The Complete Gold Buying Guide for Nigeria

Azarai Content
2026-04-20T10:33:55+01:00

This gold buying guide for Nigeria covers everything before you spend a naira: karats from 9kt to 24kt, yellow vs white vs rose gold, how to read hallmarks, the difference between solid gold and gold-plated, and 2026 naira pricing for rings, chains, bracelets and earrings. For most Nigerian buyers, 14kt gold is the smart choice — strong enough for daily wear, rich enough in gold content to hold long-term value.

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Gold buying guide Nigeria. Gold karats explained: 9kt, 14kt, 18kt and 24kt. Hallmarks and how to read them. Yellow gold, white gold and rose gold compared. Gold-filled vs gold-plated vs solid gold. How to care for gold jewelry in Nigeria. What gold jewelry costs in Nigeria in 2026. Naira pricing for gold rings, chains, bracelets and earrings. Dubai gold. Italian gold. Saudi gold. Rhodium plating explained. Wedding ring durability. Gold as an investment in Nigeria. Karats vs carats. Why gold jewelry breaks. Gold spot price Nigeria.

The Jewel School · Gold
The Complete Gold Buying Guide for Nigeria

AT
By Azarai Team

April 2026

8 min read

In this guide
History of gold Where gold comes from Physical properties Gold karats explained Yellow gold White gold Rose gold Hallmarks Solid vs plated vs filled Gold as an investment Care & maintenance 2026 naira pricing What Nigerians choose FAQ

Before you spend a naira on gold jewelry in Nigeria, here is what matters: gold comes in different purity levels called karats, and those karats determine the price, durability, and color of every piece you buy. It comes in yellow, white, and rose varieties, each achieved through different metal alloys. Every genuine piece carries a hallmark stamp you can verify — and not everything sold as "gold" is solid gold. The difference between a ₦50,000 gold-plated chain and a ₦2,000,000 solid gold chain is enormous. For most Nigerian buyers, 14kt gold is the recommended choice: it balances gold content, durability, and price better than any other karat for everyday wear.

The Azarai Recommendation
Everyday wear → 14kt gold

Prestige & milestone pieces → 18kt gold

Fashion & budget pieces → 9kt gold

A brief history of gold

Gold has been central to West African culture, trade, and wealth for centuries — long before European contact. The trans-Saharan gold routes that connected Nigeria's north to Arab and Mediterranean markets made West Africa one of the world's great gold-producing regions, a tradition that lives on every time yellow gold appears at a traditional wedding, a naming ceremony, or an owambe celebration as a marker of family status and prosperity.

Learn More The History of Gold Jewelry in Nigeria and West Africa

Where does gold come from?

Gold is a chemical element formed in dying stars and deposited on Earth through ancient asteroid impacts. It is mined from hard rock deposits and alluvial riverbeds, then refined before it enters the jewelry trade. Nigeria has documented gold deposits in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and Osun states, though the country does not yet produce refined gold at scale for the local market. Most gold jewelry sold in Nigeria arrives via Dubai, Italy, or Saudi Arabia. Because gold is priced globally in US dollars, Nigerian buyers feel every naira movement directly.

Deep Dive Where does the gold in Nigerian jewelry actually come from? We compare Dubai, Italian, and Saudi gold — quality differences, hallmark standards, pricing, and what to look for when buying imported pieces in Lagos or Abuja. Where Does Gold Come From? Dubai vs Italian vs Saudi Gold Compared

The physical properties of gold

Non-reactive: Gold does not rust, tarnish, or corrode — a piece buried for 3,000 years emerges unchanged.

Extremely malleable: Pure gold is so soft it can be beaten into translucent sheets, which is why it must be alloyed with harder metals for jewelry use.

Dense and heavy: At 19.3 g/cm³ — nearly twice the density of iron — a solid gold piece feels noticeably heavier than a plated one.

Naturally yellow: No other metal has gold's characteristic warm yellow color in its natural state; white and rose gold require alloying to achieve their colors.

Permanent: Gold does not degrade over time — a well-made solid gold piece, properly cared for, outlasts its owner.

Gold karats explained: 9kt, 14kt, 18kt and 24kt

Karat is the unit of gold purity, running from 1kt to 24kt. The four karats you will encounter in Nigeria are 9kt, 14kt, 18kt, and 24kt. The table below compares them across all key properties — scroll horizontally on mobile.

