how to check hallmark on gold

How To Check Hallmark On Gold? [Verify Hallmark On Gold]

Discover how to check Hallmark on Gold by verifying its purity through hallmarking to make an informed decision while purchasing gold. Whether you are buying gold jewellery or coins it’s essential to verify the purity and authenticity. The most reliable and easy way to check purity is by verifying Hallmark on Gold.

A Hallmark sign on Gold is the official stamp that has been recognized and shows the purity of the gold. Hence, in this guide, we’ve explained everything you need to know about how to verify Hallmark on Gold, its importance, types of Hallmark, and many more.

What Is Hallmark On Gold Jewellery?

On gold jewellery, a hallmark is a stamp that certifies its purity and accuracy. Hallmark stamps are extremely important as they ensure that consumers are buying authentic, good quality, and pure gold. It also protects from fraud and assures the gold standard for both consumers and sellers. 

It includes stamps representing the manufacturer’s mark, the assay office, and the fineness mark showing the purity of the gold.

What Are The Types Of Hallmark On Gold Jewellery?

There are mainly two types of hallmarks on gold jewellery:

  • Stamps
  • Laser 

Stamps Hallmark

Stamps are the traditional way to do hallmarking on gold jewellery. In this process, the hallmark is sealed into the gold jewellery which indicates its purity and accuracy. However, it wasn’t a great way for labeling as stamps on gold resulted in the deforming and hollowing of the jewellery.

Laser Hallmark

Laser hallmark is a modern way to do hallmarking on gold jewellery. Compared to Stamps hallmark, Laser hallmarking is the most suitable way as it doesn’t damage jewellery at all. However, the only drawback of this process is when any jewellery needs to be resized. For resizing, the hallmark has to be polished and must be returned to the Assay office for restoring the Hallmark.

How To Read Gold Hallmarkings?

To read and check Hallmark on Gold there are three symbols you need to check before purchasing any gold products. Such as the BIS logo, purity mark, and 6-digit alphanumeric code, however, we’ve explained in detail below:

  • Find BIS Logo: for checking hallmark on gold look for the BIS mark on the jewellery before buying it. The BIS logo means the gold jewellery is certified, authentic, and high-quality as it is the only organization in India that manages the Hallmark scheme.
  • Check Purity Mark: find the purity mark on the gold which shows karat, to check gold hallmark authenticity. Karat such as 14K, 18 K, 22K, etc shows the purity grades of gold. 
  • 6-Digit Alphanumeric Code: search for the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) consisting of a 6-digit alphanumeric code given to every jewellery piece. This alphanumeric code is important for tracking and verifying the gold hallmark.

Gold jewellery comes in different purities which are indicated by karats (K) and fineness. Here’s how to interpret them:

  • 14K Gold (14K585): 58.5% pure gold, 41.5% other metals.
  • 18K Gold (18K750): 75% pure gold, 25% alloy.
  • 20K Gold: 83.3% pure gold, 16.7% alloy
  • 22K Gold (22K916): 91.6% pure gold, 8.4% alloy.
  • 23K Gold: 95.8% pure gold, 4.2% alloy. Nearly pure gold, rarely used due to its softness.
  • 24K Gold: 99.9% pure gold, the purest form available.

By following the above-mentioned ways you can easily verify hallmark on gold jewellery or any other gold product.

Why Should You Buy Hallmarked Gold Jewellery?

There are several reasons why you should purchase Hallmarked Gold jewellery, which we’ve listed below:

  • Guaranteed Purity: The BIS hallmark ensures the gold is genuine and pure which gives confidence in your purchase.
  • Full Value on Sale: Hallmarked jewellery maintains its full value whenever you sell it. Therefore, Hallmarked Gold will provide you with a fair price.
  • Higher Loan Value: You can get a higher loan amount on hallmarked gold up to 75% of its value, as permitted by RBI.
  • Easy Recognition: The hallmark makes it easy to distinguish between real and fake gold, accepted and trusted nationwide.
  • Low Cost of Hallmarking: The fees for hallmarking are minimal and often included in the final cost by the jeweller, so it doesn’t significantly raise the price.
  • Standardization: Mandatory hallmarking helps organize and standardize the gold industry, ensuring consistent purity levels across the market.

Is There Any Difference Between 916 And 22K Gold?

No, there is no difference between 22K and 916, they are the same. 916 indicates the percentage of the purity of gold, where 916 gold contains 91.6 grams of pure 24-karat gold in every 100 grams of the alloy (91.6% purity), which is why it is called 22-karat gold.

How Can I Check My Gold Hallmark At Home?

To check Hallmark on Gold at home easily, you need to follow 3 steps. Check the BIS logo on the jewellery to ensure the gold is hallmarked, to check purity look for the K sign such as 22K, 24k, etc. Also, check the HUID 6-digit alphanumeric number, which indicates the jeweller’s registration.

However, if you are not able to see the mark/stamp use a magnifying glass for clear vision.

How Do I Check My Hallmark Jewellery Online?

Download the BIS Care app from the Play Store or Apple App Store to check Hallmark on Gold Jewellery. Install & open the app, on the home tap on the “Verify HUID” section, enter the HUID Number and search. You can now check all the details like purity, BIS logo, jeweller’s identification mark, etc.

What Is 6-Digit Hallmark On Gold?

The 6-digit Hallmark on Gold is Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID), containing alphabets and numbers. HUID is stamped at the BIS-certified Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.

Is There Fake Hallmark Gold?

Yes, there can be fake hallmark gold in the market. Therefore, always verify the gold hallmark using the BIS Care app or via the website or buy gold from BIS-certified jewellers.

How To Check Hallmark On Gold Earrings?

To verify hallmark on gold earrings look for the 3 symbols to confirm the gold’s authenticity and purity. The marks such as the BIS logo, HUID number, and the jeweller’s mark denote the gold’s authenticity and purity.