Shopping Guides
Buying Gold Jewellery in Lagos: How to Check It's Real
Where to buy gold and fashion jewellery in Lagos, what 18k, 21k and 22k mean, how to check if gold is real, how gold is priced, and tips for selling gold in Nigeria.
Jewellery is a big part of Nigerian style, from statement earrings for owambe to gold sets for weddings and gifts. But not everything that shines is gold. This guide explains how to buy gold jewellery in Lagos, what the numbers mean, how to check it's real, and what to know if you want to sell.
Fashion jewellery vs real gold
Most of the dazzling earrings, necklaces and bridal sets you see in Lagos markets are fashion jewellery: gold-tone or silver-tone metal, often with stones. It's affordable and perfect for matching aso-ebi outfits. Markets like Tejuosho have whole shops of it.
Real gold is sold by jewellers and gold dealers and is priced by weight and purity. Know which one you're buying before you pay.
What 18k, 21k, 22k and 24k mean
- 24k: pure gold (99.9%). Very soft, so rarely used for everyday jewellery.
- 22k: about 91.6% gold, often stamped 916.
- 21k: about 87.5% gold.
- 18k: 75% gold, often stamped 750. A popular balance of colour and durability.
- 14k: about 58.5% gold, stamped 585.
Higher karat means more gold, a richer yellow colour and a higher price per gram, but also a softer piece.
How to check if gold is real
- Look for a stamp: a karat mark (18k, 21k) or purity number (750, 916). Stamps can be faked, so this is a first check, not proof.
- Magnet test: gold is not magnetic. If a piece jumps to a strong magnet, it isn't solid gold (some clasps contain steel, though).
- Look for wear: plated jewellery shows a different colour where it has rubbed, especially at edges and clasps.
- Professional test: for valuable pieces, ask a reputable jeweller to do an acid test or an electronic (XRF) test.
How gold jewellery is priced
Real gold is usually priced by:
- Weight in grams (ask to see it weighed on a calibrated scale);
- Purity (18k costs less per gram than 21k or 22k);
- The current gold price, which moves daily with global markets and the exchange rate;
- Workmanship, an extra charge for design and craftsmanship.
Always get the weight, purity and price per gram written on your receipt.
Selling gold in Lagos
- Get the piece weighed and tested in front of you.
- Ask how the offer is calculated (price per gram × weight × purity).
- Get offers from more than one buyer.
- Bring your original receipt if you have it.
- Avoid selling to strangers or in unsafe locations; meet at an established shop.
Buying from abroad?
Gold and fashion jewellery are small and light to ship, but declare real gold honestly for customs and insure valuable parcels. See shipping from Lagos and paying traders safely.
Matching jewellery to an outfit? Read what to wear to a Nigerian wedding and our gele guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does 18k gold mean?
18k (18 karat) gold is 75% pure gold mixed with other metals for strength. It is often stamped "750". 21k is about 87.5% gold, 22k about 91.6% ("916") and 24k is pure gold.
How can I tell if gold is real?
Look for a karat or purity stamp, check that it is not attracted to a magnet, and for valuable pieces ask a reputable jeweller to test it with an acid test or an electronic (XRF) tester.
How is gold priced in Nigeria?
Real gold jewellery is usually priced by weight in grams, based on the current gold price and the purity, plus a charge for the design and workmanship. Prices move with global gold prices and the exchange rate.
Where can I sell 18k gold in Lagos?
Established jewellers and gold dealers buy gold. Get the piece weighed and its purity tested in front of you, compare offers from more than one buyer, and keep your receipts.
