How to Check Hallmark on Gold

1. Introduction

• What is a hallmark?

Hallmark is a marking or a form of certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The hallmark essentially signifies the purity level of gold in the ornament/metal that has been hallmarked.

• Why hallmarking matters when buying gold Jewelry.

Hallmarking is essential and greatly matters when buying gold. It is a mark of purity, and helps the buyer identify and confirm the purity level of the gold that they are buying. It also helps buyers avoid situations where they’re cheated or overcharged for the purity of gold sold to them. Hallmarked gold is also reliable for availing a gold loan from trusted lenders like indiagold.

• Overview of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmarking in India.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying body that tests and certifies the gold based on its purity level with the appropriate hallmarking.

2. What Does a Gold Hallmark Include?

Breakdown of key markings:

• Purity/Fineness Mark (e.g., 22K916, 18K750, 14K585): Hallmarking includes purity indication for gold such as 916 marking for 22 karat gold indicating the fact that the certified metal has 91.6% pure gold. Similarly, some other common purity marks are 750 for 18 kara gold i.e. 75% pure gold and 585 hallmark indicating 14 karat or 58.5% pure gold.

• BIS Logo: BIS logo is more commonly known as the hallmark logo in the context of gold purity certification. It is typically placed at the back of the ornament/jewellery however legible too.

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3. How to Identify a Genuine Hallmark Physically

• Where to find the hallmark (inner band of ring, clasp of chain, back of pendant, etc.): The hallmark is placed strategically so that it doesn’t interfere with the design however is still legible to the naked eye

• What a properly stamped hallmark should look like: A poorly stamped hallmark would interfere with the jewellery aesthetic, and the main characteristics such as the HUID number and the logo are not legible.

4. How to Verify Hallmark Using BIS Care App

• Step-by-step guide:

1. Download BIS Care App (Android/iOS): This is an official app by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and can be extremely useful to check and verify certification

2. Locate the six-digit HUID number on the jewelry: This HUID number is typically at the back of the jewellery, strategically placed so that it doesn’t impact the aesthetic of the jewellery however is legible to the naked eye.

3. Enter it into the app: Enter the HUID number into the app and wait for the results.

4. Check the certificate details (purity, jeweller name, hallmarking centre, date): This certificate would carry all the relevant details to help you understand the purity of the gold.

• Red flags if details don’t match: If the details on the hallmarking and the reality doesn't match then it's a major red flag. This most likely means that you’re falling prey to purity scam.

5. Types of Gold Purity Markings

• Table of common purities and their codes:

• 24K – 999 (mostly gold coins/bars): 24 karat or 24K is gold in its purest form. It essentially means that 99.99% of the metal is gold. Due to the malleable nature of pure gold, 24K gold is typically used for making bullion or non-jewellery gold like gold coins, bars, etc.

• 22K – 916 (most jewelry in India): 22 karat or 22K gold metal contains 91.6% pure gold in the alloy. The rest 8.4% is typically metals like copper, etc. this mix provides the much needed strength and hardness to the gold and makes it fit to use it for daily use items like jewellery. It is the highest purity yet usable gold sold in the market.

• 18K – 750: 18K or 18 karat gold metal contains 18/24 parts of gold, i.e. 75% pure gold in the alloy. Gold alloy of 18k purity still retains characteristics of gold like colour and shine and is more robust for daily use. This too is widely used to make jewellery.

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6. Difference Between Old and New Hallmarking System

• Transition to Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system: The old hallmarking system required the assessing and certifying authority (BIS) to only mark the gold with the appropriate purity mark. However, with the new system in place the BIS certifies the gold with hallmark signifying the purity level, and it also contains a HUID i.e. hallmark unique identification number which can be validated in the BIS website. This measure is to curb illegal hallmarking.

• Why the new system is more secure: The new system allows the buyers to validate the purity basis of the HUID number on the hallmark at the BIS website. This allows the buyers to avoid purity scams while purchasing gold.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying only on “22K” marking without BIS hallmark: 22K marking can be stamped by anyone without the authority to certify gold’s purity. Hence, it is essential for the buyer to know the real hallmark stamp and only trust on the BIS hallmark rather than general 22K marking on the gold

• Buying gold without invoice: Buyers must avoid buying gold without an invoice. Doing so can result in you falling prey to a scam, as after the purchase you cannot substantiate that you indeed bought the gold from the said seller, making it difficult to hold the right person accountable.

• Trusting only visual appearance or weight: Visual appearance can be misleading. Trusting or guessing the gold value basis the visual appearance and weight is not a reliable way, hence it is recommended for the buyers to only trust the BIS hallmark and the weight of the metal.

8. What to Do If Your Gold Is Not Hallmarked

• Options:

• Get it hallmarked later: This is a great yet not widely used method for certification. Irrespective of when you bought your gold and whether it carries the hallmark or not, you can get it certified by BIS at a later date.

• Get purity test at BIS authorized centre: One can get the purity test done at the BIS authorized centre.

• Understand charges involved: Before getting the hallmark certification for the gold, you should understand the commercials involved in getting the hallmarking done.

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