What is BIS Hallmark? Types, How to Read Hallmarks, HUID System, Checking for Hallmarks at Home

What is BIS Hallmark

Your Elaborative Guide to BIS Hallmarks: Don’t Buy Gold Without Reading This!

Hey Gold Lovers!

Ever felt inquisitive looking at the tiny markings on your gold jewellery? You’re not alone. Buying gold is more than just a purchase. Rather, it’s an investment and an emotional bond that ought to last for generations. That’s why purity isn’t just a buzzword. Indeed, it is everything!

You should investigate to know whether the ornament you’re buying is 100% genuine or not. This is where the role of Hallmark steps in. Hallmarked stamps acts as your gold’s official guarantee of quality and purity.

What is a Hallmark and Why does it Matter?

What is a Hallmark and Why does it Matter?

Consider the hallmark as a stamp of trust from the government. It’s a marking applied to gold articles that certifies the precise percentage of pure gold in the metal. A ring having 22K gold marking is only the genuine one. And without it? Obviously, you’re taking a big risk on one of the major purchases you’ll ever make.

Importance of Hallmarking in Ensuring Gold Purity

The prime role of hallmarking the gold piece is to protect the consumer. Down the line, this guaranteed purity is crucial not just for ethical buying, but also for ensuring full resale value and higher gold loan eligibility.

Brief About BIS and the HUID System

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the authority responsible for this gold purity check in our country. In April 2023, the government made the announcement that made BIS Hallmarking mandatory for all gold jewellery.

This directive introduced a revolutionary system: the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code. It is a 6-digit alphanumeric code ensures 100% traceability of your jewellery.

Introduction to Gemlay Jewels – Your Trusted BIS-Hallmarked Jewellery Brand

Let us introduce ourselves before dive deep. Gemlay Jewels is based in Mohali and Sirhind. It is India’s trusted online and offline jewellery store known for crafting stunning gold and diamond jewellery. What really sets Gemlay apart? Every single piece of our gold jewellery sold by us is 100% BIS-Hallmarked. Additionally, our diamonds are certified by the International Gemmological Institute (IGI-certified jewellery). By giving you peace of mind with a purity guarantee and lifetime exchange, we give our customers transparency. We are your ultimate stop to buy jewellery online with absolute confidence!

What is Hallmarking of Gold?

Hallmarking of jewellery is the process in which a piece of gold is tested and then certified with an official stamp. It’s a standard mark applied to indicate the fineness of the gold. To ensure fair trade. Hallmarking’s purpose is to maintain standardization and government assurance across the industry.

How does BIS Ensure Purity and Consumer Trust?

A multi-step process known as assaying is involved to achieve the BIS Hallmarking. In this process a sample of the jewellery is tested at an authorized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. The piece get the official marks only when the piece has the purity communicated by the jeweller. This rigorous check guarantees the metal composition, building consumer trust.

Government’s Directive for Hallmarking in India

The government’s order means that every jeweller selling gold has to register with the BIS. Moreover, every piece of gold jewellery from that jeweller must be hallmarked before selling to a customer. This shift has radically improved the transparency of online jewellery shopping and in-store purchases across our nation.

Types of Hallmarks on Gold Jewellery

There are usually two methods of application of Hallmark on a piece of jewellery depending on the piece and the jeweller.

Stamped Hallmark

For thicker and heavier pieces of gold jewellery, this traditional Stamping Hallmarking method is often used. The markings are physically stamped onto the gold using a die and hammer.

  • How it’s Done? This traditional stamping method could be done either manually or with a machine press. The stamping is engraved with pressure. Thus, only heavier piece can sustain the compression.
  • Where to Find Them on Jewellery: You’ll typically find the hallmark stamp discreetly placed. For gold chains, it is placed on the clasp. Gold Rings for Women have it on the inner band. Similarly, it is hidden on the back of an earring.

Laser Hallmark

Laser hallmarking is the modern method in which an advanced laser machine engraves the symbols and the 6-digit HUID code onto the gold jewellery.

