When one buys gold or silver jewellery, the purity of the artifacts is the first thing that comes to mind. And this is where Hallmarking plays a very important role. Hallmarking is a system that verifies, confirms, and officially records the purity of precious metals, such as gold and silver.
To understand the role of Hallmarking in the jewellery industry, it is essential to comprehend how the current market operates.
Suppose a normal customer buys a piece of jewellery. The jewellers say that the jewellery is of a certain caratage. But how can one ascertain whether the jeweller is telling the truth, and is not trying to dupe the customer?
A common customer can try a few basic methods to get an idea about the purity of gold jewellery, but these methods are not fully reliable. People often look at the colour and shine, check for carat markings like 22K or 916, or use a magnet test, as pure gold is not magnetic. Some may also rub the jewellery on a ceramic surface or rely on its weight and feel. However, these methods only give a rough indication and cannot confirm exact purity, as impurities and plating can easily hide the truth.
This knowledge gap is where many unethical jewellers take advantage of customers. Some sell jewellery with lower purity than promised, mix extra alloys to increase weight, or use gold plating over inferior metals while charging for solid gold.
But through Hallmarking, the chances of fraud become very low.
Through hallmarking, a mark is placed on the jewellery to assure buyers that what they are purchasing is genuine and meets legal purity standards. And this mark is called HUID or Hallmark Unique Identification Number. This mark helps consumers check the authenticity of their jewellery.
HUID is a six-digit alphanumeric code that is unique to every hallmarked gold jewellery item. Through this number, the consumers not only could understand the purity of the artifact that they are trying to buy, but they could also verify the authenticity through the BIS Care App, through their ‘Verify HUID’ feature.
It is to be noted that every part of the jewellery (even the detachable parts) would all have the HUID.
Each HUID is linked to details such as the jeweller, purity, and assaying centre where the jewellery was tested. This ensures that even if two ornaments look the same, their HUID numbers will always be different, making every piece traceable and accountable.
It is safe to say that HUID works as the Aadhar card of the jewellery that a consumer is trying to buy.
Hallmarking was introduced as a voluntary quality certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 2000. The hallmarking regime was transformed into a mandatory quality-control requirement in 2021. The Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order came into effect in June 2021, making it compulsory for jewellers in notified districts to sell only hallmarked gold products, complete with a six-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID).
Since its rollout, the mandatory hallmarking scheme has been implemented in hundreds of districts in a phased manner. By 23 June 2021, the first phase covered 256 districts, and with successive amendments and expansions, hallmarking now operates in around 288 districts and beyond, supported by a growing network of Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) across the nation.
A list of jewellers that can sell hallmarked jewellery, along with districts that have these BIS-certified jewellers, can be found on the BIS official website.
To broaden hallmarking coverage and strengthen consumer protection, the government is actively boosting the hallmarking ecosystem. It has streamlined the registration process for jewellers with BIS, expanded the number of AHCs, and introduced tools such as the HUID system and BIS CARE app to enable consumers to verify hallmark details easily
CAN WE REALLY TRUST BIS HALLMARKING?
The BIS Hallmarking Scheme in India is aligned with international hallmarking practices. Under this scheme:
- Jewellers must register with BIS to sell hallmarked jewellery.
- Registered jewellers can get their jewellery hallmarked only from BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.
- These centres are approved as per Indian Standard IS 15820:2009, which ensures proper testing and marking procedures.
This system creates a transparent and trustworthy jewellery market for both buyers and sellers. So, it could be said that BIS hallmarking is trustworthy.
CAN ANY METAL BE HALLMARKED?
At present, the hallmarking scheme in India applies to:
- Gold
- Silver
No other precious metals are included under mandatory hallmarking as of now.
HOW TO CHECK THE PURITY OF JEWELLERY WITH NO HUID?
One can follow the following steps to ascertain the purity of their jewelry:-
- Consumers can bring one or multiple pieces of jewellery with them for testing to a BIS-recognized Assaying and hallmarking centre (AHC).
- The jewellery brought by the consumer shall be weighed in the presence of the consumer.
- Each article shall be tagged with a serial number for identification.
- After testing by fire assay, a test report should be issued to the consumer by the AHC.
- AHC shall charge Rs 45 per article for testing from the consumer; however, the minimum charge for one lot shall be Rs 200.
HOW CAN WE KNOW THE PURITY OF GOLD or SILVER JEWELLERY FROM HUID?
Below is an example of the HUID by the government.
