What is Hallmark Gold and How to Check Hallmark on Gold?

Gold is not only used to make exclusive jewellery, but it is also an excellent medium of investment. Thus, for gold buyers, purity of the gold is a concerning factor. 

It is not possible for general consumers to identify pure gold in plain sight. Hence, the Government of India has introduced a 'hallmark scheme’ to help consumers to distinguish between fake and real gold. Let’s delve deeper into knowing what the hallmark is and how you can check it. 

What Is Hallmark Gold?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced a certification stamp in 2000 known as the BIS hallmarking scheme to indicate real gold. This was an initiative to reassure every gold buyer about the purity of their purchased metal. Since June 23, 2021, hallmarking of gold has been mandatory all over India. 

Hallmark indicates that the metal is verified by licensed laboratories and helps buyers to identify pure gold with this mark. It is put on every piece of gold jewellery which meets the international criteria to be recognized as real gold.

How to Check Hallmark on Gold? - Old Format

Knowing how to identify hallmark gold before buying it is essential to ensure its quality. There are several components of the hallmark that you need to look for before purchasing gold. 

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BIS logo

Check for a common logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) embossed on the jewellery. This is one of the mandatory components of hallmark, and jewellers registered under BIS must put this as a part of hallmarking.

Karat and fineness signifying purity

Next to the BIS logo, there is purity in karat and fineness mark so buyers can easily find out how pure the metal is. There are standard karats along with the purity percentages. It is embossed on every piece of jewellery, and while buying, you can check for the same.

Logo or number of the hallmarking centre

The logo or number of the centre testing the gold purity is also a part of hallmarking. This is to authenticate the verification process. This allows the buyer to check if the centre is licensed to check the gold purity.

Any logo, number, or mark of the jeweller

Every jeweller registered under BIS has its own mark or number, and it is mandatory to put this mark on every piece of jewellery. It is also a part of the hallmarking scheme.

These are a few components to look for while identifying hallmark stamps on gold. However, this format is applicable to jewellery purchased before April 1, 2023.

How to Check Hallmark on Gold? - New Format

From April 1, 2023, a new hallmarking system has come into action. A new six-digit number has become a part of the scheme, which the buyers can verify by themselves. These are the new components of a hallmark according to the new regulations:

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Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Logo

The BIS logo is the first component that must be there in all gold jewellery. You should always check if it is present or not to ensure authenticity.

Identification Mark of Purity 

The purity and fineness number signifying gold purity is similar to the old format with mentions of karats. You can find this to get an idea of the gold percentage within the jewellery.

Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID)

This is a six-digit number which helps to verify hallmark legitimacy. Consumers can scan this number to trace if the gold jewellery is authentic or not. You can use the BIS CARE app to check. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the BIS CARE app and select ‘verify HUID’ tab.

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2. Enter ‘HUID’ number.

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3. Click on the ‘Search’ option to check if the number is verified or not.

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You will be able to determine if the gold is pure or not before purchasing it if you follow these steps and check out hallmark authenticity.

Hallmark Gold Symbol - Old and New

The old hallmark symbol has four components which are the BIS logo, karat, purity fineness symbol, logo or a number of the centre, and the identification mark of the jeweller. However, the new hallmark symbol applicable from April 1, 2023, has three components which are the BIS logo, karat and purity number, and the six-digit HUID number. Always make sure to check these before buying gold.

How Many Types of Hallmark in Gold?

In the two types of hallmarks, there are six categories that signify different karats of gold. 'Karat' is a unit to measure gold purity; thus, these categories indicate the gold percentage in a piece of jewellery. Here are the purity categories of hallmarking:

• 14 karat (14K585)
• 18 karat (18K750)
• 20 karat (20K833)
• 22 karat (22K916)
• 23 karat (23K958)
• 24 karat (24KS995)

All of these karats signify the percentage of gold through the assigned numbers. For example, 14K585 signifies 58.8% gold.

What Is the Difference Between 916, KDM, and Hallmark Gold?

916, KDM, and Hallmark indicate different aspects of gold. While 916 is the assigned number for 22 karat gold signifying 91.6% gold, KDM stands for gold jewellery made with a blend of cadmium and gold (92% gold and 8% cadmium), and finally, Hallmark indicates that the gold is authentic and BIS certified. 

What Is the Value of Gold Without Hallmark?

Gold jewellery with no hallmark is also valuable, but the value depends upon the discretion of a buyer. The value depends on the gold rate for the day and the purity of the gold. However, jewellers can make deductions based on the wastage (i.e., solidifier agent). Hallmarking ensures the best returns from gold investments by providing proof of gold purity.

Final Word

Keeping in mind that gold is a precious metal, knowing about the types of hallmark can help you to invest wisely. Even if you have no plans for investment, hallmark helps you to know that the gold purity is checked by reliable sources. Each of the components informs the buyers about the product's purity and authenticity. Thus, next time when you are buying gold, remember to check for the hallmark.