Brazilian gold What it is, and what it costs in Syria
Episode date: Length: 1 min 22 s
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With gold prices high, "Brazilian gold" (dahab brazili) has become an alternative for many Syrians. The Mukhtar asked sellers what it is made of, why it carries numbers like 18 and 21, and how its price compares with real gold.
The short answer
"Brazilian gold" is not gold. It is gold-coloured plated jewellery made in China, sellers say, and its 18, 21 and 14 marks describe the colour, not the karat. In July 2026 most pieces cost about $0.8 to $2.3 in Damascus (100 to 300 new Syrian pounds), while a gram of real gold cost about $113 (15,000 pounds).
Sellers said it is costume jewellery made in China and plated in a gold colour. It contains no gold and is not sold by the gram like real gold.
What do the 18, 21 and 14 marks mean?
According to sellers, the numbers point to the colour, matching the look of gold of that karat. They are not a real karat mark, so do not rely on them if you want gold.
What does it cost in Syria?
According to sellers in the episode, most pieces cost about $0.8 to $2.3 (100 to 300 new Syrian pounds) in Damascus in July 2026, with the full range running from about $0.4 (50 pounds) to about $23 (3,000 pounds). For comparison, sellers put a gram of real gold at about $113 (15,000 pounds).
Who is it for?
It suits people who want the look of gold for little money. It is not a way to save, because it holds no gold value.
Questions people ask
Is Brazilian gold real gold?
No. It is gold-coloured plated jewellery made in China, according to sellers in the Mukhtar Al Souq episode.
How much is Brazilian gold in Syria?
In July 2026 most pieces cost about $0.8 to $2.3 in Damascus (100 to 300 new Syrian pounds).
What does 18 or 21 mean on Brazilian gold?
It describes the colour, matching gold of that karat. It is not a real karat.
We ask sellers in the market and record every price with its date, in US dollars and new Syrian pounds. How we work
The Mukhtar Al Souq team: produced by Ahmad Nahas (the show on his site) · written by Ahmad Nahas, Mazen Shbib, Ranim Shabani and Dania Halbouni · edited by Abdulrahman Al-Nassar and Abdulrahman Mulla · graphics by Wael Fayyad
The truth from the market, for the people