How to check if gold jewellery is real: the BIS hallmark and HUID explained
Three marks, one free app, and the questions to ask before you pay.
Every week someone asks me how they can be sure the gold they are buying is what the jeweller says it is. In India the answer is simpler than most people think, because the law now does much of the work for you.
Is hallmarking compulsory in India?
Yes. Hallmarking of gold jewellery by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) became mandatory in June 2021, and since April 2023 every hallmarked piece must also carry a unique six-character HUID code. A jeweller in a covered district should not sell you unhallmarked gold jewellery.
What does a BIS hallmark look like?
A genuine hallmark has three parts, usually laser-marked on the inside of a ring, the clasp of a necklace or the back of a pendant. First, the BIS triangle logo. Second, the purity grade, written as karat and fineness together, for example 22K916 for 22 karat gold or 18K750 for 18 karat. Third, the HUID: a six-character code of letters and numbers that is unique to that one piece.
How do I verify a HUID?
Download the official BIS CARE app, choose ‘Verify HUID’ and type in the code. The app shows the purity, the type of article and the hallmarking centre that tested it. If the code does not exist, or the details do not match the piece in your hand, ask questions before you pay.
What should the invoice say?
A proper invoice lists the gross weight, the net gold weight, the purity, the gold rate used, the making charge, the value of any stones separately, the HUID and GST. Keep it with the jewel. You will need it if you ever exchange, insure or sell the piece.
Does hallmarking cover diamonds and stones?
No. The hallmark certifies the gold only. For diamonds and coloured stones, ask for a grading report from a recognised laboratory for important stones, and make sure the invoice describes each stone honestly, including whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.
Every piece we sell is hallmarked, and every invoice is itemised. If you would like us to explain the marks on a piece you already own, bring it to the store.
Questions about a stone or a piece? Message us on WhatsApp or visit the store on Shakespeare Sarani.