BIS Hallmark & HUID Guide | Swarnam Jewellers Pune

BIS and Hallmarking

In India, hallmark certification for precious metals is provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification helps protect consumers from purchasing impure or adulterated metals. A BIS hallmark acts as a guarantee of quality and authenticity, clearly indicating the exact purity of gold used in the jewellery. By ensuring that the metal meets established national standards, the hallmarking system builds trust and transparency between jewellers and consumers.

The official determination and recording of the proportion of precious metals in articles. Hallmarks are official marks guaranteeing the purity or fineness of the metal. This scheme ensures authenticity, quality assurance, and consumer protection.

Objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme:

1. Protect the public against adulteration.

2. Oblige manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness.

Precious metals under Hallmarking in India:

• Gold : Gold Hallmark Standards (IS 1417:2016) 

• Gold jewellery in India is hallmarked according to IS 1417:2016 standards issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This hallmarking system ensures that the gold used in jewellery meets the specified purity standards and protects consumers from purchasing impure or adulterated gold.

• The approved purity grades for gold include 14K (585), 18K (750), 20K (833), 22K (916), 23K (958), and 24K (995). Each grade represents the amount of pure gold present in the alloy.

• A properly hallmarked gold item must display certain mandatory marks, including the BIS logo, the fineness or purity grade, and a 6-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) code that allows consumers to verify the authenticity of the jewellery.

• Generally, gold jewellery weighing 2 grams or more is required to be hallmarked under BIS regulations, ensuring transparency, quality assurance, and consumer protection in the gold jewellery market.

• Silver : Silver Hallmark Standards (IS 2112:2025) 

• Silver articles in India are hallmarked according to the IS 2112:2025 standards issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This hallmarking system ensures that silver jewellery and articles meet the required purity standards and helps protect consumers from purchasing impure or adulterated silver.

• The approved purity grades for silver include 800, 835, 900, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999, which indicate the proportion of pure silver in the metal.

• A properly hallmarked silver item must display mandatory marks, including the BIS Standard Mark with “SILVER” mentioned and a 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) code used to verify the authenticity of the article.

• Generally, silver items weighing 5 grams or more are eligible for hallmarking under BIS regulations, ensuring authenticity, quality assurance, and better consumer protection in the silver market.

HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification Number.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

• Definition: A unique 6-digit number assigned to each hallmarked gold or silver jewellery item by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).

• Purpose: To verify the authenticity and purity of hallmarked jewellery.

• Where it’s used: The HUID is engraved on hallmarked jewellery and can be checked via the BIS CARE app to confirm that the item meets the prescribed standards.

In short, the HUID is like a digital fingerprint for hallmarked jewellery, ensuring that what you’re buying is genuine.

What Karat Means

• Karat (abbreviated as “K” or “kt”) measures the purity of gold in an alloy.

• Pure gold is 24K.

• Karatage tells you how many parts out of 24 are pure gold.

Related Jewellery Guides & Resources

Before purchasing gemstone jewellery, it is important to understand jewellery certification, sizing, care, and gemstone quality. Explore these helpful guides from Swarnam Jewellers:

• Find your perfect jewellery fit with our Ring Size Guide. 

• Protect your precious jewellery using our Jewellery Care Guide. 

• Understand diamond quality, certification, and the 4Cs in our Know Your Diamond Guide. 

• Calculate the latest gold value with our Gold Price Calculator. 

• Read answers to common jewellery questions in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is BIS hallmark in gold jewellery?

BIS hallmark is a certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards that guarantees the purity of gold jewellery. It ensures that the gold meets the defined karat standards such as 22K (916), 18K (750), etc.

Q2. What is HUID number in hallmark jewellery?

HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) is a 6-digit alphanumeric code given to each hallmarked jewellery piece. It helps in tracing and verifying the authenticity of gold jewellery.

Q3. How can I check HUID number authenticity?

You can verify the HUID number using the BIS Care App or by visiting a BIS-recognized jeweller. Enter the HUID code to check details like purity, hallmarking centre, and jeweller information.

Q4. Is BIS hallmark mandatory in India?

Yes, BIS hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery in India to ensure purity and protect customers from fake or under-karat gold products.

Q5. What does 916 hallmark mean?

916 hallmark means the gold is 91.6% pure, which is equal to 22 karat gold. It is one of the most commonly used standards for jewellery in India.

Q6. What is the difference between BIS hallmark and HUID?

BIS hallmark certifies gold purity, while HUID is a unique identification code for each jewellery piece. Together, they ensure transparency, traceability, and authenticity.

Q7. How do I know if my gold jewellery is real?

Check for:

• BIS triangle logo

• Purity mark (like 916, 750)

• HUID number

You can also verify using the BIS Care App.

Q8. Why is hallmarking important for gold jewellery?

Hallmarking ensures that customers get genuine gold of correct purity. It protects buyers from fraud and guarantees transparency in jewellery transactions.

Q9. Can I trust non-hallmarked gold jewellery?

Non-hallmarked jewellery does not guarantee purity, so there is a higher risk of receiving lower-quality gold. It is always recommended to buy BIS-hallmarked jewellery only.

Q10. Where can I buy BIS hallmarked jewellery in Pune?

You can buy certified BIS hallmarked jewellery at trusted jewellers like Swarnam Jewellers, Manjari Budruk, Pune, where all gold and silver jewellery comes with proper hallmark certification.