Gold Jewelry Hallmarks & Certifications: India and Abroad

The Ultimate Guide to Gold Hallmarking: Purity, Certification & Global Standards

When buying gold jewelry, ensuring its authenticity and purity is crucial. This is where hallmarks and certifications come into play. They guarantee the quality of your gold and protect you from counterfeit or substandard products.

This article explains different types of gold jewelry hallmarks and certifications in India and abroad, gemstone certifications, and step-by-step HUID verification.

Gold Jewelry Certifications: India & Abroad

🏷️ What is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is an official stamp on gold jewelry that certifies its purity. It is issued by authorized assaying and hallmarking centers. Hallmarks help buyers verify the gold’s karat and quality.

🔍 Common Gold Hallmarks in India and Worldwide

1. BIS Hallmark (India)

• Issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

• Mandatory since June 2021 for all gold jewellery and artefacts in most parts of India (with some exemptions in remote districts). Only registered jewellers can sell hallmarked jewellery.

• Includes: BIS logo, a six‑digit purity or fineness mark (e.g., 22K916) - called Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID), jeweler ID, and hallmarking year are laser‑marked on each item. The number indicates the fineness or parts of pure gold in 1000. For example, 916 = 91.6% pure gold. The year of marking is optional (old format only).

2. Karat Mark

• Indicates purity: 24K, 22K, 18K, etc.

3. Assay Office Mark

• Common in the UK and EU.

• Denotes the center that tested and certified the item.

4. Manufacturer’s or Jeweler’s Mark

• Identifies the creator or seller.

📜 Other Important Certifications

1. IGI & GIA Certificates

• For diamond and gemstone quality. Provided by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

• Include clarity, cut, carat, and color.

2. Fairtrade and Ethical Gold Certification

• Indicates responsibly sourced gold.

🛡️ Why Hallmarks & Certifications Matter

       Reason                     Importance             

✔️ Authenticity ➞ Ensures gold purity is as claimed
✔️ Legal Protection ➞ Protects buyers under BIS regulations

✔️ Resale Value ➞ Certified gold sells for a higher value

✔️ Buyer Confidence ➞ Helps establish trust in the transaction

🌟 BIS-Recognized Gold Grades (India)

Currently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) allows six different gold grades for hallmarking under IS 1417:2016:

Carat  Fineness        Hallmarking Status
14K     585                  Permitted - Phase 1
18K     750                  Permitted - Phase 1
20K     833                  Permitted - Phase 2
22K     916                  Permitted - Phase 1
23K     958                  Permitted - Phase 2
24KS   995                  Permitted - Phase 2

Initially (Phase 1), only 14 K, 18 K, and 22 K were mandated for mandatory hallmarking.

Since June 2022 (Phase 2), all six grades, from 14K to 24K, can now be hallmarked by BIS in districts that have Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHC).

💰 BIS Hallmarking Charges for Gold

• ₹45 per article for hallmarking gold jewellery.
• Minimum consignment charge: ₹200, regardless of the number of pieces.
• Taxes (GST, other levies) are extra and must be clearly itemised on your bill.

Additional notes from jeweller-to-jeweller charges: some sources mention gold hallmarking via jewellers incurs ₹35 + GST, but the updated BIS rate is ₹45/item.

🔄 Testing Old or Purchased Jewellery

• BIS A&H centres can test jewellery on request.

• A purity-testing fee of ₹200 applies for samples under IS 1418 (fire‑assay).

• If purity is found lacking, consumers are entitled to compensation equal to 2× the shortage amount plus testing charges.

📍 Finding A&H Centres

BIS lists accredited Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) throughout India. These are usually located in major cities.

Actions you can take:

1. Visit the BIS website’s hallmarking section to find the nearest AHC.

2. Call and confirm hallmarking/testing fees (shouldn't exceed ₹45 + GST per piece).

3. Ensure your jeweller is BIS-registered (they must display their license prominently).

How to Verify a Gold Hallmark (🔎 HUID & Authenticity Verification)

Since July 1, 2021, each hallmarked piece carries a six‑digit alphanumeric HUID laser‑marked alongside the BIS logo and purity/fineness.

To check authenticity, use the BIS Care App ("Verify HUID" feature), search by HUID, and get real-time confirmation.

