Paying for 22K gold but receiving something less pure is one of the most common concerns buyers have — and rightly so, since purity directly determines value. Fortunately, India has clear standards and simple checks you can do before handing over your money.
1. Look for the BIS Hallmark
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is the official government-backed certification of gold purity in India, and hallmarking is now mandatory for gold jewellery sold in the country. A genuine hallmark includes:
- The BIS logo (a triangular mark)
- A purity grade (e.g., 916 for 22K, which means 91.6% pure)
- A Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number — a unique 6-digit alphanumeric code
You can verify the HUID number through the BIS Care app to confirm the hallmark is genuine and matches the jewellery's registered details.
2. Understand Purity Numbers
Purity is often marked in two ways — karat and the equivalent three-digit fineness number:
| Karat | Fineness Marking | Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% |
If a piece is marked "916," that confirms it's 22K gold — this is the standard most Kerala jewellers use for ornaments.
3. Ask for a Purity-Backed Bill
A proper bill should mention:
- Purity/karat of the gold
- Gross weight and net weight
- HUID number
- Making charges and GST separately itemized
This bill is important not just for your own record but also if you ever want to sell or exchange the piece later — jewellers typically ask for the original documentation.
