Korean fine jewelry is priced very differently from US retail because gold is sold much closer to metal weight, with a smaller design markup. That makes simple pieces genuinely cheap and elaborate pieces less of a bargain than you might expect.
Karat conventions
Korea uses 14K and 18K for most jewelry, with 24K reserved for gift and investment pieces such as baby rings. The stamp is on the clasp or inner band and reads 14K, 18K or a numeric mark like 585 and 750. Silver is marked 925 as elsewhere.
How pricing is built
A Korean jeweler quotes the gold weight at the day's market rate plus a fabrication charge, often stated separately. A simple 14K chain of 2 g might come to 150,000-250,000 KRW depending on the gold price that week. Because the metal is quoted daily, a quote you saw last month may not hold.
Where the value is
Plain chains, small pendants and stud earrings, where you are paying mostly for metal. Elaborate stone-set pieces carry design margins similar to anywhere else. Korean silver and gold-plated fashion jewelry at 20,000-60,000 KRW is a separate, much cheaper category with its own strong design scene.
Declaring value and insurance
Fine jewelry needs accurate declared value on the shipping paperwork. Understating it to reduce duty is both illegal and self-defeating, since claims for lost or damaged goods pay out against the declared value. Ask about insured shipping for anything over a few hundred dollars.
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Start a buy-for-me order →Frequently asked
Is Korean gold cheaper than US gold?
The metal is the same world price. The saving comes from lower fabrication and retail margins, typically 20-40% on simple pieces.
Can I get a certificate of authenticity?
Reputable Korean jewelers provide a guarantee card. Request it be included in the parcel and photographed at inspection.
Do jewelry imports face duty?
Value thresholds and duty rates for jewelry change and vary by material. Check current guidance for your declared value before ordering.