  • Precision and Tamper-Proof: The advantage of Laser etching is that it allows incredibly tiny and clear markings on delicate pieces. Fragile gold pendant for women in 18Kt or 14Kt gold or sleek bangles, anything can be hallmarked using this method without worry. Because of the precision of the laser, the hallmarking is tamper-proof.

How to Read Gold Hallmarkings

Firstly, authentic BIS hallmark gold has to be there to decode the hallmark stamp. Here is a step-by-step guide on the five marks you must look for:

DescriptionWhy it Matters
BIS Logo (Triangle Symbol)It is the official emblem of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The ultimate sign that the jewellery has been certified by the Indian government’s authority.
Purity Mark (Karat & Fineness)This mark has 2 ways to communicate about the purity:

Karat (K): 22Kt, 18Kt, 14Kt and the newly launched (Kt.

Fineness (No.): 916 (for 22Kt), 750 (for 18Kt), 585 (for 14Kt).

Here is an example to explain how this confirms the gold purity markings. 916 means 91.6% pure gold, which is standard 22K gold hallmark.
6-Digit HUID CodeIt is a unique alphanumeric code (combination of letters and numbers) assigned to that exact piece of jewellery.

Consider this code as a trace element of hallmarking. It allows you to check gold hallmark using BIS Care App to get its full history.
Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s MarkThis is a logo/mark of the specific center where the jewellery was tested and hallmarked.
It proves that the jewellery was checked by an qualified third-party lab on BIS care App.
Jeweller’s Identification MarkThe mark or logo of the jeweller or manufacturer who made that particular piece for you. It identifies the seller who is accountable for the purity.

At Gemlay Jewels, all our jewellery has these five essential BIS-approved marks. For an added assurance you will even get an IGI-Certificate for Diamonds studded in the jewellery when you buy jewellery online or offline.

Gold Karat and Purity Comparison Table

Karat (K) measures the purity based on a total of 24 parts. The Fineness Mark (the number you see on the hallmark) is the percentage of gold out of 1000. Understanding these terms is essential for a buyer to be able to authenticate the purity of metal.

Karat (K)Gold Purity (%)Fineness Mark (Hallmark No.)Meaning / CompositionCommon Jewellery Type
24K Gold99.9%999You must note that pure gold with almost no alloy. It is very soft and easily malleable.Gold coins, bars. Used for majorly investment.
22K Gold (916)91.6%916This means that 22 parts pure gold + 2 parts alloy metals, which are added for strength.Most traditional Indian gold jewellery like tops, chains, necklaces, etc.
18K Gold (750)75.0%750It has 18 parts gold + 6 parts alloy. The increased alloys enhance durability of jewellery.As it has more strength , all Diamond, gemstone, and designer jewellery are usually made atleast in 18Kt gold.
14K Gold (585)58.5%585This means that 14 parts of pure gold are mixed with 10 parts alloy mix. More alloys mean it is stronger and affordable.All the lightweight, modern, and daily wear jewellery are usually made in 14Kt gold.
23K Gold (958)95.8%958This has high-purity content of gold with minimal alloy content.In India, this is another option for investment in the form of coins and bars.
20K Gold83.3%83320 parts gold + 4 parts alloy. It slightly harder than 22Kt Gold.It is used for custom ornaments and antique-style pieces. But you won’t find this India
9K Gold (375)37.5%3759 parts gold + 15$ parts alloy. Quite low purity of gold but very durable. The shine will be quite low.It is ideal for western-style jewellery and machine-made pieces. This is recently launched in India.

Explanation of Karat vs Fineness of Gold

In a jewellery buying guide this explanation is a must because most of the buyers get confused with this. So, what’s the difference between karat (K) and the fineness number.

