How to Identify BIS Hallmarking in Gold Jewellery: Step-by-Step Guide

Before mandatory hallmarking came in, there was a real issue in India. A BIS study showed that a good amount of gold jewellery sold as 22K was actually lower in purity. Some pieces even tested below 18K. That tells you how common the problem was. Because of this, BIS hallmarking in gold jewellery was introduced. It gives a clear way to know the actual purity, checked by an independent authority. 

Now in 2026, if you are buying daily wear gold jewellery, a 14K gold necklace, or any diamond jewellery, this is one thing you should not ignore.

Today, in this guide, we are going to help you understand how it looks, how to read it, and how to check it. And of course, what to do if something seems off.   

What Is BIS Hallmarking in Gold Jewellery?

BIS Hallmarking is a system that checks how pure the gold really is. The Bureau of Indian Standards is in charge of it. If a piece of jewellery has a BIS hallmark, it means the gold was checked at a government-approved centre, and it is as pure as the seller says it is.

To put it in simple words, it is like a stamp from the government that says the gold is genuine.

Now the government says that gold jewellery like 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K gold must have this hallmark. From July 1 2021, to March 5, 2026, more than 60 crore gold items have been hallmarked with a unique HUID number.

Now it does not matter if you're buying 14K gold earrings for daily use or a heavy 22K necklace set; the hallmark is your proof that what you're paying for is what you're truly getting.

Why the BIS Hallmark Matters Before You Buy Hallmark Gold in India

Jewellery buying in India mostly runs on trust. You trust what the jeweller says about karat. You trust the weight. You trust the making charges. But when there is no hallmark, all that trust sits on one side only.

Now this is where BIS Hallmarking in gold jewellery comes in. Here is what it does for you:

• Protects You from Fraud: If someone tries to sell you 18K gold and says it is 22K gold, there’s something wrong. The jewellery must have the BIS hallmarking sign.
  
• Protects Your Resale Value: By any chance, if you sell your gold, it will be very easy for you to sell. Because the buyer would also look at the hallmarking sign.
  
• Confirms Legal Compliance: From March 2026, the government has made it mandatory in India to sell hallmarked jewellery only. So if you go to a jewellery shop, and they do not have hallmarked gold, you should be careful. 

So before you buy anything, whether it is gold diamond rings for women, a 14K gold bracelet piece, or gold diamond earrings under ₹10,000, start by checking the hallmark.

The Four Components Every BIS Hallmarked Piece Must Have

Every BIS Hallmarking in gold jewellery includes four parts, and each one has a purpose.

1. The BIS Logo: You will see a triangle with BIS written inside. This shows the piece has been checked through an official government process.

2. The Purity or Fineness Number: This is a three-digit number that tells you how much gold is actually there. 916 means 22K. 750 means 18K. 585 means 14K. This number is stamped on the jewellery.

3. The Assaying and Hallmarking Centre Mark: This is a code that tells which testing centre checked your jewellery. So if needed, the piece can be traced back to that lab.

4. The HUID Code: This is a 6-digit alphanumeric code marked on the piece. You can think of it like an ID for that jewellery. It connects the item to the jeweller and can be checked using the BIS CARE App.

Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying BIS Hallmarking in Gold Jewellery

If you are buying gold, do not ignore this part. Check every piece properly before paying.

Step 1: Ask for a Magnifying Glass

Hallmarks are very small. Most jewellers have a loupe. If not, just use your phone camera zoom. You will find the marks inside a ring, near a necklace clasp, or behind earrings.

Step 2: Look for the BIS Triangle Logo

This is the first thing to spot. A triangle with BIS written inside. If this mark is not there, the piece is not certified. 

Step 3: Read the Purity Number

Near the logo, you will see a three-digit number. For 14K gold necklaces for women, it should be 585. For 18K, it is 750. For 22K, it is 916. If this number does not match what the seller says, that is a clear issue.

Step 4: Find the HUID Code

This is a 6-digit alphanumeric code like AH7J9K. It is usually very small and laser-marked. Any piece hallmarked after July 2021 must have this.

Step 5: Verify the HUID

Open the BIS CARE app and go to Verify HUID. Enter the code. You will see details like the jeweller’s name, purity, and testing centre. If everything matches, you can go ahead. If not, do not buy.

Step 6: Check the Jeweller’s Identification Mark

There is also a code linked to the jeweller’s BIS registration. This connects the piece to a specific seller and adds accountability.

What Is HUID and How to Verify It: The Most Important Step

If you are buying gold in India today, this step matters the most. HUID verification is not optional. It is the one check that tells you everything clearly.

The HUID system gives every hallmarked piece a unique 6-digit code. This code connects the jewellery to a digital record. When you check it, you can see the jeweller’s details, the gold purity, and the hallmarking centre. Physical marks are there, but this digital check confirms everything properly.

