Gold has always held a special place in our lives, it’s not just a metal but a part of our stories. From wedding ornaments to heirloom bangles passed down through generations, gold symbolises trust, beauty, and emotional value. But when it comes to buying gold, one question always matters — is it pure? That’s where hallmark gold comes in. Understanding and checking hallmarks ensures that every piece you buy carries the authenticity it promises. 

What is Hallmark Gold? 

So, what is hallmark gold, really? 

A hallmark is an  official mark stamped on gold to certify its purity. In India, the certification is done by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the government body that sets and maintains gold quality standards. 

When you see a BIS hallmark on gold, it means your jewellery has been tested and verified by an authorized centre for its exact purity. Since June 16, 2021, hallmarking has become mandatory across the country. This gives every buyer a sense of confidence and protection from fraud and misrepresentation. 

Simply put, hallmark gold ensures you’re buying the real deal, jewellery made with purity, verified by the BIS.

Gold Hallmarking Process

When it comes to hallmarking gold jewellery, two main techniques are commonly used, stamping and laser marking. Both serve the same purpose of certifying purity but differ in how they’re applied. 

Stamp Hallmarking

Stamping is the traditional method of hallmarking. Here, the purity and certification marks are physically imprinted on the gold surface using a small press or punch. While this method has stood the test of time, it’s not always ideal for every piece.

For example, if the jewellery is delicate, hollow, or intricately designed, the stamping pressure can sometimes cause slight deformation. Over time, especially in older pieces or thin bands, the mark might also become visible from the other side or fade due to wear. Still, for solid gold ornaments, stamping remains a reliable and widely accepted practice.

Laser Hallmarking

In recent years, laser hallmarking has become increasingly popular among jewellers. It uses a fine laser beam to engrave the hallmark without physically touching or altering the piece, making it perfect for filigree, stone – studded, or designer jewellery. Laser marks are precise, clean, and subtle, preserving the aesthetics of the ornament.

Types of Hallmarks Found on Gold Jewellery

 When you look closely at your gold jewellery, you might notice tiny symbols engraved on the inner side of a ring or the clasp of a chain. These aren’t just random markings, they’re your jewellery’s identity proof. Each symbol, together, makes up what we call hallmark gold. Let’s take a look at what they mean. 

1. Maker’s Mark – The Creator’s Identity

Think of this as the signature of the jeweller, who made your ornament. Every BIS registered jeweller has a unique identification mark that tells you exactly who crafted your jewellery. It’s a small but important sign of accountability and trust.

2. Fitness Mark — The Measure of Purity

This is where the science of gold purity comes in. The fitness mark tells you how much real gold is present in the jewellery. For example: 

• 24 Carat Gold Hallmark (999) — Pure gold

•  22 Carat Gold Hallmark (916) —   91.6% pure gold, ideal for gold jewellery

•  18 Carat Gold Hallmark (750) — 75% pure gold, often used in diamond or designer jewellery

So the next time you spot numbers like 916  or 750 on your jewellery, you’ll know exactly what they stand for.

3. Assay Office Mark — The Purity Checkpoint

Before any piece of gold gets a BIS hallmark, it’s tested at a BIS recognized Assay and Hallmark centre. This symbol shows which certified centre verified your jewellery’s purity. It’s proof that your jewellery has passed official quality checks, not just the jeweller’s word.

4. Year Mark — The Certification Timeline

The final mark tells you when the piece was tested and certified. It’s usually a small letter or number that denotes the year of hallmarking. This helps you trace when your jewellery officially received its BIS approval.

Each of these marks adds a layer of trust to your gold. Together, they ensure what you’re buying isn’t just beautiful,  but also pure, valuable, and verified.  Because in the world of gold, hallmarks aren’t just marks, they’re your assurance of authenticity. 

Key Elements to Look for in Hallmarked Gold 

Every piece of hallmark gold carries a few vital signs of authenticity that confirms its purity and certification. These marks are issued by hallmarking centres authorized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — the official body responsible for verifying and approving gold quality in India. 

When you purchase hallmarked jewellery, here’s what you should always check for: 

• BIS Mark: A small, triangle shaped BIS logo that represents certification

•  Purity of Caratage: A number showing the gold’s purity, for example, 22K916 denotes 22 carat gold with 91.6% purity

• Hallmarking Centre’s ID:  A unique identification number or mark of the certified centre that tested the gold

• Jeweller’s Identification Mark: The registered mark or code of the jeweller who sold the piece

For added assurance, BIS also advices customers to verify the jeweller’s license details before purchase. 

And when making a purchase, always ask for a clear bill breakdown. This helps you see any hallmarking charges, which the government has capped at just rupees 35 per jewellery item.

How to Identify Genuine Hallmark Gold 

When buying gold jewellery, a few simple checks can help you ensure that your purchase is 100 per cent genuine and hallmarked. Here’s what to look for: 

1. Verify the BIS hallmark:

The BIS hallmark is the most trusted mark of purity in India. It confirms that your gold has been independently tested and certified by an authorized BIS assaying and hallmarking centre. 

