Zakat on Gold-Plated and Mixed-Karat Jewelry

Short answer: Gold-plated items are subject to zakat only if the gold content is substantial (reaches nisab) and is removable or constitutes the primary value; mixed-karat jewelry is assessed based on pure gold weight; stones/gems are not zakatable, but the gold portion is. Details: 1. Gold-plated items: The evidence establishes zakat on gold itself (Sahih al-Bukhari 1404, Sahih Muslim 987a, Surah At-Tawbah 9:34-35). If the plating is thin and negligible, it is not considered wealth. However, if the gold layer is thick or removable and its value reaches the nisab (85g of gold), zakat is due on that gold content. No specific hadith addresses plating, so the general ruling on gold applies. 2. Mixed-karat jewelry (e.g., 18k or 22k): Only the pure gold weight is zakatable. For example, 22k gold is 91.67% pure; calculate that portion. If the total pure gold equals or exceeds 85g, pay 2.5% on the pure gold value. Stones or other materials are not subject to zakat unless they are themselves gold or silver. 3. Alloyed metals: Silver content in mixed items is also zakatable if it reaches the silver nisab (595g), but the primary ruling here is for gold. Evidence: 1. Sahih al-Bukhari 1404 & Sahih Muslim 987a: Both emphasize that zakat is obligatory on gold and silver and warn against hoarding without payment. 2. Surah At-Tawbah 9:34-35: Condemns those who hoard gold and silver without paying zakat. 3. Sahih al-Bukhari 1454 & 1447: Specify nisab thresholds for silver (5 awaq) and by analogy, gold (85g). 4. Sahih al-Bukhari 1468: Establishes that zakat collection is obligatory on all qualifying wealth. Note: The provided evidence does not specifically mention gold-plating or mixed karat. The ruling above is derived from general principles of zakat on gold and silver. For complex cases involving coatings or alloys, consult a knowledgeable scholar.