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What is 916 Gold? What does the 916 stand for?

April 28, 2023

Table of Contents

    From its composition and purity to its significance, we cover everything you need to know about this BIS 916 Gold. Explore the benefits of owning BIS 916 Gold and how it differs from other types of gold.

    When it comes to buying gold, one of the most important factors to consider is its purity. 

    Gold is available in different purities, such as 18 carats, 22 carats, and 24 carats. However, in India, 22 carat gold is the most popular choice for jewellery.

    But, how do you ensure that the gold you are buying is of good quality? 

    This is where the BIS 916 Hallmark comes in, and its important to understand Hallmark gold and how it differs from other varieties of gold. This blog will cover what BIS is, what is 916 gold and more about its logo.

    What is BIS?

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India. 

    It is responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting quality standards for goods and services. The BIS has been operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution since 1986. 

    The primary objective of BIS is to ensure that products manufactured in India meet the required standards of quality, safety, and reliability.

    In the case of gold, BIS has set certain standards that need to be followed by manufacturers to ensure that the gold is of good quality and looks over the process of Hallmarking. The BIS 916 Hallmark is one such standard that signifies that the gold is of 22 carats purity.

    What is 916 Gold?

    916 gold is a type of gold alloy that is often used in jewellery-making. The "916" represents the composition of Gold with other metals - 91.6% gold and 8.4% other metals. This composition is also referred to as 22 karat gold.

    The reason why other metals are added to gold is to make it stronger and more durable, as pure gold is too soft to hold its shape well in jewellery pieces.

    The other metals that are typically added to gold alloys include copper, silver, and zinc. The exact composition of the alloy may vary depending on the desired colour and properties of the final product.

    916 gold is often used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern jewellery, where it is known as "BIS 916" or "22 karat gold."

    In comparison to 916 gold, 24 karat gold is pure gold. However, pure gold is typically too soft for jewellery-making, so it is not commonly used for that purpose. 24 karat gold is often used in bullion and investment coins and bars.

    916 Gold Price

    The price of BIS 916 Hallmark gold is determined by various factors such as the current market price of gold, the weight of the jewellery, and the making charges.

    The making charges are the fees charged by the jeweller for the labour and skill involved in making the jewellery.

    Generally, the making charges for BIS 916 Hallmark gold are lower than those for 24 carat gold, as it is easier to work with.

    The BIS 916 Hallmark logo

    The BIS 916 Hallmark logo is a symbol that indicates that the gold has been tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

    The hallmark logo for 916 hallmark gold is a rectangle with rounded corners, and it contains the BIS logo, the fineness number, and the jeweller's identification mark. 

    The BIS logo is a small triangle inside a bigger triangle, with the letters 'BIS' written below it.

    The fineness number represents the purity level of the gold, which in this case is 916.

    The jeweller's identification mark is a unique symbol that identifies the manufacturer or jeweller who has made the gold.

    source: BIS

    What makes 916 Hallmarked Gold better than KDM Gold?

    The difference between KDM Gold and 916 hallmarked gold mainly lies in its composition.

    916 Hallmarked Gold, also known as 22-karat gold, is an alloy of 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% other metals such as copper, silver, or zinc.

    This composition gives it a hardness and durability that makes it suitable for making intricate jewellery designs.

    On the other hand, KDM gold is an alloy of gold, silver, and cadmium, with no fixed composition or purity.

    The use of cadmium in KDM gold has been a cause for concern due to its toxic nature, which can be harmful to the wearer and the environment.

    Therefore, 916 hallmarked gold is considered better than KDM gold due to its higher purity and regulated composition. It is also more reliable in terms of quality and value, making it a popular choice for investment purposes.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, BIS 916 Hallmark gold is the most trusted and reliable way of ensuring that the gold you are buying is of good quality and purity. The BIS 916 Hallmark logo is a symbol that guarantees that the gold has been tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.