Gold jewellery can be hallmarked in six purity levels:
- 9k – (37.5% purity)
- 14K – (58.5% purity)
- 18K – (75.0% purity)
- 20K – (83.3% purity)
- 22K – (91.6% purity)
- 23K – (95.8% purity)
- 24K Special – (99.5% purity)
Silver jewellery can be hallmarked in six purity grades:
- 800 (Lowest Grade)
- 835
- 900
- 925
- 970
- 990 (Highest Grade)
This helps customers clearly understand the purity of the jewellery they are buying.
SOME MORE FAQ
What is hallmarking in the jewellery industry?
Hallmarking is a system that officially certifies the purity of precious metal jewellery. It ensures that the jewellery you buy meets legal purity standards and is genuine, protecting consumers from fraud and misrepresentation.
Why is it difficult for customers to judge jewellery purity on their own?
Customers often rely on colour, shine, weight, carat markings like 22K or 916, magnet tests, or ceramic rub tests. However, these methods only provide rough clues and cannot confirm exact purity. Gold plating and mixed alloys can easily hide impurities.
How do unethical jewellers take advantage of this gap?
Some jewellers sell jewellery with lower purity than promised, mix excess alloys to increase weight, or use gold plating over inferior metals while charging for solid gold
How does hallmarking prevent jewellery fraud?
Hallmarking places an official mark on jewellery confirming its purity and authenticity. This makes fraud extremely difficult and gives buyers confidence in their purchase.
What is HUID?
HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) is a six-digit alphanumeric code stamped on every hallmarked gold jewellery item. It acts as the jewellery’s unique identity.
Why is HUID compared to an Aadhaar card for jewellery?
Just like Aadhaar uniquely identifies an individual, HUID uniquely identifies each jewellery item. No two jewellery pieces can have the same HUID, even if they look identical.
What information is linked to a HUID?
Each HUID is connected to details such as:
- Purity of the jewellery
- The jeweller who sold it
- The assaying and hallmarking centre where it was tested
This ensures full traceability and accountability.
Do detachable parts of jewellery also have HUID?
Yes. Every part of the jewellery, including detachable components, must carry a HUID.
How can consumers verify a HUID?
Consumers can verify the authenticity and purity of jewellery using the BIS Care App through the “Verify HUID” feature.
When was hallmarking introduced in India?
Hallmarking was introduced as a voluntary quality certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards in 2000.
When did hallmarking become mandatory?
Hallmarking became mandatory in June 2021 under the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order. Jewellers in notified districts can sell only hallmarked gold jewellery with a six-digit HUID.
How widely is mandatory hallmarking implemented in India?
- First phase (June 2021): 256 districts
- With later expansions, hallmarking now operates in around 288 districts and beyond, supported by a growing number of Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs).
Where can consumers find a list of authorised hallmarked jewellers?
A list of BIS-certified jewellers and districts where hallmarking is implemented is available on the official BIS website.
What steps is the government taking to expand hallmarking?
The government is:
- Simplifying jeweller registration with BIS
- Increasing the number of Assaying & Hallmarking Centres
- Introducing digital tools like the HUID system and BIS Care App for easy verification
Can BIS hallmarking be trusted?
Yes. BIS hallmarking follows international practices:
- Jewellers must register with BIS
- Jewellery can be hallmarked only at BIS-recognised AHCs
- AHCs follow Indian Standard IS 15820:2009
This creates a transparent and trustworthy jewellery market.
Can any metal be hallmarked in India?
Currently, hallmarking in India applies only to:
- Gold
- Silver
No other precious metals are covered under mandatory hallmarking at present.
How can jewellery without HUID be tested for purity?
Consumers can take jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC), where:
- Jewellery is weighed in the consumer’s presence
- Each item is tagged with a serial number
- Purity is tested using fire assay
- A test report is issued
Charges:
- ₹45 per article
- Minimum charge of ₹200 per lot
How does HUID help identify purity levels?
HUID is linked to purity details, helping consumers clearly understand what they are buying.
Gold purity levels:
- 9K – 37.5%
- 14K – 58.5%
- 18K – 75.0%
- 20K – 83.3%
- 22K – 91.6%
- 23K – 95.8%
- 24K Special – 99.5%
Silver purity grades:
- 800
- 835
- 900
- 925
- 970
- 990
Why is hallmarking important for consumers?
Hallmarking is not just a stamp—it is a promise of purity, trust, and quality. It ensures fair practices, protects buyers, and strengthens confidence in the jewellery market.
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