How to reads Hallmarks 

What is Hallmarking?


  • Hallmarking is the official process of checking and certifying the purity of gold or silver jewelry. It is done by government-approved laboratories under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
  •  When a jewelry piece is hallmarked, it means it has passed the purity test and carries official marks. These include the BIS logo, the purity mark (like 22K or 916), the jeweler’s code, the hallmarking center’s code, and a unique HUID number. This system protects customers from being cheated with impure or fake gold. 
  • It also ensures that the gold being sold meets the correct quality standards. In India, gold is more than jewelry—it is tradition, savings, and emotion. That’s why it is important to make sure the gold is pure. To support this, the Indian government has made hallmarking compulsory in many areas. ​
  • Hallmarking creates trust, brings transparency, and helps customers feel confident. It is proof that the gold is real, tested, and safe to buy. It protects both the customer and the honest jeweler.

The BIS logo is a mark of certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards body of India. It confirms that the gold jewelry has been tested and meets the quality and purity standards set by the Indian government. ​

This tells how pure the gold is .For example, “22K” or “916” means 91.6% pure gold. Other marks include “18K” (75% pure) or “14K” (58.5% pure).\It helps you know how much real gold is in the jewelry.




Every hallmarked gold item carries a unique 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID). This number helps track the item’s testing details, including where and when it was certified. Buyers can verify the authenticity by checking the HUID on the official BIS website or app. This ensures full transparency and confidence in the purity of the jewelry.


Why Hallmarking is Important ? 

Hallmarking ensures the authenticity and purity of your gold jewelry. It guarantees that the jewelry meets the specified gold content, protecting you from fraud. When an item is hallmarked by a trusted authority like BIS, it provides confidence that the jewelry has been tested for quality. Hallmarking also makes it easy to trace the source of the jewelry, ensuring transparency and trust. It helps maintain the resale value and ensures manufacturers follow legal standards, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.