Gold has long represented wealth, security, and cultural significance in India. When purchasing gold, especially in jewellery or bullion, you must ensure the quality and purity of the gold you buy. This is where hallmark gold comes into play. Understanding what hallmark gold is, the symbols used in Indian gold hallmarking, and how it differs from other types of gold can help you make informed investment decisions.

What is Hallmark Gold?

Hallmark gold is a certification that guarantees the purity and authenticity of the gold item. Issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the hallmarking process involves a series of tests to verify the gold’s purity and ensure it meets the standard fineness levels. Hallmarked gold symbolises trust and adds value to your gold investments, making selling or trading in the market easier.

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Indian Gold Hallmark Symbols:

In India, the hallmarking system uses symbols to indicate various aspects of gold quality. Understanding these symbols can help you verify the gold’s authenticity:

1. BIS Mark: The BIS logo is the most crucial symbol, indicating that the gold has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
2. Purity/Fineness: This shows the gold’s purity level, often represented in three digits (e.g., 916 for 22 karats, 750 for 18 karats).
3. Assaying and Hallmarking Centre’s Mark: A symbol or logo representing the centre where the gold was tested and certified.
4. Jeweler’s Identification Mark: A unique identification mark of the jeweller who manufactured the gold item.

Difference Between BIS Hallmark, KDM, and 916 Gold:

• BIS Hallmark: As mentioned, the BIS hallmark certifies gold purity, ensuring it meets Indian standards. This is the most trusted form of certification for gold in India.
• KDM Gold: KDM refers to a type of gold solder alloy used in jewellery-making, comprising 92% gold and 8% cadmium. While it ensures durability, KDM gold lacks the purity certification that hallmark gold provides.
• 916 Gold: The term “916 gold” refers to gold that is 91.6% pure, or 22 karats. This type of gold is often hallmarked to ensure its authenticity and purity.

Importance of Hallmarked Gold for Investors:

Hallmark gold offers peace of mind for investors, knowing that the gold they purchase is pure and meets industry standards. This is particularly important when investing in large quantities or for long-term holdings. Hallmarked gold is also easier to resell or trade, as it comes with an assurance of quality that buyers and traders trust.

How to Check the Hallmark on Gold?

Before purchasing gold, verifying the hallmark symbols is essential to ensure you’re getting what you pay for. Here’s how you can check the hallmark on gold:

1. Look for the BIS Mark: Ensure the item has the BIS logo stamped.
2. Verify the Purity: Check the three-digit number representing the gold’s purity (e.g., 916 for 22K).
3. Check the Assay Centre Mark and Jeweler’s Mark: Ensure the item has the assay centre’s and jeweller’s identification marks.
4. Use BIS Online Tools: You can verify the hallmarking details using BIS’s online tools by entering the gold item’s unique identification number.

FAQs On Hallmark Gold:

1. What is the difference between KDM gold and hallmarked gold?

KDM gold refers to gold soldered with a cadmium alloy, while hallmarked gold is certified by BIS for its purity, ensuring it meets Indian standards.

2. Why is hallmarking important for gold jewellery?

Hallmarking is crucial as it certifies the purity of gold, providing buyers with quality assurance and making it easier to resell.

3. Can I trust gold without a hallmark?

Gold with a hallmark might meet the purity standards, making it a riskier investment. I always prefer hallmarked gold for guaranteed authenticity.

4. How can I verify the hallmark on my gold item?

You can verify the hallmark by checking the BIS mark, purity number, assay centre’s mark, and jeweller’s identification mark on the gold item.

5. Is hallmarking mandatory in India?

As of June 2021, hallmarking has become mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts in India. This ensures standardisation and protects consumers from fraud.

Conclusion:

Understanding the significance of hallmark gold and its associated symbols can significantly enhance your gold investment experience. Whether buying jewellery or investing in gold bullion, always opt for hallmarked gold to ensure you get the best value.

At Tap Invest, we emphasize the importance of informed investing and the understanding that hallmark gold is critical in securing your financial future. Nowadays, there are many gold investment options, such as digital gold.

Also Read: https://tapinvest.in/blog/digital-gold-investment/