The foundation
What is BIS Hallmark?
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, India’s national standards body. A BIS hallmark on precious-metal jewellery records that the article has been assessed under the official hallmarking system for its declared purity.
For a buyer, this mark replaces guesswork with a recognised standard. It helps you compare the purity stated on the bill with the mark on the jewellery, improves accountability, and provides a stronger basis for raising a complaint if the article does not match its declared fineness.
Know the numbers
Understanding Gold Purity
Pure gold is naturally soft, so jewellery is commonly made by combining gold with other metals for strength, colour, and durability. Karat indicates the proportion of gold in that alloy, while fineness expresses the same idea in parts per thousand.
Therefore, 916 means 91.6% gold and corresponds to 22K. Likewise, 750 denotes 75% gold or 18K, while 585 denotes 58.5% gold or 14K.
| Gold Type | Purity | Common Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 |
| 22K | 91.6% | 22K916 |
| 18K | 75.0% | 18K750 |
| 14K | 58.5% | 14K585 |
Item-level identity
What is HUID?
HUID means Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a six-character alphanumeric code assigned to a hallmarked jewellery article. The code supports traceability within the hallmarking system and gives buyers a practical way to check the recorded details of an item.
Before completing a purchase, compare the HUID engraved on the jewellery with the information returned through the BIS Care app. The displayed purity and jeweller details should be consistent with the item and invoice.
A buyer’s checklist
How to Verify BIS Hallmark Jewellery
- Locate the hallmark.Inspect the inner or less visible part of the article. A magnifying glass can help with very small marks.
- Read the purity mark.Look for the karat and fineness combination, such as 22K916, 18K750, or 14K585.
- Find the HUID.Identify the six-character alphanumeric code engraved on the jewellery.
- Verify through BIS Care.Use the “Verify HUID” feature in the BIS Care app and compare the returned information with the jewellery and invoice.
- Buy from a trusted jeweller.Ask for a detailed bill that records the article description, weight, purity, and applicable charges.
Why it matters
Benefits of Hallmarked Jewellery
Guaranteed Purity
A recognised purity mark helps confirm the fineness declared for the jewellery.
Better Resale Value
Clear purity information can make evaluation during resale or exchange more straightforward.
Transparency
Karat, fineness, HUID, and invoice details give buyers more information about their purchase.
Consumer Protection
Official standards and traceability provide a stronger foundation for complaints and redressal.
Authenticity
HUID verification helps distinguish a traceable hallmark from an unsupported purity claim.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS Hallmark?
It is an official precious-metal purity marking system administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards through recognised processes and assaying and hallmarking centres.
What does 916 mean?
916 is a fineness value indicating 916 parts of gold per thousand, or 91.6% gold. This is commonly described as 22-karat gold.
Is hallmark mandatory?
Mandatory hallmarking applies under Government of India quality-control orders in notified areas and categories, with specified exemptions. Because notifications can be amended, buyers and jewellers should check the latest requirements on the official BIS website.
How can I verify HUID?
Open the BIS Care app, choose the HUID verification feature, enter the six-character code from the jewellery, and compare the returned purity and jeweller information with your item and invoice.
Why should I buy hallmarked jewellery?
Hallmarking offers an official purity reference, improves transparency, supports traceability, and helps protect the value of a significant purchase.
Purity with confidence
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