  • The Difference: Ok! So, measuring Karat refers to the old method of measuring gold purity in 24 parts. On the other hand, the fineness number (the hallmark gold symbol number) is the percentage of pure gold out of 1000. So, 22 out of 24 parts is 91.6%, which is 916 out of 1000. Hope, it is clear now!
  • Why Higher Karat is Softer: 24Kt is the purest form i.e. 99.9% of gold. But pure gold is naturally very soft and easily bendable. That is why alloys (metals like copper and silver) are mixed in to add strength. Only then it can be used to make jewellery pieces.
  • What Ideal Karatage for Daily Wear? For everyday use, 22Kt is used for traditional Indian jewellery because it balances purity and durability. However, for diamond jewellery and very light pieces, 18Kt gold hallmark (750) and 14Kt gold hallmark (585) are ought be excellent choices. This is because they are much stronger and scratch-resistant. Nowadays, people in India are even preferring 9Kt jewellery for more affordable options.

Is There Any Difference Between 916 and 22K Gold

Absolutely not! These are two ways (traditional and modern) of saying the exact same thing

  • 22K Gold is 22 parts gold out of 24 i.e. the metal has 22 parts of pure gold with 2 parts of alloys.
  • 916 Hallmark Gold is 916 parts gold out of 1000. This is mathematically equals to 91.6% pure gold. And the rest of percentage is of alloys added, So, when you see the 916 BIS hallmark on a piece of jewellery, you can be 100% certain it contains 91.6% pure gold, which is the 22K gold hallmark standard. Because of traditional values, this purity is the most popular choice in India. Moms and Dads always prefer 22Kt online jewellery. On the hand, the young generation look for 18Kt, 14Kt and 9Kt gold or diamond jewellery.

Understanding HUID

HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. When there were frauds happening in the market, the HUID became a game-changer for how to check BIS hallmark on gold. It is the source of pure transparency of gold jewellery.

What is HUID and How it Works

A 6-digit alphanumeric code that is assigned to every single piece of hallmarked jewellery at the moment it’s tested is responsible for the traceability The code is applied at the assaying centre. It creates a digital record of the piece you buy

Why BIS Introduced HUID for Traceability

Before HUID, there were many scams happening. Massive number of jewellers in India started printing fake Hallmarks on their jewellery to fool the customers. There was no way to perform the traceability. It was harder to track a piece’s origin. Now, the HUID code acts as a digital fingerprint, allowing BIS to trace the jewellery back to the specific jeweller, the testing centre, and the date of hallmarking. It has reduced the scams enormously.

How Gemlay Jewels Uses HUID to Ensure 100% Transparency

Gemlay Jewels ensures the HUID code is clearly understandable on all our jewellery. Furthermore, we provide you with all the necessary details on your invoice. Our team is trained to walk you through the HUID hallmark check online process. This is done before you make the payment This commitment makes us a clear standout in certified jewellery online!

Most Importantly, How to Verify BIS Hallmark Gold Online?

The best part about the HUID system is that you don’t need to be a gold expert to check authenticity! It can be checked right from your android or apple phone by using BIS care app of government.

Using BIS Care App

The official BIS CARE App is your pocket gold verification digital tool. It is always at your helm to certain you about your purchase.

Step-by-step verification process:

  • Download the BIS CARE App from Google Play or the App Store.
  • Register your mobile number for a one-time sign-up.
  • Find the 6-digit HUID on your jewellery. Remember that is unique for each and every piece.
  • Open the app and select the ‘Verify HUID’ option.
  • Enter the 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code.
  • The app will display the jewellery details. This will have the correct karat, the name of the jeweller and name of the hallmarking centre.

Through BIS Website is an Alternate Option

For the desktop users, the BIS website also offers a tool to verify BIS hallmark online. The process is similar to the app.

Can we Check Hallmark on Gold at Home?

Suppose you received a gift from dad – gold earrings. Your dad is not aware about hallmarking, but you are! So, here’s how to check hallmark on gold at home using simple methods:

Simple Visual Checks: Scrutinize the earrings and look for the three most important marks:

  • the BIS Logo (triangle),
  • the Purity Mark (like $16 for 22K),
  • and the 6-digit HUID.

Use a Magnifying Glass or better to use Macro Camera: Many a times these marks very tiny. You won’t be read them using naked eyes. In that case use a magnifying glass. Or you may use macro mode of your phone’s camera to read the same.

