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Understand the differences between hallmarked gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold, and learn which is best for your needs
Gold jewellery is available in various types, each with its own features, composition, and pricing. Understanding the differences between hallmarked gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold is essential for making informed buying decisions. Hence, it becomes essential to know the distinctions, including purity, price, and resale value, to help you choose the right type of gold jewellery.
Hallmarked gold refers to gold jewellery that has been tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS certification guarantees the purity of the gold, which is typically 22 karat (91.6% pure) or 24 karat (99.9% pure). The hallmark on the jewellery assures buyers that the gold meets stringent purity standards, making it a reliable option for investment and jewellery making.
Here are the key features of hallmarked gold:
Typically 22K (91.6% pure) or 24K (99.9% pure)
Officially certified by BIS, ensuring authenticity
Higher price due to purity certification and guaranteed quality
Higher resale value due to official certification and guaranteed purity
To verify the authenticity of hallmarked gold, follow these simple steps:
This symbol guarantees that the gold has been tested and meets BIS purity standards
Look for numbers like 916 (22 karat) or 999 (24 karat), indicating the gold's purity
This identifies the manufacturer or jeweller who submitted the gold for hallmarking
The year indicates when the gold was certified for purity
Request an authenticity certificate for confirmation of purity and quality
KDM gold refers to jewellery created using a soldering process that involves an alloy containing cadmium (a toxic metal). The KDM soldering technique involves mixing 92% gold with 8% cadmium to bond jewellery parts. This process makes KDM gold more affordable, but due to the presence of cadmium, it is no longer considered a safe or certified option by regulatory bodies like BIS.
Below are the key features of KDM gold:
Uses cadmium solder to join parts (cadmium is toxic)
Typically 91.6% gold (22 karat), but solder can affect overall quality
More affordable due to uncertified purity and cadmium solder
Lower resale value due to the lack of BIS certification and the use of cadmium
916 gold refers to 22 karat gold, where 91.6% of the composition is pure gold, and the remaining 8.4% consists of other metals, such as copper or silver, to increase durability. The number 916 refers to the gold's purity—916 parts per 1000 are pure gold, which is why 916 gold is also commonly referred to as 22 karat gold. It’s widely used in making jewellery and gold coins in India.
Here are the key details of 916 Gold:
91.6% pure gold (22 karat)
Stronger than 24K gold, as it is alloyed with other metals
Typically more affordable than 24K gold, but higher than KDM gold
Commonly used for jewellery due to its balance of purity and strength
916 gold and 22 karat gold are essentially the same, as both refer to gold that is 91.6% pure. The term 916 gold comes from the purity percentage (916 parts per 1000 are pure gold), while 22 karat gold simply refers to gold that is 22 out of 24 parts pure.
Here are the key points:
Both are 91.6% pure
916 gold is the numerical representation, while 22 karat gold is the common term used in the jewellery industry
Both are commonly used in jewellery, offering a balance between purity and durability
The price difference between KDM gold and hallmarked gold is primarily due to their purity levels and certification. Hallmarked gold, certified by BIS, is priced higher due to its guaranteed purity and quality certification, whereas KDM gold, which uses cadmium solder, is generally more affordable but lacks official certification for purity.
The primary differences between 916 KDM gold and hallmarked gold lie in their soldering methods, purity certification, price, and resale value.
Let’s compare the two:
| Feature | 916 KDM Gold | Hallmarked Gold |
|---|---|---|
Purity |
91.6% gold (22 karat), mixed with cadmium |
91.6% gold (22 karat) or 99.9% gold (24 karat) |
Soldering Process |
Uses cadmium solder (toxic) |
No cadmium; BIS certified purity |
Certification |
No BIS certification |
Certified by BIS for purity |
Price |
More affordable due to uncertified purity |
Higher due to BIS certification |
Resale Value |
Lower resale value due to lack of certification and toxic content |
Higher resale value due to purity certification |
The price of gold is influenced by several factors, including the type of gold, its purity, and the presence of a purity certification. Hallmarked gold generally costs more due to the BIS certification that guarantees its purity. KDM gold, being more affordable due to the cadmium solder, tends to be cheaper but lacks purity certification, reducing its resale value.
Here are the key factors affecting gold price:
Higher purity results in higher prices
Hallmarked gold is priced higher due to BIS certification
KDM gold is cheaper due to the use of cadmium solder
| Gold Type | Purity | Price | Certification | Resale Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hallmarked Gold |
91.6% or 99.9% |
Higher |
BIS Certified |
Higher |
KDM Gold |
91.6% |
More Affordable |
Uncertified |
Lower |
Hallmarked gold plays a critical role in ensuring that consumers receive authentic and pure gold. The hallmark, certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is a guarantee of the gold’s purity and quality. This certification provides buyers with peace of mind, knowing that the gold they are purchasing is genuine and meets set purity standards.
Here’s why hallmarked gold is important:
The hallmark guarantees that the gold is 91.6% pure (22 karat) or 99.9% pure (24 karat)
It protects buyers from misleading claims about the quality of gold
A BIS certification ensures the gold is legally recognised and accepted in the market
Hallmarked gold typically has a higher resale value because of its certification
Hallmarked gold is considered a trustworthy investment because of its certified purity, consumer protection, and better resale value compared to non-hallmarked or KDM gold.
Hallmarked gold and KDM gold differ significantly in price due to their purity, certification, and soldering processes. Hallmarked gold, certified by BIS, tends to be more expensive due to the added cost of purity verification and higher gold content. On the other hand, KDM gold is more affordable, as it uses a cadmium solder (not pure gold), and does not come with purity certification.
Hallmarked Gold: Priced higher due to BIS certification, guaranteed purity, and higher quality
KDM Gold: More affordable due to the cadmium solder and lack of certification
| Gold Type | Purity | Soldering Process | Price | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hallmarked Gold |
91.6% or 99.9% |
No cadmium; BIS certified |
Higher |
BIS Certified |
KDM Gold |
91.6% |
Cadmium solder (toxic) |
Lower |
Uncertified |
When you purchase hallmarked gold, you will notice specific hallmark marks stamped on the jewellery. These marks ensure that the gold meets the purity standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The hallmark marks provide important information regarding the purity and authenticity of the gold.
Some common hallmark marks are:
This is the official logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), indicating that the gold has been certified
This indicates the purity of the gold, such as 22K (91.6%) or 24K (99.9%)
A mark that identifies the jeweller or manufacturer
The year when the gold was certified by BIS
Hallmarked gold generally holds a higher resale value compared to non-hallmarked gold, due to its purity certification. When gold is hallmarked by the BIS, it is easier for both buyers and sellers to verify its authenticity, which in turn helps maintain its value in the market. Non-hallmarked gold or KDM gold often has a lower resale value due to the absence of purity certification.
Here’s why hallmarked gold holds higher resale value:
The hallmark guarantees that the gold is pure, making it more attractive to buyers
Buyers are willing to pay more for gold that is officially certified and verified for purity
Hallmarked gold is legally recognised, further supporting its resale value
The presence of a hallmark on gold jewellery significantly affects gold loan approval. Financial institutions and lenders rely on the purity certification provided by the BIS to determine the loan amount and interest rate for gold-backed loans. Hallmarked gold, due to its guaranteed purity, can result in higher loan amounts and faster processing.
Here’s how hallmarked gold affects gold loan approval:
Lenders are more likely to offer a higher loan amount against hallmarked gold because its purity is guaranteed
The BIS certification speeds up the loan process since the purity is already verified
Hallmarked gold is considered a safer investment for lenders, increasing approval chances
While hallmarked gold may lead to slightly higher interest rates, the loan amount is generally more substantial
Non-hallmarked or KDM gold may not be accepted for higher loan amounts, and its lack of purity certification can lead to stricter loan terms.
KDM charges refer to the cost incurred during the soldering process where cadmium is used as an alloy. These charges depend on the complexity of the design and the amount of cadmium used. Consult the jeweller for a specific estimate based on your jewellery piece.
Hallmarked gold (91.6% pure or 22 karat) is guaranteed to meet BIS certification standards. This ensures its purity and quality, protecting you from fraud. Unlike non-hallmarked gold, hallmarked gold has a higher resale value due to its certified purity.
When it comes to KDM vs 916 gold (22 karat), 916 is typically better for investment due to its higher purity and the fact that it is BIS certified. KDM gold, while more affordable, is made with cadmium solder, which is toxic and has lower resale value due to its lack of purity certification.
The price of hallmarked gold is influenced by the same factors as normal gold prices: global market trends, currency fluctuations, and local demand. However, hallmarked gold is priced higher due to purity certification from BIS, which adds to its overall value.
24 karat gold (99.9% purity) is the purest form of gold but is softer and less durable for jewellery. 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) strikes a balance between purity and durability, making it a popular choice for jewellery.
The full form of KDM gold is Kadmium (cadmium). It refers to a soldering process where cadmium is mixed with gold to join jewellery parts. However, cadmium is toxic and its use has been banned due to health concerns.
Common types of hallmarking in gold include:
22K (91.6% purity)
24K (99.9% purity)
18K (75% purity)
Each hallmark guarantees that the gold meets BIS purity standards.
Gold without the 916 hallmark may still have value based on its weight, but it lacks purity certification, which affects its resale value. Without a hallmark, it’s harder to guarantee the gold's purity, making it less trusted by buyers.
The most common types of hallmarking in gold are:
22K (91.6% purity)
24K (99.9% purity)
18K (75% purity)
These hallmarks ensure that the gold meets the required BIS standards for purity.
Hallmarking of gold is the process of certifying its purity by an authorised body, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The hallmark ensures that the gold meets specified purity standards and is genuine.
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