What is the opinion of Malik regarding the criterion for Zakat on jewelry?
Chapter on Zakat on Gold and Silver
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Imam Malik considers the weight as the criterion. If the weight of the jewelry is twenty and its value is thirty, Zakat equivalent to half a Mithqal is due, and its increased value is disregarded because the Nisab is considered based on weight, similar to struck Dirhams, as the jewelry is a form of currency (Adh-Dhahab al-Mudarubah).
Supporting text
The majority opinion holds that workmanship becomes an intrinsic quality of the Nisab that holds objective value, necessitating its consideration, similar to quality in other Zakat-liable wealth. The evidence states that Zakat relates to both weight and quality, just as in fine gold, silver, livestock, grains, and fruits; one cannot pay inferior quality in place of superior quality.