Gold Hallmarking: Just Checking '916' is Not Enough When Buying Gold from Jewellers – Keep These 5 Points in Mind

Gold is one of the most expensive metals. Even a small mistake while buying it can cost you lakhs. Therefore, whenever you buy gold, don’t assume that simply checking the '916' or hallmarking number is enough. There are several other important things you must carefully verify.

Let’s explain the 5 key points you must pay attention to while purchasing gold.

Many people trust the jeweller blindly and assume the gold is pure just because it’s coming from a reputed shop. Others simply look for the ‘916’ hallmark and feel confident about the purchase.
Later, they realise they have been tricked and regret their decision. Some jewellers can easily distract you and commit fraud without you even noticing. That’s why it is essential to be extra cautious during gold purchases to avoid getting cheated.

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1. Don't Rely Only on One Mark of Purity

The '916' hallmark means the gold is 91.6% pure, referred to as 22-carat gold. It can also be understood as 22/24 purity. However, just seeing '916' should not satisfy you. You should check several other details to ensure the gold’s purity.
In short, never rely only on one indicator – check the full set of details regarding the gold’s quality.

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2. Carefully Verify the Hallmark

The hallmark confirms the purity and authenticity of gold according to standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). A proper hallmark has three important parts:

• The BIS logo

• The karat purity mark (like 22K, 18K)

• The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code

The HUID is a 6-digit alphanumeric code present on every hallmarked gold item.
If this code is missing, the gold may be fake. That’s why BIS has made hallmarking mandatory. Always carefully verify these three things on any gold ornament you buy.

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3. Check the Gold’s Resale Value

Most items lose value when resold. But gold generally holds a good resale value, similar to land.
Therefore, before purchasing gold, always check:

• The current gold market rate

• The resale value or the exchange rate at the jeweller's store

• Whether the jeweller will deduct making charges during resale

This information helps you avoid losses if you plan to sell or exchange the gold in the future.

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4. Always Take a Proper Bill

Whenever you buy gold, insist on receiving a full, detailed bill.
Make sure the bill includes:

• The purity of the gold (e.g., 22K, 18K, 14K)

• The hallmark number

• The making charges and GST

• Complete details of the jeweller

Without a bill, you may face trouble when reselling or exchanging the gold.
Typically, gold making charges can range from 8% to 30%, so it’s crucial to have everything documented.

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5. Be Extra Cautious with Stone-Studded Jewellery

When buying jewellery with stones, be even more careful.
Sometimes jewellers add the weight of the stones and charge you at the rate of gold, which results in heavy losses.
Make sure:

• The stone weight is separated from the gold weight.

• The stones are genuine and not fake.

Usually, the value of stones is far lower than gold. If they weigh the stones along with gold, you could end up paying much more than necessary.

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Final Words

Buying gold is a significant investment. Just seeing the '916' mark is not enough. Always verify the BIS logo, karat mark, and HUID code. Take a proper bill and confirm the resale terms. Be extremely careful with studded jewellery to avoid hidden costs.
Following these steps will ensure that you get genuine gold and avoid any chances of fraud.