India has a timeless love affair with gold. Whether it’s for weddings, festivals, investment or fashion, gold jewellery plays an essential role in Indian culture. But with rising gold prices and increasing worries about purity, buying genuine gold has become more important than ever. That’s where the BIS hallmark in gold steps in — a guarantee that what you are buying is 100% authentic.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what the BIS hallmark means, how to verify it, why it matters, and how it protects buyers from fraud.
What is BIS Hallmark in Gold?
The BIS hallmark is a certification stamp issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that the gold jewellery you purchase is pure and of the correct karat value. It confirms that the gold piece has been tested, verified, and approved through BIS-recognised laboratories.
● Why BIS Introduced Hallmarking?
Before hallmarking became mandatory, Indian jewellery markets struggled with issues like:
- Purity fraud
- Mix of metals sold as pure gold
- Incorrect karat labeling
- Price manipulation
The BIS hallmark in gold eliminates uncertainty and protects customers by offering transparency and trust.
Components of a BIS Hallmark in Gold
A genuine hallmark consists of four important symbols. Every jewellery buyer should know these!
● BIS Logo
BIS Hallmark Logo
This symbol confirms that the piece has gone through quality evaluation by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
● Purity/Fineness Grade
The purity mark indicates the karat value. Some common examples:
- 22K – 916
- 18K – 750
- 14K – 585
The number reflects the percentage of pure gold used in the item.
● HUID Number (Hallmark Unique Identification)
Each item has a six-digit alphanumeric code laser-engraved into it. This is used to check product origin, purity, and authenticity details.
● Assay Center Mark
This mark tells you which BIS-certified laboratory tested the jewellery.
Why BIS Hallmark Matters for Gold Buyers in India
● Guarantees Purity
With the jewellery market full of fake or low-purity gold, the bis hallmark in gold ensures that you are getting exactly what you pay for.
● Financial Security and Resale Value
Jewellery with BIS hallmark always has better resale value when compared to unmarked gold. Buyers can confidently sell, exchange, or trade-in their piece without disputes.
● Mandatory for Jewellers
Since 2021, hallmarking has been made mandatory in selected districts of India. Consumer awareness is rising, forcing jewellers to maintain transparency.
Types of Gold Hallmarked in India
● 24K Gold Hallmark (999 Purity)
Mostly used in gold coins and bars, not in jewellery because pure gold is too soft.
● 22K Gold Hallmark (916 Purity)
Most Indian gold ornaments are made in 22K and must carry the bis hallmark to prove purity.
● 18K Hallmarked Gold (750 Purity)
More common today in diamond jewellery due to durability and design flexibility.
Benefits of Buying Gold With BIS Hallmark
● Customer Protection Against Fraud
Hallmarking prevents jewellers from selling lower purity at higher prices.
● Price Transparency
Gold rates depend on purity. The hallmark makes karat accuracy crystal clear.
● Legal Security
If you find purity mismatch, BIS supports consumers through complaint systems and penalty actions against fraud.
How to Check a BIS Hallmark in Gold Jewellery
Check the Four Hallmark Symbols
Never buy jewellery without:
- BIS logo
- Purity value
- Assay mark
- HUID
Verify Using BIS Care App
The Government of India has launched an app named BIS Care.
You can scan the HUID code and check:
- jewellery details
- jeweller authenticity
- manufacturing location
Why Some Jewellers Avoid BIS Hallmarking
Some jewellers avoid hallmarking due to:
- additional testing fees
- risk exposure to purity fraud
- lack of legal paperwork
However, avoiding hallmarking is a huge red flag. Customers should only buy from BIS-certified jewellers.
Difference Between BIS Hallmark & Ordinary Jeweller Stamp
Many jewellers put internal stamps on jewellery, but they do not confirm purity.
Jeweller Stamp
- Not government approved
- No testing record
- No legal guarantee
BIS Hallmark
- Tested scientifically
- Approved by BIS labs
- Legally valid purity proof
BIS Hallmark in Gold vs Imported Hallmarking
Many foreign countries also hallmark gold, but standards differ.
BIS Hallmark (India)
- Mandatory for domestic sales
- Government certification
- Unique HUID code
International Hallmarking
- Varies by country
- Different testing standards
- Not always recognised in India
Common Myths About BIS Hallmark in Gold
● Myth: Hallmark is an extra cost
Truth: The minimal charge offers lifetime purity guarantee.
● Myth: Old jewellery cannot be hallmarked
Truth: Existing jewellery can be re-tested and marked.
● Myth: Hallmarked jewellery is more expensive
Truth: Prices reflect purity, not stamp value.
Does Every Gold Item Need a BIS Hallmark?
Yes — if you are buying new gold jewellery, hallmarking is essential. Even for gifting, hallmark assures trust, value, and emotional security.
BIS Hallmark vs Karat Weight — Are They the Same?
● Karat Weight
Represents how much pure gold is present in an item.
● BIS Hallmark
Confirms that the karat is accurate and genuine.
Hallmarking verifies karat — it doesn’t replace it.
What Happens If You Buy Gold Without BIS Hallmark?
● Higher Fraud Risk
You may receive lower purity at a higher rate.
● Lower Resale Value
Jewellers will reduce buy-back price for unmarked gold.
● No Legal Protection
Without BIS proof, filing purity complaints is nearly impossible.
Tips for Buyers Before Purchasing Gold Jewellery
Always Look for HUID Code
If the code is missing, avoid the item immediately.
Demand Invoice With Purity Mentioned
Your bill must include:
- purity mark
- weight
- making charges
- tax amount
Check Jeweller’s BIS License Number
Legitimate jewellers proudly display their hallmarked licence.
Conclusion: Why BIS Hallmark in Gold is Non-Negotiable Today
The BIS hallmark in gold is more than just a tiny stamp on jewellery — it represents trust, purity, and value. In a country where gold holds emotional and financial importance, buying hallmarked gold ensures safety and peace of mind.
From guaranteeing karat accuracy to improving resale value, BIS hallmarking empowers Indian shoppers to make smarter, safer, and more confident jewellery choices.
As a buyer in today’s market, always choose hallmarked gold, verify purity using the HUID code, and shop only from certified jewellers. When your jewellery carries the bis hallmark, your investment stays secure and genuine for life.
