Hallmark on Gold Jewellery: Signs, Symbols & Identification Guide

• A hallmark is an official mark stamped on gold jewellery that confirms its purity and has been independently tested and certified.

• In India, BIS hallmarking is the standard for certifying gold jewellery and is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

• Always check for the hallmark sign on gold before buying, whether from a store or online.

Most people are unaware of what a hallmark in gold jewellery is and how important it is on your gold. If you have ever looked closely at a gold bangle or ring and noticed a small stamp on it, that is the hallmark. Read on to find out what each symbol stands for and how to use it to check if your gold is real.

Hallmark jewellery is gold that has been tested by a certified center and stamped with an official mark to confirm its purity. In simple terms, it is a guarantee that the gold you are buying is exactly what the jeweller claims it to be.

In India, what is hallmarking jewellery comes down to a process governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS. When a jeweller gets their gold tested and approved by a BIS-recognised assaying and hallmarking centre, the piece gets stamped with a hallmark. This protects buyers from being sold impure or misrepresented gold.

This is where a lot of buyers get confused. What is the hallmark sign on gold, and what does each part mean? Here is a simple breakdown of the current BIS hallmark system introduced in 2021.

1. BIS Logo

A triangle-shaped logo that represents the Bureau of Indian Standards. This confirms the jewellery has gone through the official certification process.

2. Purity and Fineness Number

This is the most important mark. It tells you exactly how pure the gold is. Common numbers you will see include 999 for 24K gold, 916 for 22K gold, 875 for 21K gold, and 750 for 18K gold. The higher the number, the purer the gold.

3. HUID Number

The Hallmark Unique Identification number is a six-digit alphanumeric code. Every hallmarked piece has its own unique HUID, which makes it traceable. You can verify this code on the BIS Care app to confirm the jewellery is genuine.

Before 2021, the hallmark included four symbols, including the BIS logo, purity grade, the assaying centre's mark, and the jeweller's mark. The new system replaced all of this with just two marks, the BIS logo and the HUID number. This made the system simpler and much harder to fake.

It is easier than most people think. Here is what to do.

1. Look for the stamp

Check the inner surface of the jewellery for a small stamped mark. On rings it is usually on the inside of the band. On bangles and chains, it is typically on the clasp or a flat section of the piece.

2. Check the purity number

Once you find the stamp, look for the fineness number. If it says 916, your jewellery is 22K gold. If it says 750, it is 18K.

3. Verify the HUID on the BIS Care App

Download the BIS Care app, enter the six-digit HUID number, and it will show you the details of that specific piece, including the jeweller's name, purity, and certification details. This is the most reliable way to verify what is hallmarked jewellery you are holding.

Understanding what is a hallmark in gold jewellery is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself when buying gold. The BIS logo and HUID number on your piece are not just formalities. They are your proof that the gold is genuine and the purity is accurate. This becomes equally important when exploring modern options like digital gold, where purity assurance and certification play a key role in building trust.

Always check before you buy, and when in doubt, use the BIS Care app to verify. You can also explore BIS-certified gold products through the Aditya Birla Capital platform, powered by MMTC-PAMP. Visit their website or download the ABC app to know more.