If you are new to tracking gold prices, you might find the various terms in a jewelry store’s price table confusing. Terms like “buy,” “sell,” “bullion buyback,” and “jewelry buyback” can be tricky. The key to understanding these terms is simple: all prices are quoted from the perspective of the jewelry store.
| Column | Explanation | When to look at this? |
|---|---|---|
| Selling Price | The price at which the jewelry store sells gold to you. | Use this when you want to buy gold. This is the amount you pay. |
| Buying Price | The price at which the jewelry store buys gold from you. | Use this when you want to sell gold. However, retail customers often refer to specific buyback prices. |
| Bullion Buyback | The price the store pays for gold bars or bullion. | Use this if you have gold bars or ingots to sell. Because of higher purity and lower processing costs, this price is usually better. |
| Jewelry Buyback | The price the store pays for gold accessories. | Use this if you have gold necklaces or rings to sell. These require refining, so the price is typically slightly lower than bullion. |
For example, if the selling price is $16,950/tael and the jewelry buyback price is $16,310/tael, you pay $16,950 to buy a gold ornament. If you sell it back the next day, you would receive $16,310. The difference is the “bid-ask spread.” This is why gold investment requires a price increase to achieve a break-even point.
Understanding “Fluctuation”
The “fluctuation” figure represents the difference between today’s selling price and the previous trading day’s price. For example, “▼-470” means today’s price is $470 lower per tael than yesterday. This helps you gauge short-term volatility, not necessarily the long-term trend.
Buying Gold: Jewelry Stores vs. Banks
In Taiwan, individuals generally buy gold through two channels: jewelry stores and banks. While both follow international gold prices, their product types and fee structures differ.
Bank Gold Passbooks
These are ideal for investment purposes. You can purchase in small amounts (starting from 1 gram), and there is no need to store physical gold. The transaction process is convenient, though you generally cannot withdraw physical gold (or fees apply if you do), and the bid-ask spread is typically 1% to 2%.
Jewelry Store Purchases
These are better for physical possession or gifting. You can buy gold bars, coins, or jewelry to hold in your hands. Jewelry stores often allow for negotiation on larger purchases. The downsides are that you must provide your own security, and jewelry comes with additional “craftsmanship fees” (labor costs).
Quick Tip: If your goal is purely investment profit, banks or gold ETFs are more cost-effective. If you want to hold physical assets or need gold for gifts (weddings, baby showers), jewelry stores offer a better variety.
A Review of Recent Gold Price Trends in Taiwan
Since the beginning of 2026, gold prices in Taiwan climbed from $15,920/tael in early January to a historical high of $21,050/tael on January 29. Following news regarding the Federal Reserve, prices saw a sharp correction, dropping $1,480 in a single day on January 31—an unusually volatile event.
Throughout February, gold fluctuated between $18,000 and $19,500. By early March, it reclaimed the $20,000 level before stabilizing. Looking back at 2025, Taiwan’s gold prices rose by over 60%, one of the largest annual increases in history, driven by central bank purchases, geopolitical tensions, and interest rate expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a “tael” of gold today?
As of June 17, 2026, the reference selling price at Taiwan jewelry stores is approximately $16,950/tael, and the buying price is around $16,250/tael. Prices are updated daily at 10:00 AM. Please refer to your local jewelry store for exact pricing.
Why is there a difference between bullion and jewelry buyback prices?
Bullion buyback prices are higher because gold bars have high purity and do not require complex refining. Jewelry may contain solder points or clasps, which must be removed or refined, thus incurring higher processing costs.
Who determines the price of gold?
Prices in Taiwan are calculated based on international gold markets, such as the London Bullion Market (LBMA), COMEX in New York, and the Shanghai Gold Exchange, adjusted for the USD/TWD exchange rate.
What happens when I sell old jewelry?
Professional stores will weigh your gold and pay based on the daily “jewelry buyback price.” Note that gemstones or non-gold attachments are usually deducted from the weight before calculation. It is recommended to compare quotes from several stores before selling.
Disclaimer: This information is for reference only. Actual transaction prices are subject to the policies of individual jewelry stores.