Silver and Gold Jewelry Buying Rules in Egypt
Ashraf Fares • February 13, 2026
You protect money when rules guide each purchase. Jewelry prices follow metal markets and labor costs.
Where to buy
Cairo jewelry districts
- Downtown gold streets near banks.
- Zamalek boutiques with clear labeling.
Tourist areas
- Shops near temples sell mixed quality.
- Prices start high.
Malls
- Fixed pricing.
- Receipts provided.
Metal pricing basics
Silver
- Price follows the daily global silver rate.
- Labor adds cost by design weight and detail.
Gold
- Price follows the daily global gold rate.
- Labor adds cost per gram.
You ask the daily rate before viewing items. Rates appear online and in banks.
Typical karat standards
Gold
- 18 karat common.
- 21 karat common.
- 24 karat, rare for jewelry.
Silver
- 925 stamp marks sterling silver.
Price examples from recent checks
Silver ring
- Weight 10 grams.
- Metal value is low, in the double-digit dollar range.
- Final price rises with labor.
Gold bracelet
- Weight 15 grams at 21 karat.
- Metal value is mid-hundreds dollar range.
- Final price adds labor fee.
Required checks before payment
- Check the stamp inside the piece.
- Weigh the item in front of the seller.
- Multiply weight by daily rate.
- Add stated labor cost.
- Compare with the final price.
Fraud signs
- No visible stamp.
- Refusal to weigh the item.
- Claims of special tourist pricing.
- Discounts are offered before calculation.
Payment rules
- Pay in Egyptian pounds when possible.
- Avoid cash exchange inside shops.
- Request receipt with weight and karat listed.
Transport and customs
- Wear jewelry during travel.
- Keep receipts in a carry-on.
- Declare high-value items when required by airline rules.
Who benefits from guided buying
- You avoid low-purity items.
You reach licensed shops.
You save time.

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You buy alabaster with fewer losses when you follow clear checks. Luxor villages produce the most genuine pieces. Where workshops operate West Bank villages Al Qurna area hosts many family workshops. Production happens near homes. Selection stays wide. Roadside workshops Located on routes between temples. Access stays easy during tours. Prices start high. Workshop pricing structure Material Egyptian alabaster costs more than resin. Weight drives price. Size Small bowls sell at low prices. Lamps and statues rise fast with size. Finish Hand-polished pieces cost more. Machine-polished pieces cost less. Price examples from recent checks Small bowls under 10 cm in diameter sell in the low double-digit dollar range. Medium vase, around 20 cm, sells at mid double-digit range. Lamps over 30 cm reach a higher double-digit range or more. Authenticity checks you use Touch Surface feels cool. Light Thin edges allow light through. Sound Tapped gently, the stone gives a soft tone. Visual Natural veins appear uneven. What to avoid Bright white pieces with painted veins. Claims of marble origin. Lightweight items are sold as stone. Workshop visit tactics Ask to see raw stone blocks. Watch carving or polishing. Ask total price before packing. Decline shipping offers inside workshops. Bargaining rules in Luxor workshops Start at one-third of the first price. Increase in small steps only. Stop before emotional attachment forms. Walk out without comment when the price stalls. Transport and packing Wrap items with clothing in luggage. Keep fragile pieces in carry-on when size allows. Avoid checked baggage for lamps. Who benefits from guided visits You save time with a guide. You avoid resin stops. You reach workshops with stable quality.









