When purchasing gold or silver jewellery, consumers often focus on the design, price, and purity of the metal. However, one critical factor that assures the authenticity and purity of your jewellery is BIS hallmarking. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standard body of India responsible for hallmarking precious metals, especially gold and silver. This hallmark is a certification of purity and authenticity, ensuring that consumers get what they pay for.
In this detailed guide, we explore everything you need to know about BIS hallmarking in jewellery, including how it benefits consumers, what the hallmark looks like, and why buying from BIS certified jewellers is essential.
What is BIS Hallmarking?
BIS hallmarking is a certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to validate the purity of gold and silver articles. The hallmark is a stamp on the jewellery piece that indicates it has been tested and certified in a BIS-recognized assay and hallmarking centre.
The system was introduced to protect consumers from fraudulent practices and ensure transparency in the jewellery industry. Hallmarked jewellery is a clear indicator that the product meets the specified quality standards set by BIS.
Why is BIS Hallmarking Important?
- Purity Assurance:
- BIS hallmarking provides assurance about the purity of the gold or silver used in jewellery. This is particularly important for consumers investing large sums in precious metal products.
- Consumer Protection:
- Hallmarking reduces the risk of fraud and under-caratage. Consumers can claim compensation if the metal does not meet the stated purity levels.
- Standardization:
- It brings uniformity and accountability to the jewellery industry, encouraging jewellers to maintain quality standards.
- Legal Requirement:
- As of June 16, 2021, hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts has become mandatory in India in a phased manner. This move aims to protect the interests of consumers and promote fair trade.
What Does a BIS Hallmark Contain?
Each hallmarked jewellery item will carry the following four marks:
- BIS Logo – A triangular mark representing the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Purity in Carat and Fineness – For example, 22K916 stands for 22 karat gold with 91.6% purity.
- Assaying and Hallmarking Centre’s Identification Mark – Unique identification of the testing centre.
- Jeweller’s Identification Mark – Code assigned to the jeweller who has sold the piece.
Who Are BIS Certified Jewellers?
BIS certified jewellers are retailers or manufacturers who have been granted a licence by the BIS to sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery. These jewellers must adhere strictly to the guidelines laid out by BIS, including selling only hallmarked products and ensuring proper documentation and purity standards.
Choosing BIS certified jewellers ensures:
- The metal content in the jewellery is authentic and verified.
- You receive a proper bill and hallmark certificate.
- Easy complaint redressal in case of any discrepancy.
You can find a list of BIS certified jewellers on the official BIS website or through BIS mobile applications.
How to Verify BIS Hallmark on Jewellery
To verify if your jewellery is hallmarked:
- Check the Stamp – Look for the BIS logo and other markings on the jewellery piece.
- Use BIS Care App – The Bureau has developed a mobile application called BIS Care. You can scan the QR code or enter the jeweller’s registration number to verify its authenticity.
- Ask for a Bill and Certificate – Always ask your jeweller for a detailed bill and hallmarking certificate for your purchase.
Types of Gold and Hallmarking Standards
BIS hallmarking is available for the following gold purity levels:
- 22K916 – 22 karat gold (91.6% purity)
- 18K750 – 18 karat gold (75.0% purity)
- 14K585 – 14 karat gold (58.5% purity)
Similarly, silver jewellery and artefacts are also hallmarked based on their purity (e.g., 999, 925).
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery in regions where hallmarking is mandatory can lead to penalties for jewellers, including fines and cancellation of licences. This has led to an increase in the number of BIS certified jewellers, as compliance becomes necessary for business survival.
Benefits of Buying from BIS Certified Jewellers
- Authentic Purity – Certified jewellers only sell tested and verified gold and silver.
- Transparent Pricing – Hallmarked jewellery ensures that the price reflects the true value.
- Resale Value – Hallmarked gold has better resale value as buyers trust certified purity.
- Accountability – In case of any fraud or discrepancies, consumers can file complaints with BIS.
BIS Hallmarking for Online Buyers
With the rise in e-commerce, many jewellery brands have moved online. Always ensure that the platform you are buying from lists itself among BIS certified jewellers. Reputed online jewellers mention hallmarking details clearly in the product description, and provide documentation with the delivery.
How Jewellers Become BIS Certified
To become a BIS certified jeweller:
- Application Submission – Jewellers must apply online through the BIS portal.
- Inspection – BIS officials inspect the premises and assess quality control procedures.
- Grant of Licence – Upon successful inspection, a licence is issued to the jeweller to sell hallmarked jewellery.
- Regular Audits – BIS conducts periodic audits to ensure continued compliance.
Final Thoughts
BIS hallmarking plays a vital role in building trust and transparency in the Indian jewellery market. As a buyer, choosing BIS certified jewellers guarantees that you’re investing in gold or silver that meets strict purity and quality standards.
With mandatory hallmarking already implemented in many parts of India, and jewellers steadily upgrading to BIS certification, consumers now have more protection and confidence when making a purchase. The next time you buy jewellery, make sure to look for the BIS hallmark and shop only from certified jewellers – because your trust and your investment deserve nothing less.
