In Dakar, two pairs of gold earrings of the same weight can be priced at one figure and double that. It isn't necessarily a scam: it's that the price of a piece of jewelry blends several very different things. If you want to buy without getting it wrong, you need to learn to separate them.
Looking for a nice pair for a wedding, a christening, or simply to treat yourself? Before you pay, ask yourself the right question: in this price, how much corresponds to the actual gold, and how much to the craftsmanship and the seller's margin?
At Jayma Or, we buy and appraise gold in Dakar every day: jewelry, broken gold, scrap, coins and bars. We test and weigh in front of you, based on the day's global price. This daily routine has taught us exactly where the good and bad prices hide — here's what you need to know before you buy.
In this article, you'll learn:
- what really drives the price of a pair of gold earrings;
- why the karat changes everything (and how to spot it);
- the classic traps when buying in Dakar;
- how to check that an offer is fair, in a few seconds.
What really drives the price of your earrings
The displayed price of a pair of gold earrings adds up several elements you need to know how to tell apart:
- The value of the gold. It depends on the karat, the weight and the day's price. It's the only "objective" part of the price, and the only part that resells.
- The craftsmanship. The artisan's work: a chiseled, openwork or intricate pair takes far more hours than a simple ring.
- The setting and the stones, if there are any — they have their own value, independent of the gold.
- The brand and the seller's margin.
Understanding this breakdown already makes you a better buyer. Two pairs that look identical can contain very different amounts of gold; conversely, a highly worked piece can be expensive mainly for its craftsmanship. For the details, read our complete guide on the price of gold jewelry in Senegal.
The karat: the factor that changes everything
The karat indicates the purity of the gold, and it's what weighs most heavily on the value:
- 24K: 99.9% pure gold, too soft for earrings worn every day.
- 21K: 87.5% gold, highly prized in West Africa for its warm yellow color.
- 18K: 75% gold, the solid, refined standard of fine jewelry.
- 14K: 58.3% gold, more durable but lower in gold content.
The direct consequence: for equal weight, a 21K pair is worth significantly more than a 14K pair, because it contains more actual gold. Before you buy, look for the hallmark (875, 750, 585...) and clearly ask for the karat. A serious seller knows it and states it without hesitation.
The classic traps when buying in Dakar
A few mistakes come up again and again. Avoid them:
- Paying a high-karat price for low-karat gold. Without a hallmark or a test, there's no way to be sure. Be wary of "21 karat" that's claimed but never proven.
- Confusing solid gold with gold plate. Gold plate is only a thin layer of gold over another metal: its gold value is almost nil, even if it looks similar.
- Ignoring the weight. Light earrings, even in lovely gold, contain little metal: it's normal that they cost less.
- Not comparing any price to the day's rate. Without a reference, you're negotiating blind.
Unsure about authenticity? Have the piece appraised before paying a large sum. We do it routinely, and it's quick.
How to check that an offer is fair
Here's the simple method to judge a price on the spot:
- Ask for the karat and check the hallmark.
- Have the pair weighed in front of you, on a real scale.
- Check the day's price for the karat in question, shown on our homepage.
- Estimate the value of the gold (weight × price per gram), then compare it to the price asked. The gap corresponds to the craftsmanship and the margin: it's up to you to judge whether it's reasonable.
Try it next time: you'll be surprised how readable a price becomes once the value of the gold is isolated. And if you're unsure, ask us for an opinion before you buy.
Buy smart, and think about resale
A good purchase is also thought through with resale in mind. Know that at resale, only the value of the gold counts — not the craftsmanship you paid for. That's why well-chosen earrings, at the right karat and the right weight, hold their value better. If one day you wish to sell them, our method is here: selling your gold jewelry in Dakar and, more specifically, selling gold earrings.
Our role: to help you buy at a fair price through honest expertise, and to buy back your gold later at the day's rate if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell gold earrings?
Our main business is buying and appraising gold, not selling from a catalog. But we're happy to advise you before a purchase: contact us to learn the right price benchmarks based on the day's rate and to avoid overpaying.
How can I tell if earrings are really gold?
Look for the hallmark (875, 750, 585...), then have the metal tested. The test determines the real karat precisely and reveals gold plating. We offer this check quickly.
Which karat should I choose for earrings?
18K offers a good balance between value and durability; 21K is richer in gold and very popular locally; 14K is the most durable. The right choice depends on your budget and how you'll wear them.
Can the price really vary from one shop to another?
Yes, a lot, because of the craftsmanship, the brand and the margin. The value of the gold, however, is the same everywhere: that's your reliable point of comparison.
Is the estimate or the advice paid?
No. An opinion and an estimate at Jayma Or are free and with no obligation.
Take action: an expert opinion before you buy
You now know how to separate the value of the gold from the craftsmanship, spot the right karat and judge an offer. Before you put your money down, get the price confirmed.
Ask for a free, no-obligation opinion: send a photo of the earrings by WhatsApp to +221 78 111 66 87, or book an appointment. We'll tell you honestly whether the price is consistent with the day's rate.
Check the day's rate on our homepage, then write to us: you'll buy with full confidence, at a fair price.