Everything About Gold Hallmarking Standards

Posted by Nigam Ashru on November 27th, 2022

Hallmarking is the formal process by which the percentage of precious metal in an item of precious metal is ascertained and recorded. Thus, hallmarks are official markings used in many nations to ensure the purity or fineness of precious metal items. For the most part, the Hallmarking Scheme exists to deter counterfeiting and ensure that producers adhere to required fineness levels. Gold and silver are India's only precious metals now subject to Hallmarking.

Should All Gold Be Hallmarked?

The deadline for required gold hallmarking standards was set for June 16, 2021. Over three hundred and fifty thousand gold items were hallmarked in the first phase, which went into effect on June 23, 2021, and included 256 districts throughout the nation. For example, gold might be hallmarked at the 14-, 18-, 20-, 22-, 23-, and 24-karat levels. These days, hallmarks are required for all jewelry purchases.

Is A Hallmark A Standard Part Of Purchasing Jewelry?

Gold jewelry under 2 grams in weight is not required to be hallmarked. BIS also does not hallmark Kundan or Polki jewelry. If jewelry is not hallmarked, the jeweler must include it on the receipt.

Advantages Of The New Regulation

This goes against the law since all gold jewelry made in the 14KT, 18KT, 20KT, 22KT, 23KT, and 24KT purity ranges must include a hallmark to prove its authenticity. The new rule requires jewelers to get 16-karat gold jewelry and artifacts hallmarked at a BIS hallmarking center before selling them to customers.

An increase in consumer trust in gold jewelry and artifacts is anticipated due to a change in the regulations governing gold hallmarking. To comply with the new BIS guideline, hallmarking will be mandatory in different jurisdictions beginning on June 1.

In addition, the government has altered the purity markings on gold jewelry and artifacts as of last July. Among these are the BIS logo, the purity/fineness grade, and the HUID (six-digit alphanumeric) number. In addition to the price of the gold itself, there is a stamping cost of Rs 35 for each gold item.

Can Hallmarking Be Verified, And How?

Inspect the hallmark to ensure its authenticity before purchasing gold jewelry that has been hallmarked. Be wary if the jeweler hasn't marked his work. Dabba hallmarking is another name for this. Here are some tips for verifying the authenticity of a jewelry piece's hallmark.

Examine the four-part hallmark, which should include the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) triangle mark, the jeweler's mark, the AHC logo, and the caratage (22K915) purity marking.

It's acceptable to request a copy of the jeweler's BIS license. According to BIS regulations, jewelry stores must prominently display their permits. Ensure that the store's address matches the one on the slip.

Inquire about the cost breakdown. Ask the jeweler to itemize the bill with the hallmarking fees included. The jeweler must pay 35 to the assaying and hallmarking centers (AHC) for each piece that has to be hallmarked.

Paying a nominal charge will allow the jewelry to be examined independently by the AHC. The BIS website has a directory of AHCs that you may peruse. In addition, it recruits AHCs whose licenses have been suspended or revoked. The centers will prioritize the examination of jewelry belonging to regular customers for a fee.

Conclusion

After examination, the AHC will provide a report that confirms the authenticity of the jewelry's hallmarks. If the jewelry's purity is shown to be lower than first certified, the AHC will be responsible for refunding the customer's money.