According to him, "there is great demand for Syrian gold jewelry in foreign countries, including Egypt, Iran and Algeria; resellers earn good money because the work of our local jewelers is cheap."
"Syrian goldware is recognizable because only our goldsmiths leave their own personal mark and a sign of our association on each piece, which confirms the authenticity of the gold. We use 21-carat gold to produce the braid-shaped bracelets and chains, while 18-carat gold is used to make thin chains, necklaces and rings. Turkish goldsmiths have tried to borrow our system, but to no avail, Jazmati said.
He added that a Syrian goldsmith will never make forgeries, given that each and every gold piece bears his personal mark and that he understandably seeks to avoid tarnishing his image.
In addition, the gold can be tested in a special laboratory in Damascus, and each gold jewelry piece has a quality certificate, according to Jazmati.
The Central Bank of Syria has managed to stabilize the price of gold, prompting people to buy gold instead of dollars, which are often counterfeited.
A single price for gold is daily established at 11.30 all across Syria. It depends on the world price per ounce and the local exchange rate of the dollar. Jazmati said that Syria has yet to establish cooperation with other countries on this issue.
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