Every time you’ve purchased gold jewellery or even passed by a billboard advertising gold, you would have noticed the word hallmark. While most of us have encountered this phrase, very few people actually understand what it means or indicates. However, as the price of yellow metal grows dearer by the day, it becomes even more important to understand what a hallmark is and why you need to consider it when buying gold jewellery. Read this article and find out all about it.

What is hallmark gold?

The term hallmark refers to an official mark made on metals, to certify the content of noble metals present in it. This term is especially applied to gold, silver and platinum, and can be noted with any distinguishing mark. Hallmark gold, therefore, refers to the content of pure gold present in any gold item or jewellery that you purchase at a store. Hallmark for gold has been made mandatory in India from June 2021, which means that no jeweller will be allowed to sell gold items without a hallmark.

How is gold hallmarked?

In order to hallmark gold, it is put through a process of quality checks. This process is known as hallmarking and is done by assaying centres of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS is an agency under the government of India and is the only organization in the country to take up certification. The agency checks the purity of gold through stringent measures and ensures that the gold meets the international standards of purity that have been listed under the BIS act.

How do you know if your gold jewellery has been hallmarked?

To check whether the jewellery you are purchasing has been hallmarked, look for the relevant engraving. Laser engraving is done for gold jewellery with some main components. These are the BIS mark, the caratage, the mark of the assaying centre and the hallmark unique identification number. Among these, the BIS mark is in the shape of a triangle, and it indicates that the jewellery has been checked by a BIS-certified centre. The caratage shows the purity of the piece of gold and ranges in the category of 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K and 24K. The mark of the assaying centre indicates the place where the gold has actually been tested. Finally, the unique identification number is an alphanumeric six-digit code that is unique for each piece of jewellery. This is also engraved on the jewellery or gold coin you purchase. These markings are unique and done in a manner such that it can be traced back to these agencies in case of a discrepancy.

What is the importance of hallmark and how does it benefit you?

Not only is hallmarking important for every buyer of gold jewellery, it is also mandatory for stores to sell gold jewellery that is hallmarked. This process ensures the authenticity of the gold item, enabling the customer gets the right product. Also, it empowers the customer so that they do not end up paying more for the product they buy. With gold being a metal that is often traded and exchanged, hallmark makes the process easier and hassle-free.

What is 916 hallmark? Is it different from regular hallmark jewellery?

916 hallmark refers to gold jewellery which has 91.6% of pure gold, while the remaining percentage comprises of other metals. This gold has 91.6 gms of pure gold in 100gms of alloy. Gold is a very soft and malleable metal, and it is not possible to make jewellery with 100% gold. Therefore, other metals are added to it in varying percentages to give it both strength and durability. The combination of 916 gold, currently makes it the purest form of gold to be used in making jewellery. 916 hallmark gold refers to 916 gold jewellery that has received BIS certification. This jewellery will be laser engraved to show you its purity.

Being a metal that continues to charm us with its yellow glow, gold will always be close to our hearts. A metal that is considered not just auspicious but also a tool of investment, it becomes increasingly important to be more aware of the gold you buy. So, when buying gold always purchase from a trusted seller and ask them to show you the markings that indicate the hallmark. This will ensure that you get the best value for your money, and are able to enjoy your piece of jewellery for a long time to come.