Gold ornaments have always remained a favourite among the Indians when it comes to buying timeless jewellery for gifting or other purposes. The reason is quite simple, as it is not a mere metal, but rather an emotion. However, when you are investing in gold jewellery, you must ask for assurance that it is pure gold jewellery. To prove authenticity, the jewellers and manufacturers these days are stressing the hallmark gold jewellery. 

A hallmark serves as an official certificate confirming that the gold has undergone rigorous testing to meet established global market standards. A hallmarked piece of jewellery boosts the confidence of buyers to spend their money on buying gold. For the new buyers, it appears to be a bit difficult to understand the nuances of purchasing gold and its association with the hallmark. It is important to identify pure gold before purchase, understand what hallmarking means, how BIS certification works, and how to identify the purity of gold jewellery. 

What Is Hallmark Gold Jewellery and Why Hallmarking Matters When Buying Gold?

Hallmark gold jewellery stands for the ones that are officially tested and verified by the authorised hallmarking centres. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards plays a crucial role in ensuring the purity of gold jewellery pieces and helping individuals to identify whether a jewellery piece meets the purity standard or not. The hallmark in reality acts as a guarantee that the gold in the jewellery matches the purity amount that the seller has claimed. Plus, it safeguards the buyers from purchasing adulterated gold or under-karat products. Nowadays, it has become mandatory for sellers in India to sell products with BIS hallmarking, making it easier for consumers to verify the authenticity of the gold. 

The hallmarked gold offers better resale and exchange value. Once you have the hallmarked gold in-store, you can easily go for exchanges or reselling in future. The hallmarking of gold in reality keeps your investment safe, ascertains your peace of mind and reduces the chances of disputes. 

At Sawansukha Jewellers, hallmarked gold jewellery pieces are done based on the standards stipulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Every eligible jewellery piece bears the BIS logo, the purity mark, the identification mark of the jeweller, and the six-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification). Through these hallmarking features, it becomes much easier for customers to identify pure gold before purchase. We ensure that each of our jewellery pieces is hallmarked as per the BIS rules to assure you that each of our pieces is of high standard and genuine.

Gold Purity Explained: 24K vs 22K vs 18K vs 14K

The purity of gold leaves an impact on market value, resale value and longevity. 

Common Understanding of Gold Karats

• 24 karat gold is made up of nearly 99.9% pure gold and is mostly used for investment coins and bullion since it is very soft.
• 22 karat gold contains 91.6% pure gold and is the best type of gold used to make wedding and traditional jewellery.
• 18 karat gold has 75% pure gold and is mixed with other metals making it fit for diamond and gem jewellery.
• 14 karat gold comprises 58.5% gold with more strength than usual for wearing in jewellery.

How to Identify Pure Gold Before Purchase

Before purchasing pure gold jewellery, here are some simple steps to follow. 

Check the BIS Hallmark

Always conduct a thorough check to find out the BIS hallmark, as its presence assures that the gold is meeting the market standards. One of the best ways to identify pure gold before purchase is to check the BIS hallmark. When you are making an expensive deal in gold, thorough checking is required, and you can do it on your own by following the steps below. 

Verify the Purity Mark

Verification of the purity mark is a crucial step, as this mark refers to the exact gold content in jewellery. When you are purchasing gold, you must check if the purity mark matches the karat value mentioned by the jeweller or not. 

Look for the HUID Number

Check the HUID number to confirm the authenticity of the purchase. This number enhances the transparency and traceability. 

Ask for a Purchase Invoice

Every time you buy gold, ask for the purchase invoice. This invoice must include the details like gold rate, purity level, taxes and making charges, HUID number and others. 

Verify Hallmark Details Online

For further verification, buyers can utilise the HUID number online to cross-check the information provided in the invoice. This additional step helps to detect any discrepancies. 

What is HUID?

The HUID mark is a number of 6 digits and is also known as the Hallmark Unique Identification Number. Every hallmarked gold jewellery piece now carries a HUID or Hallmark  Unique Identification number, which is an alphanumeric code of 6 digits. It helps the customers to track and verify the level of authenticity of the product as per the established regulatory standards of the market. 

Tips to Buy Hallmark Gold Jewellery 

Once you are aware of the HUID number and BIS hallmark, don’t get confused about how to check gold purity. You don’t need a lab or magnifying glass; a little awareness is enough to do this job with ease.

• Ask for a purity certificate.
• Examine the hallmark
• Don’t buy without a bill
• Understand making charges 

Final Thoughts 

Buying gold jewellery involves both our emotions and finances, and for this reason, it must be authentic and pure. The HUID number and BIS hallmark allow individuals to identify the pure gold before purchase. If you are buying gold jewellery for your personal usage or for gifting purposes, taking a few extra steps to verify purity can protect your investment and ensure lasting value. To explore the best gold hallmark jewellery pieces, visit Sawansukha Jewellers, the premium store for jadau, gold and diamond jewellery in Kolkata, Raipur and Siliguri. 

 

FAQs 

1. How to identify if a piece of gold jewellery is hallmarked or not? 

Identification of gold jewellery is easy, and all you need to do is check the BIS logo, HUID number and mark of purity. You may also visit the BIS care app to know more about the piece that you are going to purchase. 

2. Is 22k pure gold? 

No, 22k gold contains 91.6% pure gold and is used in the making of jewellery pieces. But 22k gold pieces are generally more durable and perfect for wearing daily. 

3. Can hallmarked jewellery be fake? 

Hallmarking reduces the risk of fraud and offers confidence to the buyers to get authentic pieces at the best market price. You can still verify the HUID number for better clarity.

4. How to verify the BIS hallmark on gold?

This is because you can confirm the hallmark on your gold jewellery from the Bureau of Indian Standards through the presence of the BIS logo and also the HUID number that is unique on your jewellery. This HUID number can be validated through the official channels of Bureau of Indian Standards for confirmation of the purity and authenticity of the gold. 

5. Does Hallmark Gold have better resale value? 

Yes, hallmarked gold has better resale value in comparison to those that don’t have. Besides that, it makes the exchange and resale process easier. 

6. Is the BIS hallmark mandatory?

Yes, in India, the BIS hallmark is mandatory. This hallmark is designed to protect consumers from fraudulent activities.