Introducation
If you're buying gold jewellery in India, learning how to read a BIS hallmark is the single most important skill you can bring into a showroom.
It takes less than a minute to check, and it's the difference between confirmed purity and simply taking a jeweller's word for it.
Every reputable gold jewellery piece sold in India carries a small stamp that most buyers glance at but never actually read. That stamp is the BIS hallmark, and it's the only independent, government-backed proof that the gold you're buying is exactly as pure as the jeweller claims.
In this guide, we'll break down what each part of the hallmark means, how to decode the purity numbers, and give you a simple, step-by-step checklist to verify it before you pay.
What Is a BIS Hallmark?
The BIS hallmark is a certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India's national standards body, confirming that a piece of gold or silver jewellery has been independently tested for purity.
Gold hallmarking has been in place in India since 2000. Since June 2021, it has been mandatory for jewellers with a certain turnover to sell only BIS-hallmarked gold jewellery across most Indian districts.
Without it, the purity written on your price tag is the seller's word, not a verified fact.
A Short History of Hallmarking in India
Hallmarking wasn't always mandatory, and understanding how it evolved helps explain why the current system is so thorough.
- 2000: BIS launched India's first voluntary gold hallmarking scheme.
- 2005: Silver jewellery and artefacts were added to the scheme.
- 2019: BIS hallmarking regulations were revised, laying the groundwork for a mandatory rollout.
- June 2021: Hallmarking became mandatory for gold jewellery sold by jewellers above a specified annual turnover, across a large number of Indian districts.
-
July 2025: 9K gold was formally added to the hallmarking framework, giving buyers a more affordable hallmarked option alongside 14K, 18K, and 22K.
Each of these milestones pushed the system closer to what you see today: a mandatory, HUID-backed mark that's traceable back to the exact centre and jeweller that sold the piece.
The 4 Parts of a BIS Hallmark
A genuine hallmark isn't just one logo. It's made up of four components stamped together, usually engraved discreetly inside a ring band, on the clasp of a chain, or on the inner edge of a bangle or earring.
1. The BIS Standard Mark: The triangular BIS logo itself, confirming the piece was tested at a licensed Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC).
2. The Purity Grade is shown as a three-digit number:
-
22K gold = 916 (91.6% pure)
-
18K gold = 750 (75% pure)
-
14K gold = 585 (58.5% pure)
-
9K gold = 375 (37.5% pure), added to the hallmarking framework from July 2025
3. The HUID Number: A six-character alphanumeric code, known as the Hallmark Unique Identification number. This is the most important part of the mark, because it's what lets you verify the piece online.
4. The Assaying Centre's Identification Mark: Identifies which licensed centre tested and hallmarked the piece, so it can be traced back if there's ever a dispute.
Does Silver Jewellery Get Hallmarked Too?
Yes. Silver hallmarking has been part of the BIS scheme since 2005, though it's structured slightly differently from gold.
Silver jewellery and artefacts are hallmarked for purity grades such as 999 (fine silver), 970, 925 (sterling silver), and 835, with 925 being the most common grade used in jewellery because it balances purity with durability.
The hallmark itself still carries the BIS logo, the purity grade, and identifying details, though silver pieces don't currently use the same HUID system as gold. When you're buying silver rings, bangles, or bracelets, ask specifically for the purity grade and check that it's stamped rather than just printed on the tag.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Even careful buyers slip up on a few predictable points. Knowing them in advance saves you from an awkward conversation at the counter.
Assuming the price tag is enough: A printed tag can say anything. Only the physical stamp on the metal, verified through the HUID, confirms actual purity.
Not checking the HUID at all: Many buyers spot the BIS logo and stop there, without realising the HUID is what actually ties the piece to a verifiable record.
Confusing "certified" with "hallmarked."Some sellers use general certification language loosely. Ask specifically whether the piece carries a BIS hallmark, not just a certificate of authenticity from the store itself.
Skipping verification on gifted or inherited jewellery: If you're getting a piece valued, exchanged, or resold, it's worth running the HUID through the BIS Care app even if it looks old and trustworthy.
Not asking about the exchange policy alongside hallmarking. A hallmark protects purity, but a clear exchange or buy-back policy protects your investment if your needs change later.
How to Verify a BIS Hallmark: Step-by-Step Checklist
-
Locate the stamp. Check inside the ring band, the clasp of a chain or bracelet, or the inner surface of bangles, earrings and pendants.
-
Read the purity number. Confirm 916, 750, 585, or 375 matches what the jeweller told you.
-
Note the 6-character HUID. Every hallmarked piece has a unique one, and no two pieces share the same code.
-
Download the BIS Care app (available on the Play Store and App Store).
-
Enter the HUID under the Hallmark Verification section.
-
Compare the result. The app should return the purity, jeweller details, and hallmarking centre. Cross-check this against what you were told in-store.
-
If it doesn't match or doesn't return a result, don't complete the purchase. You can also contact the BIS consumer helpline (1800-11-4000).
Why This Matters More Than It Seems
Gold jewellery in India isn't just an accessory. For most families, it's a store of value that gets passed down or resold decades later.
An unverified or missing hallmark doesn't just mean uncertain purity today. It can mean a lower resale or exchange value years from now, when the piece needs to be re-tested from scratch.
Buying only from jewellers who deal exclusively in BIS hallmarked and certified jewellery removes that risk entirely. The verification is already done for you, and it's backed by paperwork you can hold on to.
If you're deciding between purity levels for a specific piece, our guide to 18K vs 22K gold for festive buying is a useful next read, and our gold collection is fully hallmarked, so every piece you browse already carries verified purity.
Final Thoughts
Reading a BIS hallmark takes less time than trying on the piece itself, and it's the one habit that protects you on every gold purchase you make, big or small.
Look for the logo, check the purity number, note the HUID, and verify it on the BIS Care app before you pay. If a jeweller can't show you a clear hallmark, that's reason enough to walk away.
At D Khushalbhai Jewellers, every piece we sell is BIS hallmarked and certified from the outset, so you can shop our gold, diamond, and silver collections knowing the verification is already done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BIS hallmark on gold?
It's a certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards confirming that a piece of gold jewellery has been independently tested and verified for purity.
How can I check if my gold is BIS hallmarked?
Look for the BIS logo, purity number, HUID code, and assaying centre mark engraved on the piece, then verify the HUID using the BIS Care app.
What does 916 hallmark mean?
916 means the piece is 22K gold, or 91.6% pure gold by weight.
Is unhallmarked gold jewellery illegal to sell in India?
Since June 2021, jewellers above a specified turnover threshold are required to sell only BIS hallmarked gold jewellery in most Indian districts. Always ask for hallmarking before you buy.
How do I verify a HUID number online?
Download the BIS Care app, select Hallmark Verification, and enter the six-character HUID engraved on your piece to see its official record.
Is silver jewellery also BIS hallmarked?
Yes, silver hallmarking has been in place since 2005. Look for the BIS logo and purity grade, such as 925 for sterling silver, stamped on the piece.
What should I do if a jeweller refuses to show the hallmark?
Treat this as a red flag. A jeweller confident in their gold's purity will have no hesitation showing you the hallmark or letting you verify the HUID on the spot.
Does an old piece of jewellery need a hallmark too?
Older, inherited, or gifted pieces purchased before hallmarking became common may not carry one. If you plan to resell or exchange such a piece, ask your jeweller about getting it tested and hallmarked.
0 comments