When buying gold, ensuring its authenticity is crucial. The hallmark on gold serves as a trusted mark of purity and quality, protecting buyers from counterfeit or low-quality products. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates hallmarking to guarantee that gold meets stringent purity standards. This guide explores everything you need to know about the hallmark on gold jewellery, how to verify it, and why it matters for your investment.

What Is Hallmark on Gold?

The hallmark on gold is an official certification that confirms the purity and authenticity of gold items, such as jewellery, coins, or bullion. Managed by the BIS in India, hallmarking involves testing gold at certified assaying and hallmarking centres. Once verified, the gold is stamped with a hallmark, which includes key details about its quality and origin. This process, mandatory since June 2021 in 343 districts, ensures transparency and builds consumer trust.

A hallmark typically consists of five components:

• BIS Logo: Indicates certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
• Purity Grade: Denotes the gold’s purity, such as 916 for 22K gold (91.6% pure).
• Assaying and Hallmarking Centre’s Mark: Identifies the testing centre.
• Jeweller’s Mark: Shows the jeweller who made or sold the item.
• Year of Marking: A code (e.g., “A” for a specific year) indicating when the hallmark was applied.

Understanding what is a hallmark on gold helps you make informed purchases, ensuring you get genuine gold at the right hallmark gold price today.

Why Is Hallmark on Gold Jewellery Important?

The hallmark on gold jewellery is more than a stamp—it’s a guarantee of quality. Here’s why it matters:

• Guaranteed Purity: The hallmark ensures the gold’s purity matches the seller’s claim, such as 22K or 18K.
• Consumer Protection: It safeguards buyers from fake or adulterated gold.
• Resale Value: Hallmarked gold is easier to sell or exchange, as its authenticity is verified.
• Legal Compliance: Jewellers with BIS registration must hallmark gold, ensuring they follow government standards.

Without a hallmark on gold jewellery, you risk purchasing substandard or fake gold, which could lead to financial loss. Always check for the original hallmark on gold before buying.

How to Check Hallmark on Gold

Verifying the hallmark on gold is simple if you know what to look for. Follow these steps to ensure your gold is genuine:

1. Locate the Hallmark: Check the gold item’s surface, such as the clasp, back, or inner band of jewellery. The hallmark is usually engraved in a discreet area.
2. Inspect the Components: Ensure all five parts of the hallmark (BIS logo, purity grade, centre’s mark, jeweller’s mark, and year code) are present and clear.
3. Verify Purity: Confirm the purity grade matches the seller’s claim. For example, 22K gold should show “916” for 91.6% purity.
4. Use the BIS Care App: Download the BIS Care App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Use the “Verify HUID” option to enter the 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID). The app will display details about the jeweller, hallmarking centre, and certification.
5. Consult the Seller: If you have doubts, ask the jeweller for documentation or clarification about the hallmark.

Knowing how to check hallmark on gold empowers you to make confident purchases, whether you’re buying a hallmark gold chain for men or other jewellery.

What If There Is No Hallmark on Gold?

If you find no hallmark on gold, proceed with caution. Non-hallmarked gold may not meet purity standards, and its authenticity is questionable. Here are your options:

• Get It Tested: Take the item to a BIS-approved assaying and hallmarking centre for testing. They can verify the gold’s purity and, if eligible, apply a hallmark.
• Consult a Trusted Jeweller: A reputable jeweller can assess the gold’s quality and guide you on next steps.
• Avoid Purchase: If buying new gold, avoid non-hallmarked items, as they may be fake or of lower quality.

For older jewellery, you may wonder how to get hallmark on old gold jewellery. Visit a BIS-certified centre to have the item tested and hallmarked, ensuring it meets modern standards.

Difference Between KDM and Hallmark

Many buyers confuse KDM gold with hallmarked gold. Understanding the difference between KDM and hallmark is key:

• KDM Gold: KDM refers to a soldering technique using a mix of 92% gold and 8% cadmium. It’s not a purity certification and is less common today due to health concerns about cadmium.
• Hallmark Gold: A hallmark certifies the gold’s purity (e.g., 22K, 18K) and authenticity through BIS standards. It’s a legal requirement for gold sold in India.

Always prioritize hallmark on gold over KDM for guaranteed quality and compliance.

Which Hallmark Is Best for Gold?

When asking which hallmark is best for gold, the BIS hallmark is the gold standard in India. It’s the only legally recognized hallmarking system, ensuring:

• Standardized Purity: BIS hallmarks guarantee the gold’s purity, such as 22K (916), 18K (750), or 14K (585).
• Traceability: The 6-digit HUID allows you to trace the gold to its jeweller and assaying centre.
• Consumer Trust: BIS certification is widely accepted, enhancing the gold’s resale value.

No other hallmark matches the BIS system’s reliability. Always look for the original hallmark on gold with the BIS logo.

How to Check Gold Purity Hallmark

To verify the gold purity hallmark, focus on the purity grade within the hallmark. Common grades include:

• 22K (916): 91.6% pure gold, ideal for jewellery like a hallmark gold chain for men.
• 18K (750): 75% pure gold, often used for lightweight or designer pieces.
• 14K (585): 58.5% pure gold, common in affordable jewellery.

Use a magnifying glass to check the purity grade (e.g., “916” for 22K) and confirm it with the BIS Care App. This ensures you’re paying the right hallmark gold rate for the gold’s purity.

Hallmark Gold Price Today

The hallmark gold price today varies based on purity, market rates, and making charges. For example:

• 22K Gold: Typically priced higher due to its 91.6% purity.
• 18K Gold: Lower in price, as it contains less pure gold.

Check daily gold rates on trusted platforms like IIFL Finance or jeweller websites to ensure you’re paying a fair hallmark gold rate. Hallmarked gold may cost slightly more due to certification, but it’s worth the investment for authenticity.

Tips for Buying Hallmarked Gold

To make the most of your gold purchase:

• Buy from BIS-Licensed Jewellers: Ensure the jeweller has BIS registration for authentic hallmarking.
• Check the HUID: Always verify the 6-digit HUID using the BIS Care App.
• Request Documentation: Ask for a certificate of authenticity or hallmarking details.
• Compare Prices: Research the hallmark gold price today to avoid overpaying.
• Inspect the Hallmark: Use a magnifying glass to confirm all hallmark components are present.

These steps ensure you get the original hallmark on gold and a fair deal.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hallmark on Gold

How Can I Check the Hallmark on Gold at Home?

You can’t fully verify a hallmark at home, but you can inspect it with a magnifying glass to check for the BIS logo, purity grade, and HUID. For accurate verification, use the BIS Care App or visit a BIS-approved centre.

What If My Old Gold Jewellery Has No Hallmark?

Take it to a BIS-certified assaying and hallmarking centre. They can test the gold’s purity and apply a hallmark if it meets standards, ensuring your old jewellery is certified.

Conclusion

The hallmark on gold is your assurance of purity, authenticity, and value. By understanding how to check hallmark on gold and why it matters, you can make informed decisions when buying jewellery or bullion. Always prioritize BIS-hallmarked gold, verify the HUID, and buy from trusted jewellers to safeguard your investment. Whether you’re purchasing a hallmark gold chain for men or checking the hallmark gold rate, this guide equips you with the knowledge to shop confidently. Share your thoughts or experiences with hallmarked gold in the comments below!