Hallmarking and purity are what turn gold and silver jewellery from a guess into a guaranteed investment, especially in India where BIS standards protect buyers.
What Purity Really Means
Gold purity is expressed in karats, indicating how much of the alloy is pure gold.
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24K ≈ 99.9% pure; very soft, rarely used for regular wear.
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22K (marked 916) ≈ 91.6% pure; common for traditional Indian jewellery.
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18K (marked 750) ≈ 75% pure; harder, ideal for diamond and fine-setting work.
Silver purity is expressed as fineness.
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999 = 99.9% pure (fine silver; too soft for most jewellery).
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925 = 92.5% pure (sterling silver, alloyed with copper for strength).
What Is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is official certification that the stated purity is real, tested at an authorised centre.
In India, this is governed by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), which sets and enforces purity norms for gold and silver.
For gold, hallmarking is now mandatory for most jewellery in specified karats (currently 14K, 18K, 22K).
Silver hallmarking remains voluntary but offers the same assurance where present.
Decoding a BIS Hallmark
A BIS-hallmarked gold piece typically includes:
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BIS logo (a triangular symbol with a tick mark)
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Purity mark: e.g., 22K916, 18K750, 14K585
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Assaying and Hallmarking Centre mark
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Jeweller’s unique identification mark
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HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) – a 6‑digit alphanumeric code stamped on each piece
You can verify the HUID and details of a hallmarked item using the official BIS Care mobile app, which allows consumers to check authenticity and lodge complaints.
For silver, BIS hallmarking (where used) includes the BIS symbol, purity/fineness (e.g., 925, 958), centre mark, and jeweller’s mark.
Why Hallmarking Matters
Hallmarking directly benefits you as a buyer:
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Authenticity: Confirms the metal purity you’re paying for (no under-carat fraud).
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Transparency in pricing: Jewellers price based on certified purity; easier to compare offers.
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Resale value: Hallmarked gold and silver are easier to resell or exchange at fair value.
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Consumer protection: BIS standards and the BIS Care app create a formal system for redressal.
For a brand like Xazina, combining BIS-hallmarked gold with ethical lab-grown diamonds means every part of your jewellery-stone and metal-is independently verifiable and aligned with quality and integrity.
Practical Tips Before You Buy
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Always ask to see the hallmark clearly-on the jewellery and the invoice.
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Check the HUID through the BIS Care app for added peace of mind.
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For everyday diamond jewellery, 18K (750) is usually the best balance of strength and luxury; for traditional gold-heavy pieces, 22K (916) remains the norm.
