BIS Hallmark

The Indian gold market is not only one of the largest in the world; it is also responsible for creating some of the most beautiful, intricate and handmade jewellery. To combat purity concerns for consumers, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have introduced hallmarking standards and policies.

What is BIS Hallmark?

Hallmark indicates that the gold content in the jewellery has been evaluated and that the gold adheres to international standards of purity.

Jewellery retailers often try to dupe their customers with low-quality gold and jewellery. Hallmarking is a means to safeguard the interest of the buyers. BIS Hallmark is a system that helps you determine the purity of gold and silver jewels sold in the country. Certification is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards organisation in India. The certification given by this body, which is called BIS Hallmark Certificate, confirms that a piece of gold jewel adheres to the standards set by BIS.

Why Go For Hallmarked Gold?

Purchase of jewellery is an important part of weddings in India. It is estimated that more jewellery is bought for weddings than for all other reasons. The established tradition of buying jewellery on marriages reduces the industry’s susceptibility to recession. Traditionally, the jewellery industry has been a fragmented one. Independent non-branded jewellers had a reasonable standing in a local area and enjoyed a loyal and fixed clientele. The buyer had implicit faith in his jeweller but widespread cheating of several players had begun to shake this faith. The inadequacy of statutory controls has enabled many jewellers to get away with providing jewellery of low purity (under-caratage). In 2000 GOI introduced voluntary hallmarking of gold jewellery through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

What is the Importance of Hallmark Certification?

Jewellery bought with BIS hallmark ensures purity of Gold for resale or exchange anywhere in India and there is no deviation in Gold caratage.

Can Any Jeweller Acquire a Hallmark for Their Gold Items?

No, only BIS certified jewellers can do so. That’s why it’s better to buy your gold items from reputed jewellers who offer hallmarked products.

What Does a BIS Hallmark Consist of?

A Hallmark, consists of five components i.e. BIS Mark, the Fineness number (corresponding to given caratage), Assaying and Hallmarking Centre's Mark, Jeweller's identification Mark and year of Marking denoted by a code letter and decided by BIS (e.g. code letter `A' was approved by BIS for year 2000, `B' being used for the year 2001 and `C' for 2002 and 'J' for 2008). The marking is done either using punches or laser marking machine.

The BIS hallmark, a mark of conformity widely accepted by the consumer bestow the additional confidence to the consumer on the purity of gold jewellery.

Purity Grade: It is a fineness number that corresponds to the carat value of gold. The word carat or karat is an indication of the purity of gold. In its purest form, gold exists as a 24 carat or 24k metal. But 24k gold is not suitable for making gold ornaments, so it is often mixed with other metals to form strong and durable alloys. In India, the carat value of gold ornaments usually ranges from 22k to 14k and is measured in three digits. For instance, a 22k gold ring will have a purity grade of 916. It means the purity is 916 parts of 1000 or 91.6%. Likewise, jewellery made of 18k and 14k gold will have a purity grade of 750 and 585, respectively.