2. Look for the Four Key Marks:

Genuine hallmark gold will always feature four main symbols, the maker’s mark, the fineness mark, the assay office mark, and the date mark. Together, they guarantee authenticity and purity.

3. Check the Purity Stamp: 

Along with the BIS hallmark, every piece should carry a quality stamp showing its carat value, for instance, 22K916 OR 18K750. This helps you know exactly what purity you’re paying for.

4. Assess the Weight:

Real gold has a certain heaviness depending on its carat and size. If your jewellery feels unusually light, it could indicate impurities or an imitation piece. Always have it checked before you buy. 

How to Check Hallmark on Gold

When you buy gold, one of the most important steps is to check the hallmark. This simple check ensures that your jewellery is authentic, pure ,and BIS certified. In India, BIS hallmarked gold carries a few symbols that tell you everything you need to know about its purity and certification. Let’s look at them closely:

1. The BIS Logo

Start by finding the BIS hallmark symbol, a small triangular logo that represents certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This mark is your first assurance that your jewellery has been officially tested and approved for purity by a government recognised centre. 

2. Purity or Fitness Mark

Next, look for the purity mark, which shows how much real gold your jewellery contains. This is usually expressed as both carat and fineness:

• 22K916 means 22 – carat gold with 91.6% purity

• 18K750 means 18 – carat gold with 75% purity

•  14K585 means 14 – carat gold with 58.5% purity

The higher the number, the purer the gold. 24 carat gold  hallmark pieces are considered the purest form but are usually too soft for regular jewellery. 

3. The Six – Digit HUID Code

Every hallmarked gold item now carries a unique six – digit alphanumeric code known as the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number. Introduced by the government in April 2023, this code helps track and verify each individual piece of jewellery. 

To confirm authenticity, you can use the BIS Care App and select the ‘Verify HUID’ to check your jewellery’s purity and certification details instantly. 

Why You Should Always Choose Hallmarked Gold Jewellery

Buying gold is never about the shine, it’s about trust, emotion, and lasting value. Whether it’s a wedding necklace, a small token of love, or an investment for the future, you deserve to know that what you’re buying is real and pure. That’s exactly what hallmark gold assures you. 

A BIS hallmark is  like a stamp of honesty. It tells you that your jewellery has been tested and certified purity by an authorised centre. So, when you see that tiny mark, you can wear your gold with complete confidence, knowing it’s 100% genuine. 

Hallmarked jewellery also works in your favour when it comes to value. If you ever decided to sell or take a loan against your gold, hallmarked pieces fetch a higher return. In fact, according to RBI guidelines, you can get up to 75% of your gold’s value for hallmarked items, a clear advantage over non – hallmarked ones.

Another reason to always check for a BIS hallmark is protection. It helps you avoid fraud or misrepresentation, ensuring that what glitters truly is gold. While some jewellers may have their own markings, the BIS hallmark is the one mark recognised and trusted across India. 

And if you’ve ever been told that hallmarking makes jewellery expensive, don’t worry. The certification charge is minimal, just rupees 35 per item, often already included in the final price. 

So, the next time you buy gold, take a moment to look for that hallmark. It’s a tiny mark that makes a huge difference, giving you purity and value that lasts for generations. 

Conclusion

Gold isn’t just a precious metal, it’s a part of our lives, our memories,and our celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding ring, a festive bangle, or a gift for someone special, every piece of gold holds meaning. That’s why checking the hallmark on gold jewellery is so important.  It’s your assurance that what you’re buying is pure, genuine, and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

When you take  a moment to verify the BIS hallmark, purity mark, and six digit HUID code, you’re not just being cautious, you’re being wise. These marks protect you from fraud and ensure that every ornament you buy truly reflects the quality and trust it promises. 

In the end, hallmarked gold jewellery gives you complete confidence in your purchase. You know your gold isn’t just beautiful, it’s authentic, valuable, and made to last for generations. Because the real value of gold comes from its authenticity and quality.  

FAQs

1. How to check gold hallmark online?

You can easily check a gold hallmark by visiting the official Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) website or downloading the BIS Care app. Simply enter the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number mentioned on your gold item. The system will display the registered details, confirming its purity and authenticity. 

2. How do I check the gold serial or HUID number?

Every hallmarked gold ornament carries a unique HUID number, which acts like a  serial code. You can verify this number through the BIS Care app or the BIS website by entering it in the search field. The system will display the details of purity, weight, and registered jeweller. 

3. How can I identify 916 gold?

The term “916 gold” refers to 22-karat gold, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold. To recognize it, look for a hallmark stamp that includes the BIS logo followed by the number 916. This mark guarantees the purity of the metal and is usually found on the inner or hidden part of the jewellery piece. 

4. What does the hallmark code on gold represent?

A standard hallmark gold includes several identifiers — the BIS logo, the purity grade (like 22K or 18K represented as 916 or 750), the jeweller’s identification mark, and the HUID number. Together, these symbols certify that the gold item has been tested and approved by the BIS for purity and authenticity.