How to Ensure Your Jewelry Is Hallmarked: Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduction

Buying gold or silver jewelry is more than just a purchase—it’s an investment. But with the rise of imitation and low-purity pieces, it’s essential to ensure what you’re buying is genuine. That’s where hallmark jewelry plays a key role.

A hallmark is an official stamp engraved on jewelry to confirm the purity and authenticity of the metal. Whether you’re purchasing a new ornament or checking an old family piece, knowing how to verify hallmarks can save you from being misled and help you determine the true worth of your jewelry.

Let’s walk through how to identify a hallmark correctly and understand what each mark means.

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What Is a Hallmark and Why It’s Important

A hallmark acts as a guarantee of the metal’s purity and is certified by an authorized body. It ensures that the jewelry meets the required standards for fineness.

In India, this certification is conducted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Every BIS-hallmarked jewelry piece carries the following identifiers:

• BIS Logo: Confirms that the item has been tested and certified.
• Purity Mark: Indicates the fineness or karat value (e.g., 916 for 22K gold).
• HUID Code: A unique alphanumeric identification that traces the jewelry’s authenticity.

These marks ensure that your jewelry is not only pure but also certified and traceable — giving you complete confidence in your purchase.

Benefits of Buying Hallmarked Jewelry

1. Guaranteed Purity: The hallmark ensures the metal meets the stated gold or silver content. 
2. Higher Resale Value: Certified jewelry retains better resale and exchange value.
3. Consumer Safety: Hallmarking acts as a legal safeguard for buyers.
4. Peace of Mind: You can buy, gift, or invest in jewelry knowing it’s authentic and tested.

Tools You’ll Need to Check for Hallmarks

To identify a hallmark properly, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• A jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass (10x)
• A good light source or flash light 
• A clean cloth to wipe the jewelry
• A smartphone camera to zoom in and capture details

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How to Check for Hallmarks: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Locate the Hallmark

Hallmarks are usually engraved in small, less visible areas of jewelry. Look for them in these common spots:

• Rings: Inside the band Chains & Necklaces: Near the clasp
• Earrings: On the stem or at the back
• Bangles: On the inner surface
• Pendants: On the bail or backside

Wipe the jewelry gently and examine it under a bright light to spot the marks clearly.

Step 2: Identify the BIS Logo

In India, all hallmarked gold jewelry carries a BIS triangular logo. This indicates that the jewelry has been verified by a BIS-recognized hallmarking center, ensuring its authenticity and purity.

Step 3: Read the Purity Mark

Look for numbers such as 916, 750, 585, or 925 engraved on the piece. Each number corresponds to the metal’s purity level:

If your jewelry is marked with terms like “18K” or “22K,” it also indicates purity in karats rather than parts per thousand.

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Step 4: Check the HUID Code

Every BIS-hallmarked piece now includes a six-digit alphanumeric HUID code (Hallmark Unique Identification). You can verify this code using the official BIS Care App available on Android and iOS. Enter the code to confirm the jewelry’s details — including purity, jeweller name, and hallmarking center.

Step 5: Look for the Jeweler’s Mark

Hallmarked jewelry also bears a jeweler’s or manufacturer’s mark, usually in the form of initials or symbols. This identifies the jeweller who submitted the piece for testing and adds another layer of authenticity and traceability.

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What If Your Jewelry Doesn’t Have a Hallmark?

If you can’t find a hallmark on your jewelry:

• Ask the jeweller for a BIS certificate of authenticity.
• Get your piece tested at a BIS-authorized hallmarking center.
• Avoid buying expensive jewelry without hallmark verification.

Remember that antique or imported pieces may not carry modern BIS hallmarks, so it’s wise to double-check through certification.

Common Hallmarking Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t mistake decorative engravings or brand logos for hallmarks.
• Avoid buying jewelry that carries a hallmark but lacks an HUID code.
• Be cautious of fake hallmarks that appear printed or blurry instead of engraved.
• Always purchase from BIS-certified jewellers to ensure authenticity.

Hallmark Reference Table

Final Thoughts

Verifying a hallmark on jewelry is the most reliable way to confirm purity, authenticity, and value. It protects you from counterfeit products and ensures that your investment is safe.

The next time you buy gold, silver, or platinum jewelry, take a moment to check for the BIS logo, purity mark, and HUID code. Those tiny engravings are your assurance of quality and trust.

With a bit of awareness, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your jewelry with confidence—knowing it’s every bit as pure as it shines.

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