Gold jewelry is one of the most prized possessions that many people own. But how do you know if the gold jewellery you're buying or wearing is real? One way to determine the authenticity of gold is by looking for hallmarks. In this article, we'll discuss what hallmarks are and how to check them on your gold jewellery.
What are Hallmarks?
Hallmarks are markings that indicate the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery. They are a form of quality control and are used to ensure that the gold used in the jewellery is of a certain standard. Hallmarks are typically found on the inside of a piece of jewellery, such as on a bracelet, necklace, or ring. So, here is a blog that talks about How to Check Hallmarks on Gold Jewellery.
Importance of Hallmarking for Gold Jewellery
All entities involved in the sale of precious metal items, such as manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, are required to register with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). However, artisans or manufacturers who only produce gold jewellery on a job-work basis for other jewellers, without being involved in direct sales, are not obligated to register.
For jeweller registration, the process is streamlined and accessible online through the National Single Window System website, with no fee for obtaining the registration certificate. Jewelers need to create an account, fill out the registration form with necessary details, and upon submission, registration is granted immediately. Once registered, jewellers can submit their jewellery for hallmarking at BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking centres, where the jewellery is tested and hallmarked if it meets the standard requirements. The process for sending jewellery for hallmarking involves logging into the designated portal, creating a new request, and selecting an A&H centre with details about the jewellery. Hallmarking fees are standardised, and hallmarking is required at the initial point of sale, allowing for minor alterations in hallmarked jewellery. Additionally, old unhallmarked jewellery can be sold to jewelers or hallmarked after melting and remaking.
There are four main hallmarks to look for on gold jewellery
- The maker’s mark – This is a symbol or initials that indicate the jeweller or company that made the piece of jewellery.
- The fineness mark – This indicates the purity of the gold used in the jewellery. In the UK, this is shown as a number followed by the letter “ct” (carat) or “kt” (karat). For example, “18ct” means that the gold is 18 carats.
- The assay office mark – This is a mark that indicates which assay office tested and verified the purity of the gold.
- The date mark – This is a letter that indicates the year in which the piece of jewellery was tested and verified.
How to Check Hallmarks on Gold Jewellery
Now that you know what hallmarks are, here are the steps you can take to check them on your gold jewellery:
Step 1: Look for the hallmarks – The hallmarks are usually located on the inside of the piece of jewellery, such as on the clasp of a bracelet or necklace, or on the inside of a ring.
Step 2: Use a magnifying glass – The hallmarks can be very small, so use a magnifying glass to get a closer look.
Step 3: Identify the hallmarks – Look for the four main hallmarks: the maker’s mark, the fineness mark, the assay office mark, and the date mark.
Step 4: Check the fineness mark – This mark will tell you the purity of the gold. In the UK, gold can be marked as 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, or 24ct. The higher the number, the more pure the gold.
Step 5: Check the other hallmarks – Look for the maker’s mark, assay office mark, and date mark. These will help you identify the origin of the jewellery and the year it was tested and verified.
Step 6: Verify the hallmarks – If you’re still not sure about the authenticity of the gold, take it to a reputable jeweller who can verify the hallmarks for you.
Signs to Check for Genuine Gold Hallmarking
Here are some signs to check for genuine gold hallmarking:
- Look for the BIS hallmark – The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is the most trusted hallmark for gold jewellery in India. It indicates that the gold has been tested and certified for purity and fineness by an independent assaying and hallmarking centre.
- Check for the four main hallmarks – As mentioned earlier, the four main hallmarks to look for are the maker’s mark, the fineness mark, the assay office mark, and the date mark. These hallmarks indicate the purity and authenticity of the gold.
- Look for the quality stamp – In addition to the hallmarks, there should be a quality stamp on the gold jewellery. This stamp indicates the karat or fineness of the gold.
- Check for the weight – Genuine gold jewellery should have a certain weight based on its size and karat. If the weight of the jewellery seems too light, it could be a sign that it’s not genuine.
Why Should You Buy Hallmarked Gold Jewellery?
Buying hallmarked gold jewellery has several advantages, including:
Assured purity – Hallmarked gold jewellery ensures that the gold is of a certain quality and purity, which is important for the longevity and value of the jewellery.
Quality assurance – Hallmarked gold jewellery is tested and certified by an independent assaying and hallmarking center, so buyers can be assured of the quality and authenticity of the gold.
Protection against fraud – Hallmarking helps to protect buyers from fraud and ensures that they are getting what they paid for.
Click Now: Hallmark Registration
Conclusion
How to Check Hallmarks on Gold Jewellery is an important step in determining the authenticity and quality of gold jewellery. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can learn how to identify the hallmarks on your gold jewellery and ensure that you’re getting what you paid for. Remember to always verify the hallmarks with a reputable jeweller if you’re not sure about the authenticity of your gold jewellery. Further, our experts in Vakilsearch will assist you to know more about hallmarks on gold jewellery.
FAQs on How to Know if Your Gold Jewellery Hallmark Is Fake or Genuine?
When buying gold, look for the BIS hallmark, the four main hallmarks, the quality stamp, and the weight of the jewellery.
Hallmark gold is gold that has been tested and certified for purity and fineness by an independent assaying and hallmarking centre. The hallmark indicates that the gold is of a certain quality and purity.
Purchasing hallmark gold jewellery ensures that the gold is of a certain quality and purity, and it protects buyers from fraud. It also provides quality assurance and adds to the value and longevity of the jewellery.
Look for the BIS logo or the words 'BIS certified' displayed in the store. You can also ask the jeweller to show you the BIS certificate.
If your gold is not hallmarked, it's important to have it tested and certified for purity and fineness by an independent assaying and hallmarking centre. This will ensure that you know the quality and authenticity of the gold.
To identify hallmarks on gold, inspect the piece for small inscriptions or marks, usually found on less noticeable parts. These marks include the BIS logo, purity grade (e.g., 916 for 22K gold), assaying centre's identification mark, and the jeweller's identification mark. A magnifying glass may be helpful for clearer visibility of these tiny markings.
In India, the hallmark code for gold reflects its purity. For example, 916 signifies 22K gold, indicating 91.6% purity. Other common codes include 750 for 18K gold (75% purity) and 585 for 14K gold (58.5% purity).
Jewellers seeking to acquire a registration certificate to sell Hallmarked Gold and Silver Jewelry/artefacts must submit their application through the BIS website at www.manakonline.in. The registration certificate is immediately issued to the jeweller, with no requirement for document uploads or payment of any fees.
916 hallmark gold refers to 22K gold, where the number 916 represents the purity level of gold, indicating that 91.6% of the material is pure gold, with the remainder being other metals used in the alloy
KDM (which stands for the alloy of gold with cadmium) and hallmarking are not directly comparable. Hallmarking is a certification of purity and authenticity for gold jewellery, while KDM refers to an older method of alloying gold. The term hallmark is more relevant when considering the purity and assurance of gold quality
No, KDM and Hallmark are not the same. KDM refers to a type of soldering material made from a gold-cadmium alloy, used historically in making jewelry. Hallmarking, on the other hand, is a certification process that attests to the purity and quality of gold jewellery, as defined by specific marks including the BIS logo, purity/fineness grade, assaying centre's mark, and jeweller's identification mark. What should I check while buying gold?
What is hallmark gold?
Why should I purchase hallmark gold jewellery?
How can I know whether the jewellery store where I'm buying gold is BIS-certified?
What if my gold is not hallmarked?
What is the hallmark code for gold in India?
How do you hallmark gold jewellery online?
What is 916 hallmark gold?
Which is better: KDM or Hallmark?
Is KDM and Hallmark the same?
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