What is Hallmark Gold? Complete Guide to BIS Hallmark, 916 Gold & HUID

Gold is more than just a piece of jewellery for most Indian families. It is an investment, a symbol of wealth, and often passed down through generations. When buying gold, one of the most important things to check is whether the jewellery is hallmarked.

A BIS hallmark helps ensure that you are getting the purity of gold that you are paying for. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about hallmarking, HUID numbers, 916 gold, and how to verify the authenticity of your jewellery.

What is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is the official certification of the purity of precious metals such as gold and silver. In India, hallmarking is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body responsible for quality certification. A hallmark serves as an assurance that the jewellery has been tested and meets the declared purity standards.

In simple terms, a hallmark tells you that a 22-carat gold ornament actually contains the amount of gold that the jeweller claims.

Why is Hallmarking Important?

Before hallmarking became widespread, many buyers had no reliable way to verify the purity of gold jewellery. Hallmarking protects consumers by:

• Providing assurance of purity

• Reducing the risk of fraud and adulteration

• Improving transparency in gold transactions

• Enhancing resale and exchange value

• Building trust between buyers and jewellers

The primary objective of the BIS Hallmarking Scheme is to protect consumers from purity-related malpractices and ensure fair trade in the jewellery market.

Is Hallmarking Mandatory in India?

Yes. Gold jewellery sold in India is required to carry a BIS hallmark and a unique HUID number under the current hallmarking system. The government has expanded mandatory hallmarking across the country to improve consumer protection and traceability.

Whenever you purchase new gold jewellery, you should verify that it carries the required hallmark markings.

Understanding Gold Purity Marks

Gold purity is expressed both in karats (K) and fineness numbers.

Gold PurityFineness MarkGold Content24K999/99599.5% to 99.9%23K95895.8%22K91691.6%20K83383.3%18K75075.0%14K58558.5%

These are the BIS-approved purity grades for hallmarking in India.

What Does 916 Gold Mean?

The term “916 Gold” is very common in Kerala and across South India.

916 gold means:

• 91.6% pure gold

• Equivalent to 22-carat gold

• Commonly used for traditional jewellery

• Offers a balance between purity and durability

Because pure 24K gold is too soft for most jewellery, 22K (916) gold is widely used for ornaments such as chains, bangles, necklaces, and wedding jewellery.

What Does a BIS Hallmark Look Like?

Under the current BIS hallmarking system, every hallmarked gold item contains three important marks:

1. BIS logo

2. Purity/Fineness mark (such as 916 or 750)

3. Six-digit alphanumeric HUID number

These markings are usually engraved on an inconspicuous part of the jewellery, such as the inner side of a ring or the clasp of a chain.

What is HUID?

HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification.

It is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each hallmarked jewellery item. No two hallmarked ornaments share the same HUID number. This system helps improve traceability and makes it easier for consumers to verify the authenticity of their jewellery.

Example HUID

A HUID may look like:

• AB12CD

• X7P4Q9

• M2L8R5

Each code is unique to a specific piece of jewellery.

How to Verify a HUID Number

Consumers can verify a jewellery item’s HUID using the BIS Care App.

Steps to Verify

1. Install the BIS Care App.

2. Open the “Verify HUID” feature.

3. Enter the HUID number.

4. View the hallmark details.

The system displays information such as:

• Purity of the jewellery

• Hallmarking date

• Registration details

• Other hallmark-related information

This verification process helps buyers ensure that the hallmark is genuine.

How to Check Hallmarked Gold Before Buying

Before making a purchase, follow these simple checks:

1. Look for the BIS Logo

A genuine hallmarked ornament should display the BIS standard mark.

2. Check the Purity Mark

Verify whether the purity marking matches what you are buying.

Examples:

• 22K = 916

• 18K = 750

• 14K = 585

3. Verify the HUID

Use the BIS Care App to confirm authenticity.

4. Ask for a Proper Invoice

The bill should clearly mention:

• Purity

• Weight

• Making charges

• GST

• Hallmark details

5. Buy from Reputed Jewellers

Always purchase from established jewellers with proper BIS registration and transparent billing practices.

Can Hallmarked Jewellery Still Be Fake?

While BIS hallmarking significantly reduces the risk of fraud, consumers should still remain cautious.

Authorities have occasionally taken action against illegal hallmarking operations that used counterfeit purity markings without valid HUID numbers. This is why verifying the HUID through official channels is important.

Does Hallmarked Gold Have Better Resale Value?

Yes.

Hallmarked gold is generally easier to sell, exchange, or pledge because its purity has already been certified. Many jewellers and gold buyers place greater trust in hallmarked jewellery, making valuation more straightforward.

Common Myths About Hallmark Gold

Myth 1: Hallmark Means the Jewellery is Pure 24K Gold

False.

A hallmark certifies the purity level stated on the jewellery, whether it is 22K, 18K, or another approved grade.

Myth 2: All Jewellery Marked “916” Is Genuine

False.

The 916 mark alone is not enough. You should also verify the BIS logo and HUID.

Myth 3: Hallmarking Increases Gold Weight

False.

Hallmarking only certifies purity. It does not affect the weight of the ornament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 916 gold the same as 22K gold?

Yes. 916 gold contains 91.6% pure gold and is equivalent to 22-carat gold.

Is hallmarking compulsory?

Yes, BIS hallmarking with HUID is required for eligible gold jewellery sold in India.

Can I verify my jewellery online?

Yes. You can verify the HUID using the BIS Care App.

Does hallmarking guarantee resale value?

While resale rates depend on market conditions and jeweller policies, hallmarking provides certified purity, which generally improves trust and valuation.

Final Thoughts

When buying gold jewellery, checking the hallmark is just as important as checking the day’s gold rate. A genuine BIS hallmark, purity mark, and HUID number provide confidence that you are receiving the quality you are paying for.

Whether you are purchasing a wedding necklace, investment jewellery, gold coins, or daily-wear ornaments, always verify the hallmark before completing the purchase. A few seconds spent checking the HUID can save you from costly mistakes and ensure your gold remains a valuable asset for years to come.