Festive jewelry counters can be crowded, making it easy to rush a purchase. Understanding hallmarking helps you verify what you are paying for and identify warning signs before leaving the shop.
Read the marks on gold jewelry
India's BIS hallmark for covered gold jewelry generally includes the BIS logo, the purity expressed as caratage/fineness and a six-character alphanumeric HUID. Typical fineness markings include 22K916, 18K750 and 14K585. The BIS Care app has a Verify HUID feature that shoppers can use to check details of a hallmarked item.
Hallmark requirements and exemptions can change; check current BIS guidance for the specific product category, including coins and articles outside mandatory coverage.
Understand purity and the bill
24-karat gold is close to pure gold and is often chosen for bars or investment coins; 22-karat gold contains alloy and is commonly used for jewelry. A 22K price should not be compared directly with a 24K rate without accounting for purity.
Ask the jeweler to write down the net gold weight, fineness, rate per gram, making charge, taxes and any stone charges. A low advertised rate can be offset by high making fees. Compare the final payable amount and the retailer's exchange conditions.
Red flags on a busy festival day
- No itemized invoice or reluctance to explain deductions.
- HUID that cannot be checked or details that do not match the article.
- Claims that hallmarking automatically guarantees a favorable resale price.
- Heavy pressure to pay immediately without inspecting the item.
If unsure, seek a second opinion or use a BIS-recognized testing facility. A festival deadline is no reason to skip consumer protection.