Karat | Gold content | Hallmark | Hardness | Color | Best use
9kt | 37.5% | 375 | Hardest | Pale yellow | Fashion pieces & budget jewelry
14kt Recommended | 58.3% | 585 | Very good | Medium-rich yellow | Everyday fine jewelry, engagement & wedding rings
18kt | 75.0% | 750 | Good | Rich yellow | Prestige jewelry & special occasions
24kt | 99.9% | 999 | Very soft | Deepest yellow | Investment bars & ceremonial pieces

Continue Reading Karats vs Carats — They Are Not the Same Thing

Tap each karat below to read more:

9kt gold — entry-level fine jewelry

Entry-level · 37.5% gold
Nine karat gold is 37.5% pure gold — the hardest of the four karats because the alloy content is highest, but also the palest in color and lowest in gold value. It is the right choice for fashion pieces, budget-conscious purchases, and jewelry where the look matters more than long-term value. Nine karat pieces can last well with proper care. They are not fine jewelry in the investment sense and should not be presented or bought as if they are.

14kt gold — the smart choice for Nigeria

Recommended · 58.3% gold
Fourteen karat gold is 58.3% pure gold — and for most Nigerian buyers, it is the recommended karat. It contains enough gold to look genuinely luxurious, hold real monetary value, and carry a certified hallmark. The 41.7% alloy content makes it meaningfully harder and more scratch-resistant than 18kt. For engagement rings and wedding bands worn daily through Lagos heat, Abuja humidity, market runs, owambe dances, and long office days — 14kt simply holds up better over time. The price difference versus 18kt is also significant, and in a naira context where exchange rates affect what you pay, that saving is real.

18kt gold — the prestige tier

Prestige tier · 75% gold
Eighteen karat gold is 75% pure gold, alloyed with 25% other metals for strength. The color is genuinely rich and warm — noticeably more gold-toned than 14kt. At Azarai, 18kt is our prestige tier: the choice for clients who want the highest gold content in a wearable piece and are willing to pay accordingly. It is the right metal for milestone pieces, heirlooms, and rings bought for their sentimental and financial significance. For rings worn every single day through Lagos heat and Abuja humidity, 18kt requires more careful handling than 14kt — its higher gold content makes it marginally softer under constant wear.

24kt gold — Investment only

Investment grade · 99.9% gold
Twenty-four karat gold is pure gold — 99.9% gold content with virtually no other metals. Its color is the deepest, most saturated yellow possible. Its problem is practical: it is too soft for jewelry worn regularly. A 24kt ring would scratch, bend, and deform quickly with daily use. Suitable for investment bars, coin collections, and very occasional ceremonial pieces. Not practical for anything that stays on your body.

The Azarai Position
For everyday rings, chains, and bracelets — 14kt. For engagement rings, wedding bands, and milestone pieces where gold content and prestige matter most — 18kt. For fashion-forward pieces on a tighter budget — 9kt is honest value. See our full 9kt vs 14kt vs 18kt comparison guide for a deeper breakdown.

Wedding ring durability: why karat choice matters more than you think

A wedding ring is the one piece of jewelry most people wear every single day for the rest of their lives — and that changes the karat equation. While 18kt carries more prestige, 14kt is the more practical choice for a ring worn through cooking, cleaning, gym sessions, beach trips, and everything else Lagos and Abuja life involves. The harder alloy in 14kt resists scratching better and holds its polish longer under constant daily wear.

Our recommendation: 14kt for the ring you wear every day without exception. If the ring is reserved for formal occasions or if gold content and prestige are the primary consideration, 18kt is there. Many of the world's most respected jewelry houses default to 14kt for everyday wedding bands precisely because longevity matters more than karat number on the third year of wearing it.

Continue Reading Gold Karats Explained: 9kt vs 14kt vs 18kt vs 24kt — Full Comparison

Free Download Gold Buying Guide PDF
Our complete gold buying guide — karats, hallmarks, naira pricing, care tips and more — in one comprehensive ebook.
Download Free Guide

Yellow gold

Yellow gold is gold in its most traditional form — alloyed with silver and copper in proportions that preserve and amplify the characteristic warm hue. In Nigeria, yellow gold carries cultural weight that goes beyond aesthetics: it reads as wealth, permanence, and celebration. At traditional weddings, introductions, and naming ceremonies, yellow gold is statement jewelry. It is also the most low-maintenance of the three colors — no rhodium plating required — and it flatters the full range of Nigerian skin tones in ways that cool-toned metals sometimes do not.

