Gold holds a special place in every Indian home — it’s not just jewellery, but a form of investment, a sign of prosperity, and an emotional inheritance. However, with rising gold prices and fake products entering the market, knowing how to identify a hallmark sign on gold jewellery is crucial.
A hallmark certifies the purity and authenticity of gold. Whether you’re buying a wedding necklace, a gold coin, or an investment bar, understanding how to read hallmark signs will protect your money and ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
This Q&A-style guide breaks down everything you need to know about hallmarked gold in India — from BIS certification and HUID codes to the differences between 24K, 22K, 18K, and 14K gold.
Q1. What is a hallmark in gold jewellery?
A hallmark is an official certification stamp that verifies the purity, fineness, and authenticity of gold jewellery or artefacts. In India, gold hallmarking is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — the national body responsible for ensuring quality standards.
A BIS hallmark means that the piece has been tested and certified at a BIS-approved Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.
Simply put, hallmark = proof of purity.
Q2. Why is hallmarking important in India?
India is the world’s second-largest consumer of gold, but the market also faces issues like adulteration and under-caratage. To protect buyers, the Government of India made hallmarking mandatory for all gold jewellery and artefacts.
The hallmark guarantees:
- The jewellery meets BIS purity standards.
- You’re paying the right price for the right purity.
- Transparency between seller and buyer.
- Better resale and exchange value.
- Legal protection under BIS norms.
Without a hallmark, there’s no official assurance that the gold is genuine.
Q3. What are the components of a BIS hallmark?
Every hallmarked piece of gold in India carries five elements that together guarantee its authenticity:
1. BIS Logo – A triangle symbol indicating certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
2. Purity/Fineness Mark – Shows the purity of gold:
- 24K = 999 (99.9% pure)
- 22K = 916 (91.6% pure)
- 18K = 750 (75% pure)
- 14K = 585 (58.5% pure)
3. Assaying and Hallmarking Centre’s Mark – Identifies the BIS-recognised lab that tested the item.
4. Jeweller’s Identification Mark – Unique code of the jeweller who sold or manufactured the ornament.
5. HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) Number – A six-digit alphanumeric code unique to each piece of jewellery.
These marks are engraved discreetly on the jewellery — together, they confirm the item’s purity, origin, and traceability.
Q4. Where can you find the hallmark on jewellery?
The hallmark is usually engraved in an inconspicuous spot:
- Rings: Inside the inner surface of the band.
- Bangles: On the inner curve.
- Chains/Necklaces: Near the clasp or on a small tag plate.
- Earrings: On the stem or lock section.
- Pendants: On the back or connecting loop.
Use a magnifying glass or jeweller’s loupe to see the marks clearly. The BIS triangle logo is your first indication of a genuine hallmark.
Q5. How do you read a hallmark?
Example:
BIS Logo + 22K916 + AHC123 + JWL789 + HUIDABC123
Interpretation:
- BIS Logo: Certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- 22K916: Purity of gold (22 karats = 91.6% pure).
- AHC123: Code of the assaying centre.
- JWL789: Code of the jeweller.
- HUIDABC123: Unique 6-digit identification number.
By checking all these, you can be confident that the jewellery is hallmarked, certified, and traceable.
Q6. What is the difference between 24K, 22K, 18K, and 14K gold?
Understanding karats is vital when choosing jewellery.
Karat Fineness (Purity) Description Common Use
- 24K 999 (99.9%) Purest form of gold, bright yellow, very soft Coins, bars, investment purposes
- 22K 916 (91.6%) Durable and suitable for making jewellery Traditional ornaments, wedding jewellery
- 18K 750 (75%) Contains more alloy, harder, supports stone setting Designer, diamond-studded, daily wear
- 14K 585 (58.5%) More durable, lower gold content Lightweight and trendy ornaments
Important:
24K gold is the purest form but too soft for daily jewellery, so jewellers generally use 22K or 18K for ornaments.
The hallmark on 24K gold coins or bars will usually show “999” purity.
Q7. What is the HUID system and why does it matter?
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is a six-digit alphanumeric code introduced by BIS. It’s the most advanced feature in Indian hallmarking.
Each hallmarked ornament gets its own unique HUID, recorded in the BIS database along with jeweller and centre details.
You can verify this through the BIS Care mobile app by entering the HUID number.
Why it matters:
- Prevents fake hallmarking.
