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Gold Hallmarks: A Simple Guide to Spotting Real vs Fake Jewellery

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Pradnya Ranpise

Table of Contents

Introduction

Buying gold jewellery without knowing how to check hallmarks can lead to costly mistakes, as you might pay for purity but receive something fake or impure. Hallmarking gold ensures you get what you pay for, backed by BIS standards that confirm the gold’s authenticity and purity. 

Recognising a 24-Karat gold hallmark or identifying genuine BIS symbols can help you avoid fraud and ensure legal compliance. You’ll also know if the hallmark gold price today reflects the actual value of the jewellery. By understanding gold hallmarks and how to verify them, you protect your money and make safer purchases.

What Is Gold Hallmarking

Gold hallmarking is a government-certified process that confirms the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery. It helps you know exactly what you are paying for and protects you from fake or low-quality products. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for hallmarking gold and ensuring that each piece meets strict national standards. 

Since June 2021, hallmarking has been mandatory for most gold jewellery sold in the country. This regulation ensures sellers provide accurate information, while you get a fair deal backed by official testing. It also creates trust in the gold market by reducing fraud and confusion.

Key Components of a Gold Hallmark

Understanding hallmark details helps you verify if your gold jewellery is genuine and worth its price. Here are the key components you should always look for:

BIS Logo

This is a triangular symbol that confirms your jewellery has been tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards for quality and purity.

Purity Mark

This mark shows the gold’s fineness, such as 22K916 or 24-Karat gold hallmark, which tells you how much pure gold the piece contains.

HUID Number

The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is a six-digit alphanumeric code that tracks each gold item and ensures full traceability.

Placement of Hallmarks

These marks are usually stamped on hidden parts of the jewellery, like the inner side of a ring or bangle clasp.

Understanding Gold Purity Marks

Knowing gold purity marks helps you understand the true value and strength of your jewellery. Here are the most common marks and what they mean:

  • 24K999 means the gold is 99.9% pure and is often used for coins or investment-grade items

  • 22K916 contains 91.6% pure gold and is commonly used for making traditional Indian jewellery

  • 18K750 has 75% pure gold, making it strong and suitable for modern or daily wear designs

  • 14K585 includes 58.5% pure gold and is a durable, budget-friendly choice for lightweight and fashion jewellery

  • Gold is alloyed with other metals like copper or silver to improve strength, shape, and wear resistance

How to Verify Gold Hallmarks

Verifying hallmarks protects you from buying fake or low-quality gold jewellery. Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Check for the BIS logo, which is a small triangle symbol stamped on the jewellery

  • Look for the purity mark that shows the karat and fineness, such as 22K916 or 24-Karat gold hallmark

  • Find the HUID, a unique six-digit alphanumeric code stamped on each piece

  • Open the BIS Care App and enter the HUID to check if the hallmark is genuine

  • Confirm all three marks are present and clearly visible before making a purchase

Why Hallmarking Matters

Hallmarking gives you confidence that the gold you buy is pure, safe, and worth your money. Here are the key reasons why hallmarking is important:

Assurance of Purity

Hallmarking confirms the gold’s purity level so you know exactly what you are buying and wearing is genuine and certified.

Consumer Protection

It protects you from fraud by ensuring the gold matches the quality claimed by the seller.

Resale Value

Hallmarked gold is easier to sell because buyers and jewellers trust its certified purity and quality.

Loan Security

Banks and NBFCs accept hallmarked gold as reliable collateral when offering gold loans.

Better Buying Decisions

Knowing your gold is hallmarked gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid fake or impure products.

Common Misconceptions

Many people think all gold jewellery is pure just because it looks shiny or comes from a known shop. However, without a proper hallmark, you can’t be sure of its purity. Some also believe that hallmarking gold is optional, but in India, it is mandatory for most gold jewellery sold today. This rule helps protect you from fraud and ensures fair pricing based on purity. Believing these myths can lead to overpaying or buying fake items. When you understand the truth about gold hallmarks, you can shop smarter and avoid expensive mistakes.

Tips for Buying Hallmarked Gold Jewellery

Following simple checks can help you avoid fake jewellery and ensure you're getting full value for your money. Here are the tips you should always follow:

Buy from Reputable Sellers

Always purchase from BIS-certified jewellers who follow official rules and provide properly hallmarked jewellery.

Request a Bill

Ask for a detailed invoice that clearly mentions the gold's purity, weight, and hallmark details.

Verify the Hallmarks

Check for the BIS logo, purity mark, and HUID, then use the BIS Care App to confirm the jewellery is genuine.

Stay Informed

Track the hallmark gold price today so you can compare it with seller rates and make a smart purchase.

Examine the Jewellery Carefully

Look closely at hidden areas, like inner bands or clasps, where hallmarks are usually stamped.

Conclusion

Recognising gold hallmarks is essential for ensuring the authenticity and purity of your jewellery. By understanding hallmarking, you protect your investment and gain peace of mind. Always look for the BIS logo, purity mark, and HUID when buying gold. Use the BIS Care App to verify these details. Stay informed about hallmarking gold standards and the hallmark gold price today to make smart purchasing decisions.

Author Image
Hi! I’m Pradnya Ranpise
Blogger

Pradnya has over 5 years of experience in content marketing, with certifications from both SEMrush Academy and HubSpot Academy. Having worked across multiple industries, she has now honed her focus on the finance sector, covering topics such as insurance, loans, investments, and payments. She is known for breaking down complex financial topics into simple, clear content that empowers readers to make informed decisions.With a genuine passion for helping people understand their finances, Pradnya’s expertise shines through her work, as she delivers trustworthy, authoritative content backed by real industry knowledge.

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