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Gold jewellery has always been an integral part of Indian culture and tradition. We buy gold jewellery for various occasions, such as weddings and festivals. When purchasing gold jewellery, it is important to check its purity and authenticity. This is where the concept of a gold hallmark comes in.

A hallmark is an official mark stamped on gold jewellery to certify its purity. It guarantees that the gold you purchase meets the jeweller's claims of karats and fineness. So, before buying any gold ornament, checking for an authentic hallmark is essential to ensure you are not being cheated.

What is the Hallmark Gold Sign?

A hallmark on gold is a small stamp or laser mark that indicates certain key details about the gold. It certifies that the gold jewellery conforms to the purity standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS is India's national standards body that defines the quality of gold jewellery.

The hallmark sign on gold has three components:

• BIS Logo: The BIS logo is a triangle shape that indicates that BIS is involved in testing and certifying the gold.

• Fineness Number: This 2-3 digit number denotes the purity level of gold in karats such as 22K, 18K, etc. 22K means 22/24, which is 91.6% pure gold, 18K means 18/24, which is 75% pure gold.

• Assaying and Hallmarking Centre's Identification Mark: This is a unique 6-letter code assigned to each assaying/hallmarking centre certified by BIS across India.

Therefore, an authentic gold hallmark will have these three signs: the BIS logo, fineness number, and unique identification mark of the testing centre. Checking for their presence ensures that you purchase BIS-certified jewellery of the claimed purity.

Types of Gold Hallmarks on Jewellery

The hallmark on gold jewellery can be of two types:

• Stamp Hallmark: This is the traditional method of hallmarking, and it involves stamping or imprinting the BIS logo and fineness number and assaying the centre's code on the ornament using a metal punch.

• Laser Hallmark: In this method, the hallmark sign is etched on the jewellery using a laser beam, leaving no external deformity or mark on the ornament. Laser marking is suitable for delicate and stone-studded jewellery pieces where stamping can damage the piece. The laser mark is permanent and cannot be altered or removed.

How to Check Hallmark on Gold

Checking for a valid BIS hallmark on gold jewellery is relatively easy. All you need to do is scan the jewellery carefully under a magnifying glass or jeweller's eyeglass called the loupe. A hallmark can be placed anywhere on the ornament—inside a ring, on the chain clasp, behind an earring, etc. So, examine properly to spot the hallmark sign.

The BIS logo triangle has to be visible along with the correct fineness number, such as 22K, 18K, etc., that matches what the jeweller has claimed. You should also spot the unique 6-letter hallmarking centre code. Match this code with the assaying centre list to authenticate it.

Scan the entire piece of jewellery carefully to check that no part has been replaced, which could affect gold purity. Once all three hallmark signs are distinctly spotted, you can rest assured that it is BIS-certified quality gold.

How to Identify Hallmark Signs on Gold Jewellery

How to check hallmark on gold rings

For gold rings, the hallmark is usually laser-marked inside the shank or band portion of the ring. Check the inner rounded surface by twisting the ring at an angle under the loupe.

How to check hallmark on gold chain

In long chains, the hallmark sign is stamped or laser-marked on the clasp or lobster claw. For short chains and necklaces, it is stamped on a small round pendant or tab attached to the chain.

How to check hallmark on gold bars and coins

For gold bars and coins, the BIS logo, fineness number and assaying centre mark are stamped directly on the flat surface of the bar or coin.

How to check hallmark on gold earrings

The hallmark on gold earrings can be laser marked on the post end or inner surface. It is stamped inside a small round bell or pendant hanging from the earring for large danglers or chandelier styles.

What is the Price of Real Hallmark Gold?

The hallmark gold price is almost the same as that of non-hallmarked gold in the market. However, at times, you may have to pay Rs. 35-50 per piece to the jeweller for the mandatory BIS hallmarking charges. But this nominal cost ensures the purity and resale value of your asset.

When you sell back hallmarked gold to any jeweller, you also get better exchange value owing to its BIS-certified purity than uncertified jewellery. Banks also prefer hallmarked gold as collateral for securing loans. So, in the long run, paying for that hallmark stamp actually pays off!

What are the Benefits of Buying Hallmark Gold?

Here are the key benefits of purchasing hallmark gold jewellery:

• Assurance of Purity: It guarantees that the gold you purchase has the same karats and fineness as the jeweller claims. This safeguards you from any cheating or impurities.

• Standardised Quality: The BIS hallmark represents a standardised gold quality recognised nationally. You will get consistent gold value across India.

• Higher Resale Rate: Hallmarked gold has a better exchange value and receives higher resale rates from jewellers than non-hallmarked gold.

• Easier Upgrade & Exchange: Many jewellers allow easy exchange or upgrade only for old gold jewellery that bears a BIS hallmark.

• Reselling Anonymity: You can sell hallmarked gold anonymously without valid proof of purchase to jewellers.

• Better Bank Loans: Banks offer higher gold loan amounts with lower interest rates if you pledge hallmarked gold as collateral.

Conclusion

A BIS hallmark on gold jewellery ensures standardised purity and legal trade of the precious metal. It protects all Indian consumers against potential fraud or impurities. This mark of authenticity has been made mandatory by the Government of India to be sold by all jewellers.

So, before you purchase your next wedding or festive jewellery, ensure you check for the BIS logo, correct fineness number and valid assaying centre code hallmark. This simple check will guarantee you receive full value for money and long-term benefits on your gold asset. Be a smart consumer, always opt for hallmarked gold!