Wondering what is the meaning of Hallmark Symbol on Gold? Learn what they mean, how they affect value, and how to identify them in this article.

Have you ever noticed a tiny symbol stamped on your gold jewellery and wondered what it means? That little mark is a hallmark, and it plays a big role in proving the authenticity and purity of your gold. Gold jewellery and accessories are timeless pieces with monetary and emotional value. Whether you are buying a new gold ring, necklace, or bracelet, one thing you will often notice on quality gold items is the hallmark symbol.

As a company that helps businesses with BIS hallmark registration and certification, we know how important it is to understand the Hallmarking on Gold. Whether you’re a jeweller, a manufacturer, or someone looking to buy gold, knowing what a hallmark symbol means can protect you from fraud.

Therefore, this blog explores the concept of gold hallmarking, its regulatory framework in India, its benefits to consumers and sellers, and why it is crucial for anyone buying or investing in gold.

Understanding Gold Hallmarking

Gold hallmarking involves stamping or making gold jewellery or items with specific symbols or marks indicating purity, content, and other relevant details. After testing the gold against established standards, authorized assay offices or hallmarking centres usually apply these marks. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards is responsible for regulating and certifying gold hallmarking.

What Is The BIS Hallmark Symbol on Gold?

Hallmarking is usually called for the process through which the purity of gold and the fineness of gold are determined and certified. The BIS Hallmark Symbol Warranties that the gold product is being sold on its purity as marketed and the fact that the product has followed all the set India Standards notified by BIS.

To further elaborate, if a customer is purchasing a gold product the BIS Hallmark Symbol, and the hallmark state the product is 18K Gold, then by default, the hallmark is Warranties that the product is made of 18 out of 24 parts gold and the rest is made of alloy.

Verification of BIS Hallmark Symbol on Gold

Four categories help the consumer determine the verification of the BIS Hallmark Symbol on gold.

1. The BIS Hallmark Symbol on Gold – This  BIS Hallmark Symbol on Gold indicates that the purity of the gold product being sold has been product Tested in a BIS Recognised testing and Hallmarking Cerner Laboratory.
2. The fineness and Purity mentioned as any of the Karat (KT)-Their karat or KT will be mentioned as any of the three mentioned below.

• 22K916, which means the gold product is of 91.6% Purity 
• 18K750, which means the gold product is of 75%Purity 
• 14K585, which means the gold product is of 58,5% purity 

3. The BIS Mark of the BIS-approved testing and Hallmarking Cerner.
4. The unique identification Mark of the Jeweller that is issued by BIS upon approval.

Mandatory BIS Hallmark Symbol on Gold

Before a notification sent by the Government of India and BIS in 2021, Hallmark on gold was optional, but now it is mandatory for retailers to only sell gold products of 14K,18K and 22K.

This mandate was implied to avoid any misleading while selling gold products. The government website of the Department of Consumer Affairs states that the BIS Hallmark Symbol incorporates three symbols, namely-

• The BIS Logo 
• Purity and Fineness Symbol
• The HUID Symbol 

How Can I Check 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 make sure the gold is hallmarked. To check purity look for the sign such as 22k,24k, etc, Also, check  the Huid 6-digital alphanumeric number, which indicates the jewellers’s registration.

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

Read More: How To Check Hallmark On Gold

Importance Of Gold Hallmarking In India

These are some important of Gold Hallmarking in India 

• Purity Assurance: The primary purpose of gold hallmarking is to assure consumers of the purity of the gold they are purchasing. The hallmark indicates the percentage of gold content in the jewellery, Indicated in karat (22K, 18K), where 24K is pure gold (99.9%) 
• Quality Standardization: Hallmarking sets a standard for the quality of gold jewellery and artefacts sold in India. It ensures that consumers receive what they pay for in terms of gold purity and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Consumer Protection: Hallmarking protects consumers from fraudulent practices, such as selling impure or low-quality gold at higher prices. It provides transparency and confidence in the authenticity of gold products.
• Legal Compliance: In India, hallmarking gold jewellery is mandatory under the BIS Act and Rules. Only jewellery that meets the prescribed standards and carries the BIS hallmark can be sold legally in the market. 

Regulatory Framework For Gold Hallmarking in India 

The hallmarking of gold in India is governed by the Bureau Of Indian Standards, which operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The BIS Act and Rules specify the standards and procedures for hallmarking gold jewellery and artefacts. Key aspects of the regulatory framework include:

• Compliance Hallmarking: From June 2021, hallmarking gold jewellery has become mandatory across India. This mandate aims to protect consumers and ensure uniformity in gold quality standards nationwide.
• BIS Certification: Hallmarking centres authorized by BIS conduct testing and certification of gold jewellery based on defined purity levels. They use advanced techniques such as fire assay and X-ray glowing to accurately assess gold purity.
• Hallmarking Symbols: The BIS hallmark on gold jewellery includes marks such as the BIS logo purity in karat, the BIS hallmark on gold jewellery includes marks and the year of making.

Benefits Of Gold Hallmarking

Gold hallmarking offers several important benefits, both for consumers and the jewellery industry. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Trust and Credibility: Hallmarked gold instils trust among consumers by assuring them of the gold’s purity and quality. It eliminates doubts about authenticity and reduces the risk of purchasing substandard or counterfeit gold.
2. Transparency in Pricing: Consumers can make informed decisions based on the purity and weight of hallmarked gold jewellery. This transparency helps in fair pricing and prevents overcharging for lower-quality gold.
3. Facilitates Resale: Hallmarked gold jewellery holds higher resale value if it is recognized for its purity and quality. Buyers and jewellers prefer hallmarked gold due to its assurance and standards of quality.
4. Compliance with Regulations: Sellers of gold jewellery comply with legal requirements by hallmarking their products, avoiding penalties and legal issues associated with selling non-hallmarked gold.

Why Gold Hallmarking Matters?

Gold hallmarking matters because it protects consumers from fraud ensures fair trade practices, and upholds quality standards in the gold industry. Whether buying gold for personal use, investment, or cultural reasons, hallmarking assures purity and authenticity.

It strengthens consumer rights and promotes confidence in the gold market, benefiting both buyers and sellers alike.