What if Hallmark is Missing?

Being cautious is important here rather being paranoid. There could be these possible reasons for the missing stamp.

  • Faded Hallmark: When a jewellery ornament is worn daily for years, the marking may get eroded. This is normal. The same situation can occur when the jewellery is polished many times.
  • Old Jewellery: Before April 2023, the HUID number was not a mandate. Hence, BIS hallmarking might not be there. This doesn’t always mean that you were scammed. Better to get it checked from trusted jewellers like Gemlay.
  • Non-Certified Jeweller: The most serious reason is that the jewellery was sold by a non-certified jeweller.

Steps to Take:

  • If you purchased it recently, return it immediately to the jeweller.
  • If you are uncertain then you can pay a nominal fee to get it rechecked at an official BIS assaying centre. You can google one near your home.
  • If the jeweller refuses to cooperate, report them to the BIS. Action will be taken immediately.

Why Should You Buy Hallmarked Gold Jewellery, Even From Your Old Family Jeweller?

You are in 2025. You have to act smart. Blindly trusting a jeweller is a bad idea, even if you have known him from ages because ages ago gold prices were sky-rocketing!

Key Benefits:

  • Guaranteed Purity: You will eliminate the chances of a fraud.
  • Full Resale Value: Buying Hallmarked Gold Jewellery ensures that re-sale is smooth anywhere on the globe.
  • Higher Loan Eligibility: Banks only give loans against BIS Hallmarked gold. If you don’t have it then you have to get it from an assaying centre.
  • Easy Trustable Jeweller: Hallmarked gold means that the jeweller you bought from deserves a good-review online. Obviously, this is beneficial for jewellers as well as for other customers.
  • Affordable Hallmarking Charges: The cost added to the jewellery for this certification is minimal. So, get it done even on jewellery you bought ages ago from your family jeweller.

Quick Tips Before Buying Gold in India

Here are four non-negotiable rules to follow when shopping for gold rings or bangles online:

  • Always demand BIS hallmarked jewellery. It is the law. If not asked by you, then you will be fooled.
  • Verify HUID before final payment. Use the BIS CARE App in the store or at home. Desktop users can use BIS official website as well. The procedure to do so is already explained in prior sections.
  • Buy only from BIS-certified jewellers. Look for the BIS registration mark. If they are not registered, the it is a big NO-BUY.
  • Keep the invoice with hallmark details. This is your primary proof of purchase and purity.

Conclusion

The hallmark is not just a mark but your shield against fraud. Understanding the BIS hallmark verification process empowers you to be a well-aware buyer.

  • Recap: Hallmarking ensures certified purity, full resale value, and government trust.
  • Protect Your Investment: Always demand a clear hallmark and verify the HUID to protect your hard-earned money.

Trust brands like Gemlay Jewels for hallmarked and IGI-certified jewellery as gold prices are sky-rocketing high. Buying from strangers may leave you in tears. Explore our diamond jewellery collections that are beautiful and safe.

FAQs

Question 1: Suggest A Way To Check Gold Hallmark At Home

Use a clear magnifying glass or a phone with good macro lens to check the BIS Hallmark stamp.

Question 2: Is There A Way To Check 22k Gold Online?

Indeed, there is! First, find the 6-digit HUID code on your 22K gold jewellery and enter it into the ‘Verify HUID’ section of the official BIS CARE App. The results will confirm you the purity and authenticity of your jewellery easily.

Question 3: What Are The Symbols In Bis Hallmark Stamp To Be Checked?

There are five mandatory symbols:

  • The BIS Logo (triangle)
  • The Purity Mark (916, 750, 585, 375)
  • The HUID (6-digit alphanumeric code)
  • The Assaying Centre’s Mark
  • The Jeweller’s Identification Mark189.

Question 4: What To Do When The Hallmark Looks Faded?

Don’t panic and be vigilant! If you bought it recently, ask the jeweller to replace it or verify the HUID using the app. In case the HUID is not visible, you may need to get it re-assayed at a BIS centre.

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