How to Hire a Good Karigar: A Jeweller's Checklist

Hiring bench staff badly is expensive twice: once in wages, once in wastage.

Always give a trial piece

A short paid trial tells you more than any interview. Give the same piece to everyone so you can compare.

Check wastage, not just speed

Weigh in and weigh out. A karigar who is ten percent slower but loses less metal is cheaper.

Ask about their last workshop

Not to check references — to hear how they talk about the work. People who describe processes carefully usually work carefully.

Be clear about terms on day one

Monthly or per piece, who bears wastage, PF, accommodation, working hours. Almost every dispute traces back to this conversation not happening.