator — Reference value of gold by weight and purity, with pure-gold content.
- Jewelry Metal Value Calculator — Indicative jewelry value: metal, wastage, making charge and tax shown as separate lines.
Frequently asked questions
Can the calculator tell me what my jeweller will pay?
No. It shows the reference value of the metal. Offers depend on the buyer.