Hallmark jewellery refers to any gold, silver, or platinum jewellery that has been officially tested and certified for metal purity by an authorised body. In India, this authority is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The hallmark is a set of symbols stamped directly on the jewellery, and it acts as a government-backed guarantee that the metal purity is exactly what the seller claims.
Have you ever bought a gold necklace and wondered if it is truly 22 Karat? Without a hallmark, there is no reliable way to confirm its purity. In India, many consumers unknowingly pay for higher purity gold but receive jewellery of lower quality.
A hallmark helps eliminate this problem by providing verified proof of purity. A small stamp on your jewellery protects your investment, ensures fair pricing, and gives you confidence when buying or reselling gold, whether in India or internationally.
At Lotus Jewels, every piece is BIS hallmark jewellery for the Indian market and verified against international standards so that you can shop with complete confidence.
In this guide, you will learn what hallmark jewellery is, understand each hallmark symbol, explore the full purity chart, and learn how to verify jewellery correctly before every purchase.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the official process of independently testing and certifying the purity of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum by a government-authorised body.
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards is the sole authority responsible for jewellery hallmarking. Only BIS-approved Assaying and Hallmarking Centres are permitted to test and certify jewellery. Once verified, the hallmark is permanently stamped on the jewellery itself. It must not appear only on a tag, box, or invoice.
This is not a seller’s claim. It is an independent certification backed by government regulation, which makes it reliable and legally valid.
This guide is based on official BIS guidelines and current hallmark jewellery regulations in India.
What is Hallmark Jewellery?
Hallmark jewellery is piece that has been tested at a BIS-approved centre and stamped with an official hallmark confirming its metal purity.
The hallmark must appear physically on the jewellery. A mark shown only on a bill or certificate is not considered valid proof.
In India, BIS hallmarking for gold jewellery became mandatory in January 2022 under the BIS Act 2016. Any jeweller selling non-hallmarked gold is in violation of the law and may face penalties.
You can think of a hallmark as the jewellery equivalent of an ISI mark. It confirms that the product has been independently tested and approved.
For international markets, jewellery must comply with the certification standards of the destination country.
BIS Hallmark Symbols Explained
A BIS hallmark consists of multiple identifiers. Each one provides important information about the jewellery.
BIS Logo
This confirms certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Purity Number
This indicates the percentage of pure gold.
- 916 means 91.6 percent gold, which is 22 Karat.
- 750 means 75 percent gold, which is 18 Karat.
Assaying and Hallmarking Centre Mark
This identifies the BIS-approved laboratory that tested the jewellery.
HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification)
This is a 6-character alphanumeric code unique to each jewellery piece. It allows you to verify authenticity online.
Since April 2023, the BIS logo, purity number, and HUID are mandatory. The assaying centre mark is optional.
Gold Hallmark Numbers and Purity Chart
| Hallmark | Karat | Gold Purity | Best Used For |
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Coins and investment |
| 958 | 23K | 95.8% | Specialty jewellery |
| 916 (Most Common) | 22K | 91.6% | Bridal and traditional jewellery |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% | Middle Eastern designs |
| 750 | 18K | 75% | Diamond jewellery and daily wear |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Lightweight modern jewellery |
In India, 916 is the most commonly used purity for traditional jewellery. Globally, 750 is widely preferred because it is stronger and better suited for gemstone settings.
International Hallmarking and Certification Standards
There is no single global hallmark system. Each country follows its own certification rules.
- India requires BIS hallmarking
- UAE and Middle Eastern countries use government assay verification with purity marks
- The United Kingdom and Europe follow assay office hallmarking systems
- The United States relies on karat marking such as 14K or 18K with manufacturer responsibility
For exports from India, BIS hallmarking is not compulsory. Jewellery must comply with the certification standards of the destination country.
Why Hallmarking is Important
1. Protection from fraud
A hallmark provides independently verified proof of purity.
2. Ensures fair pricing
Gold value depends on purity. A hallmark ensures accurate pricing.
3. Better resale value
Certified jewellery is easier to sell and trusted by buyers.
4. Legal assurance
Hallmarking is mandatory in India, offering legal protection.
5. Trust for long-term value
Gold jewellery is often purchased for weddings, gifting, and investment.
Based on our experience at Lotus Jewels, many buyers skip HUID verification. This small step is one of the most important ways to ensure authenticity before purchase.
How to Check if Your Jewellery is Hallmarked
For Indian Jewellery
- Locate the BIS logo on the jewellery
- Check the purity number such as 916 or 750
- Find the HUID code
- Use the BIS Care app or official website
- Enter the HUID to verify details
- Ensure the hallmark is physically stamped
For International Jewellery
- Check the purity marking such as 750 or 14K
- Request certification documents
- Verify seller credibility and compliance
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
- Trusting only the bill instead of checking the jewellery
- Not verifying the HUID code
- Confusing different purity levels
- Assuming all jewellers follow standards
- Ignoring international certification requirements
Quick Buyer Checklist
Before buying jewellery, always confirm:
- BIS hallmark jewellery is present for Indian purchases
- Purity number is clearly visible
- HUID code is available and verified
- Price matches purity
- International standards are followed when applicable
- Buy from trusted jewellers like Lotus Jewels
Why Choose Lotus Jewels?
At Lotus Jewels, we combine design excellence with transparency and certified quality.
- BIS hallmark jewellery for Indian customers
- Compliance with international jewellery standards
- Verified HUID for every certified piece
- Transparent pricing based on purity
- Reliable resale and exchange support
Follow Lotus Jewels on Instagram for the latest hallmark jewellery trends, certified diamond collections, and modern jewellery designs.Who Should Buy Hallmark Jewellery?
Hallmark jewellery is ideal for:
- First-time gold buyers
- Wedding and bridal jewellery buyers
- Investment-focused buyers
- Customers purchasing jewellery for international use
Key Takeaways
- A hallmark is an official purity certification.
- The Bureau of Indian Standards regulates hallmarking in India.
- 916 means 22 Karat gold with 91.6 percent purity.
- Each hallmark jewellery includes a unique HUID code.
- Hallmarking is mandatory in India since 2022.
- International markets follow country-specific standards.
- Always verify jewellery before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does 916 mean on gold jewellery?
It means the jewellery contains 91.6 percent pure gold.
2. Is BIS hallmarking mandatory in India?
Yes, it is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India.
3. Is BIS required for exports?
No, exports follow destination country standards.
4. How can I verify jewellery purity?
Use the BIS Care app for Indian jewellery or check certification documents for international purchases.
5. Does hallmark jewellery have better resale value?
Yes, certified jewellery is easier to sell and trusted.
Conclusion
A hallmark jewellery is your guarantee of purity, value, and trust. Always verify jewellery before making a purchase.
If you are looking for certified jewellery that meets both Indian and international standards, Lotus Jewels offers quality, transparency, and complete peace of mind.
Written by Lotus Jewels Team
Jewellery experts with experience in BIS-certified gold and international jewellery standards.