Continue Reading Yellow Gold Jewelry — The Complete Nigeria Guide

White gold — and rhodium plating

White gold is created by alloying pure gold with white metals — typically palladium or silver — which shifts the color to a silver-white tone. In its natural alloyed state it is slightly grey or off-white; the bright mirror finish most people associate with white gold comes from a rhodium plating applied as a finishing step. White gold has grown significantly in popularity for engagement rings among younger Nigerian buyers, particularly in Lagos. Azarai offers white gold in both 14kt and 18kt.

Rhodium plating — what you need to know before you buy

Maintenance · White gold only
Rhodium is a platinum-group metal that is harder and brighter than gold. Applied as a thin electroplated layer over white gold, it gives the ring its characteristic mirror-white finish. The important thing to understand before buying: that rhodium layer wears off. Depending on how hard you wear the piece, you will start to see the warmer, slightly yellowish tone of the gold alloy showing through — typically at the base of a ring — within one to three years. This is not a defect. It is a known, manageable property of white gold, corrected with a routine re-plating service. At Azarai, rhodium re-plating is available at all three showrooms. Most white gold ring owners schedule a re-plate every one to two years.

White Gold vs Platinum
If you love the white metal look but do not want to manage rhodium re-plating, platinum is worth considering. Platinum is naturally white — it never needs plating. It is also denser, heavier, and significantly more expensive. See our platinum vs white gold comparison for a full breakdown.

Continue Reading White Gold Jewelry Guide Nigeria — Including Rhodium Plating Costs and Timing

Rose gold

Rose gold gets its warm pink tone from a higher copper content in the alloy — copper shifts the color toward pink, and the effect is stable and natural, requiring no rhodium plating. Rose gold is the most polarizing metal in the Nigerian market: buyers who love it tend to love it deeply, finding it romantic and genuinely flattering against warm Nigerian skin tones. Buyers who dislike it often feel it reads as insufficiently gold in a cultural context where yellow gold carries strong status associations.

One practical note: rose gold's higher copper content can occasionally cause reactions in people with copper sensitivity — 18kt rose gold is gentler on sensitive skin than 9kt because the copper proportion is lower. For couples choosing matching wedding bands, rose gold pairs beautifully with yellow gold in a two-tone set, a combination growing in popularity among Azarai clients in Abuja.

Continue Reading Rose Gold Jewelry Guide Nigeria

Understanding gold hallmarks in Nigeria

A hallmark is a small stamp pressed into the metal that certifies its purity. On rings, look for it on the inside of the band. On chains and bracelets, check the clasp. On earrings, look on the post or backing. If a piece has no hallmark and the seller cannot provide documentation, the claimed karat is unverified. For the full history of hallmarking and how international assay systems work, see our complete gold hallmarks guide for Nigeria.

Stamp | Karat | Gold content | What it means
999 | 24kt | 99.9% | Pure gold — investment grade
750 | 18kt | 75.0% | Premium prestige jewelry
585 Recommended | 14kt | 58.3% | Everyday fine jewelry
375 | 9kt | 37.5% | Entry-level fine jewelry

Note: 14kt gold is technically 583 (14÷24 = 0.5833) but most manufacturers follow the European practice of marking it 585. Both 583 and 585 indicate 14kt.

Continue Reading Gold Hallmarks Nigeria — How to Read Every Stamp

Gold-filled vs gold-plated vs solid gold

These three terms describe entirely different products at entirely different price points. Understanding which you are looking at before you hand over money is the difference between buying a piece that lasts a lifetime and one that fades before the year is out.

Type | What it is | Gold content | Lifespan | Price range
Gold-plated | Microscopically thin gold layer electroplated over base metal | <0.05% | 6 months–2 years | ₦5,000–₦40,000 (~$3–$25)
Vermeil | Thicker gold plating over sterling silver base | Minimal | 1–5 years | ₦30,000–₦150,000 (~$20–$95)
Gold-filled | Mechanically bonded gold layer over base metal core | ~5% by weight | 10–30 years | ₦50,000–₦200,000 (~$30–$125)
9kt solid gold | Gold alloy throughout — no base metal core | 37.5% | Lifetime | From ₦370K
14kt solid gold Recommended | Gold alloy throughout — no base metal core | 58.3% | Lifetime | From ₦555K
18kt solid gold | Gold alloy throughout — no base metal core | 75.0% | Lifetime | From ₦710K

Prices based on $150/g spot, ₦1,500/$ exchange rate, $5/g labour with standard retail markup. Subject to naira movement.

