How to Check Gold Purity: A Complete Hallmark Guide

Every gold buyer in India has heard the word hallmark, but few know exactly what it certifies or how to read it. Here is a straightforward guide to checking gold purity before you buy.

What Is BIS Hallmarking?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is the government-backed certification system that verifies a piece of gold jewellery's purity. Since June 2021, HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) hallmarking has become mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India, giving every hallmarked piece a unique 6-digit alphanumeric code traceable back to the specific jeweller and testing centre.

What the 916 Hallmark Actually Means

You will most commonly see gold marked 916 — this simply means the piece is 91.6% pure gold, or 22 karat. Other common markings include 750 (18K, 75% pure) and 999 (24K, 99.9% pure, used mainly for coins and bars rather than jewellery). The higher the number, the higher the purity, and the higher the price per gram of the finished piece.

How to Physically Check a Hallmark

A genuine BIS hallmark on jewellery includes four marks stamped or engraved into the metal:

• The BIS triangle logo
• The purity grade (such as 916)
• The 6-digit HUID alphanumeric code, unique to that piece

You can verify any HUID code using the BIS Care app, which shows the registered jeweller and purity on record for that exact piece — giving you an independent, government-backed check beyond simply trusting the shop.

Why Hallmarking Matters When You Sell or Exchange Gold

Hallmarked jewellery is easier to value accurately when you later sell it or exchange it for a new design, since the purity is already certified rather than needing to be re-tested and disputed. This protects you both at the time of purchase and years later.

Our Commitment

Every piece of gold jewellery at Punjab Jewellers is 100% hallmarked, so you can walk in knowing exactly what purity you are buying, with the certification to prove it.