- Allows easy online verification.
- Ensures full traceability from jeweller to customer.
- Strengthens consumer confidence.
Q8. How can you verify if a hallmark is genuine?
To check the authenticity of a hallmark:
1. Confirm all five hallmark symbols (BIS logo, purity, assaying centre, jeweller ID, HUID).
2. Use the BIS Care App – enter the HUID number to verify details online.
3. Examine the engraving quality – genuine marks are clear and consistent.
4. Beware of only “Karat” marks – just “22K” without BIS logo or HUID is not a valid hallmark.
5. Buy only from BIS-certified jewellers who display their BIS registration certificate in the showroom.
If the hallmark is unclear, missing, or inconsistent, the piece may not be genuine.
Q9. What are the benefits of buying hallmarked gold?
Buying hallmarked jewellery offers several advantages:
- Guaranteed purity – tested by an authorised BIS lab.
- Transparency – clear information on karatage and fineness.
- Better resale value – jewellers trust certified pieces.
- Legal assurance – protects you under BIS regulations.
- Peace of mind – eliminates doubts about adulteration or fake gold.
Remember: Hallmarked gold is not just an ornament — it’s an assured investment.
Q10. What mistakes should buyers avoid when checking hallmarks?
Many customers make simple but costly errors. Avoid these:
- Confusing “22K” with hallmarking — check for BIS logo and HUID.
- Ignoring the small engraving — the hallmark might be hidden or faint.
- Believing verbal claims — always verify physically.
- Overlooking HUID — it’s your proof of authenticity.
- Falling for discounts or “non-hallmarked” deals — cheaper often means impure.
- A quick check of the hallmark can save you thousands of rupees later.
Q11. What about old or non-hallmarked gold jewellery?
If your existing jewellery isn’t hallmarked, don’t worry — you can still get it hallmarked.
Visit a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre; they’ll test the purity, engrave the official hallmark, and issue a certificate.
This not only increases your ornament’s authenticity but also its resale and exchange value.
Q12. What should you do if your hallmarked jewellery turns out to be impure?
If a hallmarked item fails a purity test:
1. Lodge a complaint via the BIS Care App or BIS consumer helpline.
2. Request retesting at another BIS-approved centre.
3. Demand refund or replacement from the jeweller.
4. Report fraudulent sellers — BIS can impose strict penalties and cancel licences.
Consumer protection is a key part of hallmarking, and BIS ensures swift action against violators.
Q13. How does hallmarking work for imported or antique jewellery?
Imported or antique pieces may carry foreign hallmarks such as “750” (18K) or “585” (14K). These marks indicate purity but are not BIS-certified.
If you plan to sell or exchange such items in India, it’s advisable to have them retested and hallmarked at a BIS centre to align with Indian standards.
Q14. Is hallmarking mandatory in India now?
Yes. From June 2021, hallmarking has been made mandatory across India in phases.
Currently, only gold jewellery in 24K, 22K, 18K, and 14K purity is allowed for sale with BIS hallmarking.
Exceptions apply only to:
- Export or re-import items.
- Jewellery for international exhibitions.
- Certain traditional hand-made pieces in remote areas.
For all retail sales, hallmarking is legally compulsory under BIS regulations.
Q15. How can buyers stay safe when purchasing gold?
Here’s a simple checklist for safe buying in India:
✅ Purchase only from BIS-registered jewellers.
✅ Look for all five hallmark elements.
✅ Verify HUID on the BIS Care app.
✅ Demand a detailed bill with purity, weight, and hallmark details.
✅ Avoid non-hallmarked or “custom purity” jewellery.
✅ Keep receipts and certificates safely for resale.
Conclusion
Hallmarking is the trust seal of India’s gold market. It guarantees that the gold you buy is as pure as promised, tested under government standards, and traceable through the HUID system.
Here’s what to remember:
- Always choose BIS-hallmarked gold — whether it’s 24K, 22K, 18K, or 14K.
- Check for the triangle BIS logo, purity mark, jeweller ID, assaying centre, and HUID number.
- Verify the details through the BIS Care app before paying.
- Avoid non-certified sellers or suspiciously low-priced offers.
- Whether it’s a 24K gold coin for investment or a 22K bangle for your wedding, hallmarking ensures purity, transparency, and protection.
- When your jewellery carries the BIS hallmark, it’s not just gold — it’s a promise of purity and peace of mind.