Solid gold means the entire piece is made from a gold alloy all the way through — not layered, not coated. It does not fade, holds monetary value, and lasts generations with proper care.

Gold-filled has a real gold layer mechanically bonded to a base metal core — thick enough to last decades with reasonable wear. It is legitimate, durable fashion jewelry, not the same as solid gold but far superior to plated pieces in longevity.

Gold-plated is electroplated gold so thin it is measured in microns. It looks identical to solid gold in the store but fades within months of regular wear, particularly in Nigeria's heat and humidity. It has its place at its price point but should never be sold or bought as a substitute for solid gold.

Continue Reading Gold-Filled vs Gold-Plated vs Solid Gold — The Complete Comparison

Gold Jewelry as an Investment in Nigeria

Investment Note
For pure investment purposes, certified gold bars and coins offer cleaner exposure — you pay only for the gold content with minimal fabrication premium. Jewelry carries a fabrication cost (labour and design) that you do not fully recover on resale. But for Nigerian buyers who want both wearability and a store of value, solid gold jewelry in 14kt or 18kt with verified hallmarks is a genuinely sound choice. Because gold is globally priced in US dollars, its naira value rises when the naira weakens — which has protected purchasing power through multiple periods of exchange rate volatility.

Continue Reading Gold Jewelry as an Investment in Nigeria — What the Numbers Show

How to care for your gold jewelry in Nigeria

Nigeria's climate — high humidity, heat, and an active social life that keeps jewelry on from morning to midnight — demands specific care habits. Gold is durable, but not indestructible.

1. Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after applying lotion, perfume, and deodorant — chemicals in these products build up on gold and dull the finish over time.

2. Take it off before the pool. Chlorine degrades gold alloys, particularly lower-karat pieces with higher base-metal content.

3. Wipe down after sweating. A quick pass with a soft cloth after a workout or a long night out removes sweat and skin oils before they accumulate into a dull film.

4. Clean at home with soap and warm water. A soft-bristle toothbrush, mild dish soap, and lukewarm water is the safest DIY cleaner — never toothpaste, which is abrasive.

5. Store pieces separately. Gold is soft enough that pieces rubbing against each other will scratch — use a fabric-lined box or individual zip-lock bags.

6. Check clasps and prongs regularly. Annual professional inspection at an Azarai showroom catches wear before a stone loosens or a chain snaps.

7. Know when to take it off entirely. Remove rings before weightlifting, manual work, or any activity where the ring could get caught — gold cannot always be reshaped once deformed.

Important
Gold can break. Thin ring shanks, fine chain links, and worn settings can snap under mechanical stress or years of wear fatigue. If your piece has cracked or broken, bring it in for professional assessment before attempting a home repair. Why did my gold jewelry break — and can it be fixed? →

Continue Reading How to Care for Your Gold Jewelry in Nigeria — Complete Guide

What gold jewelry costs in Nigeria in 2026

Pricing Note
Every time the naira weakens against the dollar, the naira price of gold rises — even when the international spot price is flat. This is currency movement, not a jeweler raising margins. See our guide on how to read the gold spot price in Nigeria to understand what you should reasonably be paying at any given time.

Prices below are calculated at $150/gram spot price (~$4,700/oz) and a ₦1,500/$ exchange rate, with $5/gram labour and a standard retail markup applied. These are indicative retail prices; actual prices vary by design complexity, stone settings, and piece weight. Custom commissions will differ.

Piece | Weight | 9kt | 14kt | 18kt
Plain ring | 4g | ₦735K | ₦1.1M | ₦1.4M
Chain (medium weight) | 15g | ₦2.8M | ₦4.2M | ₦5.3M
Bracelet | 10g | ₦1.8M | ₦2.8M | ₦3.5M
Stud earrings (pair) | 2g | ₦370K | ₦555K | ₦705K

Calculated at $150/g spot, ₦1,500/$, $5/g labour with standard retail markup. Prices are indicative — visit an Azarai showroom for a precise quote.

Visit Azarai in Lekki, Ikeja or Abuja to see our full gold collection in person and speak with our team about current pricing, available pieces, and custom commissions.

Nigeria Context
What Nigerian Buyers Actually Choose

Yellow gold dominates Nigerian jewelry culture — not because Nigerians haven't seen white gold, but because yellow gold carries cultural weight that has nothing to do with international trend cycles. At owambe parties, traditional weddings, and naming ceremonies, yellow gold is statement jewelry. It signals prosperity, family standing, and the seriousness of the occasion.

White gold has grown meaningfully for engagement rings among Lagos buyers aged 25 to 38. The cleaner contemporary look — particularly paired with a brilliant-cut diamond or moissanite center stone — resonates strongly with buyers who want their ring to read as current rather than traditional. Rose gold follows with a smaller but genuinely devoted audience.

On karat preference: 14kt is the practical sweet spot for buyers who have done any research at all. It offers real gold content, real durability, and real value without the premium pricing of 18kt. The difference in appearance between 14kt and 18kt is subtle to most eyes; the difference in price is not.

Men's jewelry — yellow gold chains, ID bracelets, signet rings, and Cuban links — is one of Azarai's strongest-performing categories across all three showrooms. Nigerian men's relationship with gold jewelry is direct and unapologetic, and the numbers at our Lekki and Abuja locations reflect it consistently.

Free Download Gold Buying Guide PDF
Our complete gold buying guide — karats, hallmarks, naira pricing, care tips and more — in one comprehensive ebook.
Download Free Guide

Frequently asked questions

Which gold karat is best for everyday jewelry in Nigeria?

For most Nigerian buyers, 14kt is the recommended choice. It contains 58.3% pure gold — enough for genuine value and a rich appearance — while the higher alloy content makes it harder and more scratch-resistant than 18kt. For daily wear in Nigeria's climate, 14kt outlasts 18kt in practical terms and costs meaningfully less. If you want the highest gold content in a wearable piece and are buying for prestige, 18kt is the premium tier.

Which karat is best for a wedding ring in Nigeria?

Fourteen karat gold is the most practical choice for a wedding ring worn every single day. Its higher alloy content makes it more durable than 18kt under constant wear — it holds its polish longer and scratches less easily. Reserve 18kt for a wedding ring worn for formal occasions rather than daily use, or when prestige and gold content are the primary consideration.

How do I know if my gold jewelry is genuine in Nigeria?

Look for a hallmark stamp: 585 for 14kt, 750 for 18kt, 375 for 9kt — pressed into the inside of rings or onto clasps. If there is no hallmark and the seller cannot produce documentation, the claimed karat is unverified. A reputable jeweler, including any Azarai showroom, will always provide metal certification for every piece they sell.

Does white gold change color over time?

Yes — the rhodium plating applied over white gold wears off gradually, revealing the slightly warmer, more yellowish tone of the gold alloy beneath. This is a normal, manageable property of white gold, not a defect. It is corrected with a routine re-plating service, which most white gold ring owners schedule every one to two years.

Can gold jewelry break?

Yes. While solid gold is very durable, thin ring shanks, delicate chain links, and worn settings can snap under mechanical stress, impact, or years of wear fatigue. If your piece has broken or is showing structural weakness, bring it in for professional assessment rather than attempting a home repair — the problem is usually fixable, but it needs a jeweler's hands.

Is gold jewelry a good investment in Nigeria?

For Nigerian buyers, gold has historically functioned as an effective hedge against naira depreciation. Because gold is globally priced in US dollars, its naira value rises when the naira weakens — protecting purchasing power through multiple periods of exchange rate volatility. Solid gold jewelry with verified hallmarks is a reasonable store of value, though resale carries a fabrication cost spread above raw gold value. See our gold as an investment guide for a full breakdown.

Where can I buy certified gold jewelry in Lagos and Abuja?

Azarai carries certified gold jewelry in 9kt, 14kt, and 18kt at our showrooms in Lekki Phase 1 and Ikeja in Lagos, and in Abuja. Every piece comes with metal documentation so you know exactly what you are buying. You can also book a free consultation to discuss custom pieces in your preferred karat, metal color, and design.

AT

Written by the Azarai Team Nigeria's jewelry experts since 2014
Visit us in Lekki, Ikeja or Abuja to see our full gold collection in person, or book a free consultation online.

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In This Guide

1. History of gold

2. Where gold comes from

3. Physical properties

4. Gold karats explained

5. Yellow gold

6. White gold

7. Rose gold

8. Hallmarks

9. Solid vs plated vs filled

10. Gold as an investment

11. Care & maintenance

12. 2026 naira pricing

13. What Nigerians choose

14. FAQ

Free Download Gold Buying Guide PDF
Our complete gold buying guide — karats, hallmarks, naira pricing, care tips and more — in one comprehensive ebook.
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