✅ HUID Verification Process (Using BIS Care App)

🔹 Step 1: Download the App

Search "BIS Care” on:

• 📱 Google Play Store (Android) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bis.bisapp)
• 📱 Apple App Store (iOS) (https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bis-care/id1524236281)

Install the official app published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

🔹 Step 2: Locate the HUID on the Jewellery

Each hallmarked gold or silver item will have 3 markings:

1. BIS logo

2. Purity/Fineness mark (e.g., 22K916, 18K750)

3. Six-digit HUID code (e.g. A12345, B8Z7Q1)

🔍 This is laser-marked on the jewellery and visible under light, usually on the inner parts of bangles, clasps, ring shanks, or near the clasp of necklaces.

🔹 Step 3: Open the App & Tap “Verify HUID”

• On the home screen, select “Verify HUID.”
• Enter the 6-digit HUID shown on your jewellery.
• Tap “Search.”

🔹 Step 4: Check the Results

The app will show details including:

✅ Carat & Fineness (e.g. 22K916)

✅ Type of article (ring, chain, etc.)

✅ Jeweller name and BIS license number

✅ Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) that certified it

✅ Date of hallmarking

• If the HUID is genuine, all details will match your item.
• If the code is invalid or fake, you’ll get a warning or "No records found".

📌 Tip: What if You Don't See HUID?

• Some old items (pre-2021) may not have HUID.
• Legally sold gold after July 1, 2021, must include HUID for hallmarking to be valid.

If missing, you can:

• Ask the jeweller to test it at a BIS centre
• File a complaint via the same app

🌐 International Hallmarking Systems

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• Authority: Assay Offices under the Hallmarking Act (1973). Requires compulsory hallmarking for all gold items over 1g.

• Includes: Assay office mark (London, Birmingham, etc.), purity (e.g., 750 for 18K), maker, and optional year mark.

🇺🇸 United States

• No mandatory hallmarking, but the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) regulates gold labelling.

• Karat marking must be accompanied by a manufacturer’s trademark or responsibility mark.

• Mostly self-regulated; consumers rely on retailer reputation or independent testing.

🇪🇺 European Union

• Vienna Convention-based standardization (Convention on the Control of Precious Metal Articles).

• Uniform standards across member countries.

• Common control mark, national mark, Fineness number, and Manufacturer’s/sponsor’s mark.

🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai)

• Managed by Dubai Central Laboratories (DCL) under Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).

• Jewellery must carry: Purity stamp, Retailer code, DCL certification (optional but common).

• Dubai is known for strict gold purity checks and consumer-friendly regulations.

🤝 What If Jewelry Isn’t Hallmarked?

• Selling non-hallmarked gold is illegal (India, except in exempted areas).

• You can request BIS hallmarking or test purity at AHC.

🛎️ Zewarsthan's Hallmark Promise

Every gold ornament from Zewarsthan carries BIS certification and HUID for guaranteed authenticity, purity, and customer trust.

📄 Key Takeaways From This Post

• Gold hallmarking guide – Essential for buying authentic gold jewelry.
• How to identify real gold jewelry – Look for the BIS stamp, karat, and HUID.
• BIS hallmark meaning – Verifies gold purity and jeweler registration.
• Gold certification explained – IGI, GIA, Fairtrade details enhance value.
• Jewelry authenticity check – Use the BIS Care App to verify HUID.
• Types of gold hallmarks – Includes BIS, karat marks, assay stamps, jeweler ID.
• International hallmarking systems – Know global differences in gold verification.
• Gold karat vs. fineness – 22K = 91.6% pure; 24KS = 99.5% pure.
• Ethical gold certification – Choose Fairtrade gold for sustainable jewelry.
• How to verify hallmark gold – Check stamps + scan HUID on BIS app.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a BIS hallmark on gold jewelry? 

A: A BIS hallmark is a certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards confirming the gold's purity and origin.

Q2. How can I verify if my gold jewelry is real? 

A: Check for BIS stamp, purity mark, and HUID. Use the BIS Care App for instant verification.

Q3. What is HUID, and how do I use it? 

A: HUID is a 6-digit laser-marked ID on gold jewelry. It can be verified using the BIS Care mobile app.

Q4. Are international gold hallmarks valid in India? 

A: They show purity but may not be recognized under Indian law. Prefer the BIS hallmark for purchases in India.

Q5. Why is gold hallmarking mandatory in India? 

A: It ensures buyers get pure gold and protects them from fraud through legal enforcement and testing.