Do gemstones count toward gold zakat?
No. Zakat is due on pure gold only. Any piece set with stones or intricate design weighs more than its gold content, and that difference must be subtracted first.
An example that shows the difference
A 21K ring weighing 10 grams, set with a 2 gram diamond.
Diamond weight = 2 g
Net gold weight = 10 − 2 = 8 g
Pure gold = 8 × (21 ÷ 24) = 7.00 g
Had you calculated on 10 grams directly, you would have paid zakat on 8.75g of pure gold instead of 7.00g — 25% more than required.
How to find the gold weight inside a piece
Method 1 — Ask the jeweller
The net weight, meaning after stones are deducted, is standard terminology and should be recorded on your invoice or stated at purchase. Keep the receipt, as you will need it when selling or having the piece valued.
Method 2 — Read the hallmark
Every hallmarked gold piece carries one of these numbers stamped into it:
| Hallmark | Equivalent karat | Purity | Example: 8g net gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | عيار 24 (999) | 100% | 8.00 g pure |
| 916 | عيار 22 (916) | 91.67% | 7.33 g pure |
| 875 | عيار 21 (875) | 87.5% | 7.00 g pure |
| 750 | عيار 18 (750) | 75% | 6.00 g pure |
| 585 | عيار 14 (585) | 58.33% | 4.67 g pure |
The hallmark must be stamped into the metal itself, not printed on the surface. A shop that only prints the number is not stamping it properly.
Special cases
- Gold settings (baguettes): if made of solid gold at 18K or above, they count toward the weight. Other metal parts do not.
- Diamonds: not gold. They only affect the gross weight and must be subtracted.
- Pearls: not gold, and excluded on the same basis.
- Gold-plated pieces: the relevant weight is the gold alone, not the total weight.
Using the calculator with stones
The calculator above has a "Stone weight (deducted)" field. Enter the gross weight in the weight field and the stone weight next to it, and the karat purity is applied to the difference automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Do gemstones count toward gold zakat?
No. Zakat on gold is calculated on the pure gold weight only. If a piece weighs 10 grams and contains 2 grams of stones, the gold weight is 8 grams, not 10. Subtract the stone weight before applying the karat purity.
How do I find the gold weight of my jewellery?
Three ways: ask the jeweller for the net weight, which is usually recorded on the invoice or hallmark; read the stamp, where 999 means 24K, 916 means 22K, 875 means 21K, 750 means 18K and 585 means 14K; or estimate the stone weight and subtract it if neither is available.
What if I do not know the stone weight?
It is better to ask the jeweller. If you must estimate, count the full weight as gold, which gives slightly more zakat. That is the cautious direction, though the jeweller is always the better answer.
Are gold settings included?
A gold setting made of 18K or higher gold counts toward the weight. Diamonds, rubies, quartz and other stones are not gold and are excluded. Pearls are also not gold.