If you are planning to buy some gold this festival season but are not sure how to tell authentic gold from fake, don’t panic. There are three key signs to look for – the BIS Standard Mark, the purity grade in karat and fineness, and the jeweller’s identification mark along with the hallmarking centre’s logo. Through this guide we can help you make the right choice.
Hallmarking a certification system that ensures the quality and authenticity of gold.
Let us walk you through how to check the purity of your gold jewellery and the three key signs to look for in hallmarking, so you can make your purchase with confidence.
What is Gold Hallmarking?
Gold hallmarking is an official system of certifying the purity and fineness of gold. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for hallmarking gold jewellery to assure buyers that their gold meets the necessary quality standards. It serves as a guarantee from the seller and protection for the buyer.
How to Check the Purity of Gold Jewellery
There are three key signs you should look for when verifying the hallmarking of gold jewellery. These signs indicate the authenticity and purity of the gold you're buying.
1. BIS Standard Mark
The first and most important sign to look for is the BIS Standard Mark. This logo certifies that the gold has been tested in a BIS-recognized lab and meets the standard purity levels. The BIS logo is usually a triangle symbol with the letters "BIS" underneath it, stamped on the jewellery. This ensures the gold has gone through proper quality checks, and you can trust its purity.
2. Purity Grade in Karat and Fineness
Next, check for the purity mark in both karats and fineness. This marking will indicate how pure the gold is. For example, you might see:
- 22K (916): Indicates 91.6% pure gold, which is the standard for most gold jewellery in India.
- 18K (750): Represents 75% pure gold.
- 14K (585): Means 58.5% gold content.
These numbers correspond to the percentage of pure gold in the jewellery. The higher the number, the purer the gold. This marking assures you of the exact gold content in the piece.
3. Jeweller’s Identification Mark and Hallmarking Centre
The final sign to check for is the Jeweller’s Identification Mark and the Assaying and Hallmarking Centre’s (AHC) Logo. Every BIS-certified jeweller has a unique identification mark, which is stamped on the jewellery to indicate where it was made. Additionally, the hallmarking centre’s logo indicates that the jewellery has been tested at a recognized centre for purity verification. Together, these two symbols ensure that the piece has been evaluated by certified professionals.
Additional Tips for Buying Gold
Weigh the Jewellery: Ensure that the gold is accurately weighed, as the cost of gold is directly related to its weight. It’s best to verify this on a calibrated scale in the store.
Check for Proper Billing: Always insist on a detailed invoice that specifies the weight, karatage, and price per gram of the gold you are purchasing. This adds transparency and protection in case of disputes.
Buy from Certified Jewellers: Always buy gold jewellery from BIS-certified jewellers to ensure you're purchasing genuine gold with hallmark certification.
Why is Hallmarking Important?
Hallmarking protects consumers from being misled about the purity of the gold they are purchasing. It assures that the gold meets the standards of quality and gives you confidence that you're getting what you paid for.
Checking the purity of gold jewellery is easier than you might think. Always opt for hallmarked gold from certified jewellers to protect your investment and ensure the highest quality.
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