Here is how to do HUID gold verification:

• First, find the 6-digit HUID code on the jewellery. If it is small, ask for a magnifying glass.
• Next, open the BIS CARE app on your phone and go to Verify HUID.
• Then enter the code and check the result. You will see purity, the jeweller's name, and the testing centre.

It takes around one minute. So there is no reason to ignore it, no matter where you are buying from.

Common Mistakes People Make When Checking Hallmarks

See, most mistakes happen because people check quickly and assume things are fine. Better to slow down and check properly.

Confusing the purity number with a brand mark. Some jewellers add their own logo near the hallmark. That can create confusion. The BIS triangle and the three-digit purity number are separate. Both should be there and clear.

Skipping the HUID verification. Finding a HUID code is not enough. It has to be verified. Even fake pieces can carry a code. What matters is whether it matches correctly on the BIS CARE app.

Buying without a proper invoice. An invoice is important. It should mention karat, weight, making charges, and the HUID code. If the seller avoids giving a proper bill, that is not a good sign.

Trusting verbal claims over checking. Saying this is 22K gold does not prove anything. If the BIS hallmark is not there, do not rely on words. Always check the piece yourself.

Not checking hallmarks on diamond jewellery gold settings. When buying gold diamond rings for women, attention normally goes to the diamond. But the gold part also needs a BIS hallmark. Both should be checked, the diamond certificate and the gold marking.

How to Spot Fake Hallmark Gold Jewellery

As demand for certified gold has gone up, fake hallmarks have also started showing up. So it helps to know what to check before buying.

Missing HUID Code: Any piece hallmarked after July 2021 must have a 6-digit HUID. If it is not there at all, then either the piece is old, or the marking is not genuine.

HUID that doesn’t Verify: Just having a code is not enough. Enter it in the BIS CARE app. If no result shows up, that code is not valid. This is one of the clearest warning signs.

Blurry or uneven stamping: Original hallmarks are done with proper tools, so they look clean and sharp. If the marks look faded, uneven, or half visible, that is not normal.

Lower Prices: If the 14k gold jewellery price in India looks much lower than the market rate, then something is off. No seller gives 22K gold at the price of 18K. 

Jeweller Avoiding Verification: If a seller hesitates when you try to check the HUID or inspect the hallmark, that itself tells you a lot. A genuine seller will not stop you from checking.

BIS Hallmarking Rules and Charges in India: 2026 Update

If you look at the current rules, BIS Hallmarking has been mandatory for 14K, 18K, and 22K gold jewellery since June 2021. Then, from July 1, 2025, 9K gold was also included. After that, from September 2025, silver hallmarking became mandatory too.

Now, about charges, this is important. The hallmarking fee is paid by the jeweller to the AHC. It is a small amount, just a few rupees per piece, and it is already part of their cost. As a buyer, you should not be asked to pay anything extra for hallmarking.

If a jeweller sells non-hallmarked gold in a mandatory district, the penalty can go up to five times the value of that jewellery. In repeated cases, there can also be jail time and loss of a licence.

So, in most mandatory areas, proper jewellers follow the rules. But even if you are in a non-mandatory area, it is better to go with hallmarked gold only.

BIS Hallmark Purity Quick Reference Table

If you are not sure about the karats, then check this table. 

Tips to Buy BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery Safely

It does not matter if you want to buy BIS hallmarked gold jewellery online or from a store; a few basic checks can protect your money.

Always verify the HUID before paying. Do it before payment, not later. Open the BIS CARE app, enter the code, and check the details right there.

Ask for an itemised invoice. The bill should clearly show HUID, karat, gold weight, making charges, stone details, if any, and GST.

Buy from registered jewellers. In covered areas, BIS registration is required. If a seller cannot show proper registration or hallmarked pieces, better to avoid.

Double-check diamond jewellery settings. For 14K gold earrings or 14K gold rings for women with diamonds, check both things. The diamond should have SGL or IGI certification, and the gold should have a BIS hallmark.

Do not assume online listings are hallmarked. When buying online, check if the product mentions HUID or BIS hallmark clearly. If not, ask the seller before placing the order.

Lukson: Best Lab-Grown Diamond Brand in India 

Lukson is one of the trusted lab-grown diamond jewellery brands in India. You might be aware that Lukson is backed by the  JK Star Group’s 34 years in the diamond space. And when it comes to Lukson lab grown diamonds, they are certified by SGL. And without a single doubt, you will get the proper hallmarked gold. 

Now this is where it matters. Many brands talk about diamonds but do not give equal attention to gold. Here, both are verified and documented properly. You will be able to buy 14K and 18K BIS hallmarked gold across rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

You can check our lab-grown diamond rings, lab diamond earrings for women, or 14K gold necklace designs. And you can take a look at our complete collection here.