Gold Hallmark by Purity: 916, 750, 22K and 24K Explained

• The 916 hallmark on gold confirms 91.6% purity, equivalent to 22-carat gold, and is the most common mark on Indian jewellery.

• The 750 hallmark indicates 75% pure gold, equivalent to 18 carats, widely used for diamond-studded jewellery.

• BIS hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India and is your strongest protection against impure or misrepresented gold.

If you have ever looked closely at a gold necklace, ring, or coin and noticed a small number stamped somewhere on it, that number is one of the most important things to check before handing over your money. Gold hallmarks are official purity stamps that tell you exactly how much real gold is in a piece of jewellery. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) governs this system, and understanding what each mark means puts you in a far stronger position as a buyer. Whether you are wondering what the 916 hallmark means, what '750' means in gold markings, or what hallmark 22-carat gold carries, this guide covers it all.

The BIS hallmarking system was introduced to protect Indian consumers from substandard or misrepresented gold. Under the BIS Act, gold jewellery sold in India must carry a hallmark that certifies its purity. Since January 2021, BIS hallmarking has been mandatory for gold jewellery of 14K, 18K, and 22K in most parts of India, with the system progressively being extended across the country.

A BIS hallmark on gold jewellery in India consists of a six-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number that can be verified on the BIS Care app or the official BIS website at www.bis.gov.in. Prior to 2021, the hallmark included a set of symbols, but the current system uses only the BIS logo, the purity grade, and the HUID for cleaner, fraud-resistant verification.

Here is a comprehensive table showing every major gold hallmark, what it means, and where it is commonly used:

The 916 hallmark is the most widely seen mark on gold jewellery in India. The number 916 comes from the purity calculation: 22 divided by 24, multiplied by 1000, gives 916.67, which is rounded to 916. So what is 916 hallmark gold? It is gold that is 91.6% pure, with the remaining 8.4% being alloy metals like silver, copper, or zinc added to give it the strength needed for crafting jewellery.

What is the BIS 916 hallmark? It is the official government-certified confirmation of 22-carat purity, issued after testing at a BIS-recognised assay and hallmarking centre. When you see this mark, you can be confident that the jewellery has been independently verified and meets the declared standard.

The 916 mark on gold is your first and most important check when buying 22-carat jewellery in India. Without it, you have no independent assurance of what you are actually buying.

Also Read: Will Gold Rate Decrease in Coming Days in India? Prediction & Trends 2026

The answer is straightforward: the hallmark for 22-carat gold is 916. This applies universally whether you are buying from a large branded chain or a local jeweller. The 22-carat gold hallmark should appear clearly on the piece, often on the inner side of a ring, the clasp of a necklace, or the back of a pendant.

Here is what the complete BIS hallmark on a 22-carat piece looks like under the current system:

You can verify any HUID on the BIS Care mobile app, available on Android and iOS, or directly at www.bis.gov.in. The process takes less than a minute and confirms whether the hallmark is genuine.

The hallmark for 24-carat gold is 999, which means the gold is 99.9% pure. It is commonly found on gold coins, bars, bullion, and even certain forms of investment-grade digital gold, rather than regular jewellery, since pure gold is too soft for daily wear.

Some premium bullion products may also carry a 9999 mark, indicating 99.99% purity. When buying investment gold, always check for the purity stamp along with the manufacturer's certification and weight details.

The 750 hallmark indicates that the gold is 75% pure, which is equivalent to 18-carat gold. It is one of the most commonly used purity standards for diamond jewellery, white gold, rose gold, and studded jewellery.

The higher alloy content makes 18K gold stronger and more durable for gemstone settings while still retaining significant gold value. In India, BIS-certified 18-carat jewellery carries the 750 hallmark along with a verifiable HUID number.

Also Read: Digital Gold vs Physical Gold: Which is Better for Investment?

The hallmark for 18-carat gold is 750. This is consistent across all BIS-certified jewellery in India and aligns with international hallmarking standards. Whether you are buying white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold jewellery at 18K purity, the 750 stamp confirms that the piece meets the declared standard.

Here is a quick guide to identifying hallmarks by carat across the most common gold types sold in India:

Knowing what to look for is only half the job. Here is how to verify that the hallmark on your gold is genuine:

1. Use the BIS Care app

Download the official BIS Care app (available free on Android and iOS) and enter the HUID number stamped on the jewellery. The app will confirm the registered details of that specific piece, including its purity, weight, and the hallmarking centre that certified it.

2. Check the physical stamp carefully

A genuine BIS hallmark is clear, precise, and consistent. Blurred, uneven, or poorly stamped marks are a red flag. Hallmarks on gold jewellery are typically found in discreet locations such as the inner band of a ring, the back of a pendant, or on a clasp.

3. Buy from BIS-certified jewellers only

The BIS maintains a public list of registered jewellers on its website. Purchasing from a certified outlet significantly reduces your risk of receiving substandard or mismarked gold.

4. Ask for a separate hallmarking certificate

For high-value purchases, ask the jeweller for the assay certificate that accompanied the piece. This document independently confirms the hallmark details and provides additional peace of mind.

For those who want to invest in gold without worrying about physical verification, platforms like Aditya Birla Capital offer gold-linked investment products backed by certified 999 purity gold, giving you full confidence in the quality of your investment without the need to inspect a physical hallmark.

Many buyers focus entirely on price when buying gold and overlook the hallmark. Such an oversight can be a costly mistake. Without a verified hallmark, you have no independent confirmation of the gold's actual purity. A jeweller may claim a piece is 22-carat, but without the BIS 916 stamp and a verifiable HUID, you are simply taking their word for it.

Research and consumer studies have shown that impure or misrepresented gold remains a challenge in parts of India's unorganised jewellery market. The BIS hallmarking mandate exists precisely to address these issues, and buying hallmarked gold from certified sources is the single most effective way to protect yourself.

For investors exploring jewellery, bullion, or digital gold, purity verification remains equally important. Hallmarked gold commands better resale and exchange value.

Gold hallmarks are not just small numbers stamped onto metal. They are your assurance, your proof of quality, and in many cases, your financial protection. Whether you are buying a 22-carat necklace with a 916 hallmark, an 18-carat diamond ring with a 750 mark, or a 24-carat coin stamped with 999, knowing what each number means helps you buy with confidence and sell without compromise.

Always check the hallmark before purchasing, verify the HUID on the BIS Care app, and buy from certified jewellers or authorised dealers. Gold is a lifelong investment for most Indian families, and a simple hallmark check takes less than a minute but can protect you for a lifetime.