The Ultimate Guide To BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery

When it comes to buying gold in India, one word that holds immense importance is “hallmark.” Whether you’re purchasing a delicate gold chain or an elaborate bridal set, understanding BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery ensures you’re making a smart, safe, and valuable investment.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about BIS hallmarking – what it is, why it matters, how to identify it, and how it protects you as a buyer.

What is BIS Hallmarking?

BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards body of India. Hallmarking is the official certification of the purity of gold. When a piece of gold jewellery is BIS hallmarked, it means the gold has been tested and certified for its purity at a BIS-authorized laboratory.

Introduced in India in 2000, BIS hallmarking helps eliminate fraud, ensures fair pricing, and protects consumers from buying substandard gold.

Why BIS Hallmarked Gold is Important

1. ✅ Assurance of Purity – You get exactly what you’re paying for.

2. 💸 Resale Value – Hallmarked gold is more trusted and fetches better resale or exchange value.

3. ⚖️ Transparency – Sellers are held accountable for gold purity.

4. 👮 Legal Backing – You’re protected by law in case of discrepancies.

5. 🧾 Mandatory in India – As of June 2021, hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery in most parts of the country.

Components of a BIS Hallmark

A standard BIS hallmark consists of four marks:

1. BIS Logo – A triangular symbol that indicates BIS certification.

2. Purity Grade/Fineness – Expressed in carats (e.g. 22K) or parts per 1,000 (e.g. 916 for 22K).

3. Assaying Centre Mark – ID of the BIS-recognized lab that tested the gold.

4. Jeweller’s Identification Mark – Unique code of the jeweller who sold or manufactured the item.

Example for 22K gold:
🔷 BIS Logo | 22K916 | A/H Code | Jeweller ID

Understanding Gold Purity: What is 916 Gold?

The number “916” refers to 91.6% pure gold, which is 22-karat gold. This is the most commonly used gold for making jewellery in India.

Other purity standards include:

• 24K (999) – 99.9% pure (not ideal for jewellery)

• 22K (916) – 91.6% pure (most common for ornaments)

• 18K (750) – 75% pure (used in stone-studded or designer jewellery)

• 14K (585) – 58.5% pure (durable, cost-effective)

How to Check if Your Jewellery is Hallmarked

1. Look for the BIS triangle symbol on the item.

2. Verify the purity mark (e.g. 22K916).

3. Check for the assaying centre’s code and the jeweller’s ID mark.

4. Use the BIS Care App – a mobile app by the Bureau of Indian Standards to verify hallmarking details by entering the HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification).