Hallmark Gold is gold jewellery that undergoes accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in the jewellery. This process is called hallmarking.
A hallmark is a mark or series of marks stamped by the official assay office to certify the purity of gold, information on the manufacturer or sponsor and the year of manufacturing.
The BIS is a government agency that sets the standards for gold purity in India, and any gold that meets these standards is given a hallmark stamp.
The hallmark stamp ensures that the gold is of the highest quality and purity, and it also indicates the weight and fineness of the gold. This process in which BIS stamps a certificate of purity and fineness on your gold is known as hallmarking.
This basically means that the gold that was used in making your jewellery adheres to the international standards of purity and fineness. This is a clear sign that your gold is genuine and you need not worry about its quality.
The actual mark of a hallmark is engraved on your gold jewellery through a laser and it consists of a six digit identification code called HUID.
How to Read a BIS Hallmark
The 3 Signs of a BIS Hallmarked Gold Piece As of recent regulations (post-2023), a valid BIS Hallmark on gold jewelry consists of three distinct marks. You should use a magnifying glass (often provided by jewelers) to check for these:
- BIS Standard Logo: A triangular mark that indicates the jewelry has been checked at a BIS-certified centre.
- Purity and Fineness Grade: This tells you the purity of the gold. It will be marked as 22K916, 18K750, or 14K585.
- Example: 22K916 means 22 Karat gold, which is 91.6% pure.
- HUID Code (Hallmark Unique Identification): A unique 6-digit alphanumeric code (e.g., A12B34).
- Why it matters: This code is unique to that specific jewelry piece (like an Aadhaar card for gold). It makes the piece traceable and prevents tampering.
Note on Old Hallmarks: You might still see older jewelry with 4 marks (BIS Logo + Purity + Centre Mark + Jeweller Mark). These are still valid, but all newly hallmarked jewelry must have the 3-mark system with HUID.
Why Hallmarking Matters
- Guaranteed Purity: You get exactly what you pay for. If you buy 22K, independent testing guarantees it is 91.6% gold, not 85% or 90%.
- Higher Resale & Loan Value: Banks and jewelers offer better rates for hallmarked gold because they trust its quality without needing to melt or rigorously test it.
- Traceability (HUID): If there is ever a dispute regarding purity, the HUID code can trace the piece back to the specific jeweler and assay centre that certified it.
Legal Protection: As a consumer, you have the right to compensation if a hallmarked piece turns out to be of lower purity than marked.
Actionable Tip: How to Verify HUID Yourself
Did you know you can verify your gold yourself? Download the BIS Care App on your smartphone.
The app will instantly show you the jeweler's name, registration number, and the purity of the piece. If the details match your jewelry, it is genuine.
Open the app and go to the "Verify HUID" section.
Type in the 6-digit alphanumeric code engraved on your jewelry.
