BIS Hallmark Jewellery Explained: Meaning, Process & Why It Matters

Purchasing jewellery has always been daunting, especially to those who aren’t well-versed. Lack of knowledge and government standardization are the primary reasons for fraudulent transactions in this industry. But thanks to BIS Hallmark, the number is reducing considerably across the nation.  

What is BIS Hallmark? 

BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards, a national body for standards under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which is responsible for authenticating the purity and quality of certain products, including jewellery. It is a trusted mark that guarantees the purity claimed by the jeweller.  

Hallmark Gold Meaning 

Hallmark gold essentially means gold that has been examined and tested for purity in a BIS-recognized assaying/testing center. The center essentially verifies the percentage of pure gold in the tested jewellery or artifact, and categorizes it either as 22K gold, which contains 91.6% pure gold, 18K gold, which contains 75% pure gold, and 14K gold, which contains 58.5% pure gold.   

BIS Hallmark Process 

The BIS hallmark process requires jewellers to register with the Bureau of Indian Standards and send them finished jewellery for testing at any government-approved assaying and hallmarking center. The experts at these centers scrape a small portion of the jewellery without damaging it and carry out the XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) test or use the Cupellation Method to assess its purity. The pieces that meet the BIS standard are hallmarked, while the others are rejected.   

How to Check Hallmark on Gold  

The hallmark has 5 officially recognized markings which denote that the product it is engraved upon is authentic and certified.  

These markings include:  

• The BIS Logo, which certifies that the gold is government-approved.
• Purity of gold in carat-weight and its fineness.
• The assay center mark, which is the code given to the lab that tested the gold.
• The jeweller’s identification mark, which is the code assigned to the BIS-registered jeweller.
• The HUID or Hallmark Unique ID, which is a 6-digit alphanumeric code given to each item that meets the Hallmark standards.

This info is laser-engraved or stamped on the inner side of the jewellery to certify its quality and purity.  

How Does the BIS Hallmark Protect Consumers? 

Hallmark is basically government-approved proof of the purity of gold or gold jewellery. It protects the consumers’ interests by ensuring they get their money’s worth, and reduces risk of overpaying for low-purity gold, falling for fake claims about the carat-weight, and suffering losses during resale or exchange. The hallmark is true to the standards, which means you get what you see stamped on the jewellery.  

To summarize, BIS Hallmark eliminates guesswork, keeps transactions transparent, and builds trust between buyers and sellers. It also helps maintain consistency across the nation by making jewellery traceable and the seller accountable. When buying gold, always choose a jeweller who offers BIS Hallmarked products, such as PNG Jewellers, for assured purity and a great shopping experience. Need more clarity on the standard? Refer to the frequently asked questions provided below. 

FAQs 

Q1. What does BIS hallmark mean on gold jewellery?  

BIS hallmark on gold jewellery is a stamp that authenticates its purity by a government-approved testing center. It means that the gold jewellery meets all quality and purity standards set by the bureau to eliminate guesswork and fraudulent transactions.  

Q2. How can I check if my gold jewellery is hallmarked?  

The hallmark is usually laser-engraved or stamped on the inside of the gold jewellery to maintain its aesthetic appeal. Check the piece thoroughly for the hallmark. Use a loupe or a magnifying glass (easily available at any jeweller) if the mark is not visible to the naked eye.   

A hallmark looks something like this — 22K916.   

The first two digits and the letter “K” are the carat-weight of the gold used. In this case, it is 22K. The last three digits denote the quantity of pure gold used in it, which is 91.6%.  

Similarly, the hallmark for 18K gold is “18K750” and that for 14K gold is 14K585.  

Don’t forget to check the other aspects of the hallmark provided under the sub-heading ”How to Check Hallmark on Gold” above.  

Q3. Is hallmark jewellery compulsory in India? 

Yes, hallmarked Jewellery is compulsory in India since 2023. It is mandatory for jewellers to hallmark gold jewellery and gold artifacts through government-approved assaying centers. Those who don’t are penalized and risk suspension of their licenses. 

Q4. Why is BIS hallmark important for buyers?  

BIS hallmark certifies the purity of gold. It reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions, makes the seller accountable, and helps build transparency and trust. Since it is standardized and mandatory, buyers investing in gold to secure their future are sure to fetch a fair resale price or get reasonable exchange value. The hallmark is therefore extremely important for buyers across the nation.    

Q5. What is the difference between 916 and BIS hallmark? 

916 in 916 hallmark gold refers to gold purity in 22K gold. It is the fineness mark that denotes 91.6% of the gold in the jewellery is pure. BIS Hallmark is the certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that confirms the purity of the gold used in the jewellery.