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What is Hallmark Gold?

Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in gold articles. Hallmarks are a guarantee of purity or fineness of precious metal articles.

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the agency responsible for hallmarking gold jewellery. The BIS hallmarking scheme has been aligned with international criteria for hallmarking.

Why is Hallmarking Important?

Purity Assurance

Guarantees that the gold jewellery conforms to the stated purity

Consumer Protection

Protects consumers from adulteration and cheating

Resale Value

Hallmarked jewellery has better resale value

Export Quality

Internationally recognized standard for gold purity

Components of BIS Hallmark

1

BIS Logo

The standard mark that indicates the jewellery is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

2

Purity Grade

Indicates the fineness of gold (e.g., 916 for 22K, 750 for 18K, 585 for 14K).

3

Assaying Center Mark

Identifies the BIS-recognized assaying and hallmarking center where the jewellery was tested.

4

Jeweler's Identification Mark

A unique logo or mark that identifies the jeweler who manufactured or sold the piece.

5

Year of Marking

A letter code that indicates the year of hallmarking (e.g., 'A' for 2000, 'B' for 2001, etc.).

Gold Purity Standards

Karat

Purity Percentage

Fineness

Common Use

24K

99.9%

999

Investment, coins, bars

22K

91.6%

916

Jewellery, traditional ornaments

18K

75.0%

750

Contemporary jewellery

14K

58.5%

585

Lightweight jewellery

How to Verify Hallmark Authenticity

1

Check for HUID

Look for the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number - a 6-digit alphanumeric code that can be verified on the BIS portal.

2

Examine All Marks

Ensure all five components of the hallmark are present: BIS logo, purity, center mark, jeweler ID, and year of marking.

3

Verify Online

Use the BIS Care app or website to verify the HUID number and check the authenticity of the hallmark.

4

Purchase from Certified Jewelers

Buy only from BIS-certified jewelers who are authorized to sell hallmarked jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hallmarking mandatory for all gold jewellery?

Yes, the Indian government has made hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts across the country. All jewellers with annual turnover above ₹40 lakh must register with BIS and sell only hallmarked gold jewellery.

Does hallmarking increase the cost of jewellery?

Hallmarking involves a nominal charge per piece, which is usually passed on to the consumer. However, this cost is minimal compared to the assurance of purity and the protection it offers against fraud.

Can old jewellery be hallmarked?

Yes, old jewellery can be hallmarked by taking it to a BIS-recognized assaying and hallmarking center. The jewelry will be tested for purity and hallmarked if it meets the standards.

What if my hallmarked jewellery fails purity test?

If hallmarked jewellery fails independent purity tests, you can file a complaint with BIS. The Bureau has a compensation policy where consumers can claim twice the difference in gold value along with the testing charges.

Gold Bhav

Hallmark Gold Guide