Are you curious about the meaning of hallmark symbols on gold? Discover how they impact value, what common symbols represent, and how to read them in this article.
For Indians, gold has traditionally been considered a valuable metal and a top investment choice. However, because of the rise in demand for gold, there is now a serious problem with fake gold. To address this problem, hallmark symbols were added to gold to guarantee the metal’s genuineness. In this article, we shall go into great detail about the significance of hallmark marks on gold.
Definition of Hallmark Symbols
Gold has several markings or stamps called hallmarks that indicate the gold’s provenance, origin, and purity. These symbols guarantee the quality and purity of the gold and are stamped on objects made of gold by licenced organisations. A hallmark is a quality assurance symbol showing that a piece of gold complies with specific requirements.
Significance of Hallmark Symbols on Gold
The hallmark symbols on gold are significant because they assure the buyer of the purity and authenticity of the gold item. These signs aid in preventing the acquisition of fake gold, which is a serious issue in India. The gold item gains value and indicates quality thanks to the hallmark symbols. Identifying a gold item’s purity without hallmark marks might be challenging.
Types of Hallmark Symbols
There are three types of hallmark symbols on gold: BIS hallmark, non-BIS hallmark, and international hallmark.
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BIS Hallmark
The BIS hallmark is the most common hallmark symbol found on gold items in India. It is a symbol of quality and purity and is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS hallmark has four marks that indicate the purity of the gold item. The first mark is the BIS logo, which signifies that the BIS has tested and verified the gold item.
The second mark is the purity mark, which indicates the purity of the gold item in terms of karats. The third mark is the assay center mark, indicating where the gold item was tested and verified. The fourth mark is the jeweller’s identification mark, which indicates the jeweler who sold the gold item.
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Non-BIS Hallmark
The non-BIS hallmark is a symbol granted by private agencies and not recognised by the government. The non-BIS hallmark has three marks that indicate the purity of the gold item, the testing agency’s logo, and the jeweller’s identification mark. Non-BIS hallmark is not as reliable as BIS hallmark as there are no standards for purity and quality that these private agencies need to adhere to.
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International Hallmark
The international hallmark is a hallmark symbol that is recognised globally. Organisations like the World Gold Council grant it and ensures that the gold item meets international standards. The international hallmark has a purity mark and a logo that indicates the organisation that granted the hallmark meaning.
Common Hallmark Symbols
Some of the most common hallmark symbols on gold in India are:
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22KT
22KT is a purity mark that indicates that the gold item is 22 karats pure. 22 karat gold is India’s most commonly used type of gold for jewelry.
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18KT
18KT is a purity mark that indicates that the gold item is 18 karats pure. 18 karat gold is also a popular choice for jewelry.
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916
916 is a purity mark that indicates that the gold item is 91.6% pure. This purity mark is commonly used for gold coins and bars.
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BIS Logo
The BIS logo is a mark that indicates that the gold item has been tested and verified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Reading and Interpreting Hallmark Symbols
Reading and interpreting hallmark symbols on gold is essential to determine the purity and authenticity of the gold item. To read and interpret hallmark symbols on gold, you need to understand the meaning of each mark.
- The first mark is the BIS logo, which signifies that the BIS has tested and verified the gold item.
- The second mark is the purity mark, which indicates the purity of the gold item in terms of karats. For example, if the purity mark is 22KT, it means that the gold item is 22 karats pure
- The third mark is the assay centre mark, which indicates the place where the gold item was tested and verified
- The fourth mark is the jeweller’s identification mark, which indicates the jeweller who sold the gold item.
It is essential to note that the hallmark meaning may differ based on the region where the gold item was sold. For example, the hallmark symbols on gold sold in Chennai may differ from those sold in Mumbai.
Hallmark Symbols and Value of Gold
The hallmark marks on gold are very important in establishing the item’s value. One of the most critical elements in assessing the worth of the gold is the purity mark, which shows the item’s level of purity. The more expensive gold is, the purer it must be. As a result, gold objects with higher purity marks sell for more money.
The BIS hallmark, in addition to the purity stamp, raises the price of the gold item. The Bureau of Indian Standards, a governmental organisation, has inspected and verified the gold item, as indicated by the BIS hallmark. The BIS hallmark is a sign of quality and assurance of authenticity, which adds value to the gold item.
Conclusion
The presence of hallmark marks on gold is crucial for confirming the purity and authenticity of gold objects. The hallmark symbols include the testing agency’s emblem, the jeweller’s identification mark, and the gold item’s purity.
The hallmark symbols are also very important in establishing the worth of the gold item. The better the gold’s purity and the more BIS hallmarks there are, the more valuable the gold item is. Therefore, it is crucial to purchase gold objects bearing hallmark marks from licenced dealers in order to guarantee that you are purchasing genuine and expensive gold.
Vakilsearch can help ensure that you buy authentic gold with proper hallmark symbols. Our legal experts can assist you in verifying the authenticity of the hallmark symbols on gold and ensure that you make a safe and secure purchase. With Vakilsearch, you can have peace of mind knowing that your gold purchase is legitimate and valuable. Contact us today for reliable and trustworthy assistance.
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