1. South Asian Gold Weight Units
In Pakistan’s Sarafa markets (Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Multan), gold and silver jewelry are traded in traditional Ayurvedic weight denominations: Tola (تولہ), Masha (ماشہ), and Ratti (رتی).
While bullion bars are minted in metric grams or Troy ounces internationally, retail jewelers formulate quotes based on daily rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA).
2. Exact Gram Ratios (Tola, Masha, Ratti)
- 1 Tola =
11.6638 Grams - 1 Masha = 1/12 Tola =
0.97198 Grams - 1 Ratti = 1/8 Masha = 1/96 Tola =
0.12149 Grams - 1 Gram =
0.085735 Tola
3. Gold Purity Karats (24K vs 22K vs 21K vs 18K)
| Karat | Purity Percentage | Fineness (Millennial) | Primary Market Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Karat (24K) | 99.9% - 100% | 999 | Investment Biscuits & Pure Bullion Bars |
| 22 Karat (22K) | 91.67% | 916 | Bridal Sets, Bangles, Heavy Pakistani Jewelry |
| 21 Karat (21K) | 87.5% | 875 | Gulf / Dubai Gold Imports & Chains |
| 18 Karat (18K) | 75.0% | 750 | Diamond Rings, Lightweight Western Jewelry |
4. Sarafa Price & Jarta (Making Charges) Formula
When purchasing jewelry, the total customer invoice is calculated as:
Total Price = (Weight in Tola × Purity Adjusted Rate) + Making Charges (Katai / Jarta) + Gemstone Valuation