BIS Hallmark on Gold: What It Means, How to Read It & Why It Matters
Vaira Jewellery Education · Gold Purity
What Does the BIS Hallmark on Gold Actually Mean?
A complete guide to reading the stamp on your jewellery — and why it's the single most important mark of trust when buying gold in India.
You've seen it on gold bangles, rings, and necklaces — a tiny cluster of marks pressed into the metal, almost too small to read without squinting. That stamp is the BIS hallmark, and understanding it could be the difference between buying genuine 22-karat gold and walking away with something significantly less valuable than what you paid for.
In India, where gold jewellery carries both financial and emotional weight, the BIS hallmark is your most reliable safeguard. Here's everything you need to know — from what each symbol means, to how to verify your piece is genuine.
"Gold hallmarking in India is not just a quality mark — it is a legal guarantee, backed by the Bureau of Indian Standards and enforceable by law."
Part One
What Is the BIS Hallmark?
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards — the national body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs that sets quality benchmarks across industries. When it comes to gold jewellery, BIS operates a hallmarking scheme that certifies the purity of gold used in any piece.
A BIS hallmark tells you, with legal precision, exactly how much pure gold is present in the item you are buying. Without it, you are relying entirely on the word of the jeweller — which, in an unregulated environment, may or may not be accurate.
Since January 2021, BIS hallmarking has been mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India. Any jeweller operating without it risks penalties. This makes the hallmark not optional certification but a legal minimum standard — and a powerful consumer protection tool.
Part Two
How to Read the Hallmark Stamp
Until 2021, BIS hallmarks included three components: the BIS logo, purity grade, and the assaying centre's mark. Since the rollout of the HUID system, the format has been streamlined. Here's what you'll find on a compliant piece today:
BIS Hallmark — Component Breakdown
Triangle
e.g. 916 / 750
Unique Code
Stamps are typically 1–3mm on physical jewellery — use a magnifying glass or phone zoom to read them.
Logo
Shield
Rectangle
Note on logos: The SVGs above are accurate schematic representations of each BIS hallmark component. Official high-resolution BIS assets are available from bis.gov.in. On physical jewellery, these marks are typically 1–3mm — use a magnifying glass to read them clearly.
The BIS logo confirms the piece has been tested at an accredited assaying and hallmarking centre. The purity grade tells you the fineness of the gold in parts per thousand. The HUID is the newest and most powerful element — explained next.
Part Three
The 6-Digit HUID — India's Gold Fingerprint
The Hallmark Unique ID (HUID) is a six-character alphanumeric code assigned to every individual piece of hallmarked gold jewellery in India. Introduced by BIS in April 2023 as the sole standard, it replaced the older multi-symbol format and made verification dramatically more accessible to ordinary consumers.
Example HUID Code
Each code is unique to one specific piece of jewellery — no two items share the same HUID.
Think of the HUID as a digital passport for your gold. It is registered in a centralised BIS database at the moment of hallmarking, recording the jeweller's details, the assaying centre, and the purity grade.
Why the HUID Changed Everything
Previously, a dishonest jeweller could stamp a lower-purity piece with copied marks. The HUID system makes this impossible to fake at scale — each code is verifiable online in real time. If a code doesn't appear in the BIS database, the jewellery is not genuinely hallmarked.
To verify a HUID, visit the official BIS Care App (available on Android and iOS) or the BIS HUID verification portal. Enter the 6-character code exactly as it appears on your jewellery, and the app will display the registered details. It takes under 30 seconds.
Part Four
Understanding 18K, 22K — What the Numbers Mean
Gold purity is expressed in karats (K) — a scale out of 24, where 24K represents 100% pure gold. In practice, pure gold is too soft for everyday jewellery, so it is alloyed with other metals for durability. BIS recognises several purity grades, each with a specific fineness number stamped on the piece.
| Karat | BIS Fineness | Gold Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% pure | Coins & bars; rarely jewellery |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% pure | Traditional & bridal jewellery |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% pure | Diamond & stone-set jewellery |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% pure | Everyday fine jewellery |
| 9K | 375 | 37.5% pure | Fashion & costume-adjacent |
For diamond and gemstone jewellery, 18K (750) gold is the standard setting choice — hard enough to hold prongs securely, while retaining a rich warm colour. For traditional Indian bridal jewellery, 22K (916) gold remains the cultural standard where weight and investment value matter most.
What to Look For
When you see "916 hallmark" or "750 hallmark" mentioned by a jeweller, they are referring to the BIS fineness stamp — not a different system. The karat and fineness numbers are simply two ways of expressing the same thing.
Part Five
Why It Matters More When Buying Online
In a physical store, you can ask to see the stamp, hold the piece, and take it to an independent assayer. Online, you are relying entirely on descriptions, photographs, and the brand's own claims. This is precisely where the BIS hallmark becomes your most important tool.
A reputable online jewellery brand will clearly state the BIS hallmark grade on each product listing. Look for the fineness number (916 or 750), confirmation that each piece carries a unique HUID, and a commitment that you can verify your specific piece's code after receiving it.
Three Things to Check in Any Online Listing
1. Is the BIS hallmark grade explicitly stated (e.g. 18K / 750)?
2. Does the brand confirm HUID certification on each piece?
3. Is there a clear returns or verification policy if the hallmark cannot be confirmed on arrival?
Brand Spotlight · Vai Ra
BIS-Hallmarked Gold, Every Single Piece
Vai Ra is an Indian fine jewellery brand built around two principles that matter to the modern buyer: ethical sourcing and verifiable quality. All of Vai Ra's pieces — whether set with lab-grown diamonds or moissanite — are crafted in BIS-hallmarked gold, with every item carrying a unique HUID stamp before it leaves the workshop.
When you buy a Vai Ra ring or pendant, you're not taking the brand's word for the gold purity — you're receiving a piece you can verify yourself through the BIS Care App. The HUID code is included with each order so that process is as simple as possible.
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite offer the brilliance and durability of traditional stones at a fraction of the environmental and financial cost. Setting them in BIS-certified solid gold means the quality runs through the entire piece — not just the centrepiece stone. Browse our lab grown diamond rings or moissanite jewellery.
Part Six
How to Verify Your Hallmark at Home
Verification is fast, free, and requires nothing more than your smartphone. Follow these steps after receiving any gold jewellery purchase:
Locate the hallmark stamp
Use a magnifying glass or phone camera zoom. Find the stamp on the inner surface of rings, clasp of necklaces, or reverse of pendants. Look for the BIS triangle and a 6-character code.
Download the BIS Care App
Free on Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store). Search "BIS Care" and look for the government logo. Or visit the BIS website's HUID portal directly.
Enter the 6-character HUID
In the app's HUID verification section, type the code exactly as stamped — uppercase letters and numbers, no spaces. Codes are case-sensitive.
Review the registered details
The app shows the jeweller's name, the assaying centre, and the certified purity grade. If this doesn't match what you were sold, contact BIS directly.
Report discrepancies immediately
If the purity grade differs from what was advertised — or no record exists for your HUID — file a complaint via the BIS portal or the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000).
Part Seven
What to Remember at the Jewellery Counter
Gold jewellery is one of the most emotionally and financially significant purchases most people make. The BIS hallmark — and specifically the 6-digit HUID — gives Indian consumers something rare in the luxury market: independent, government-backed verification that what you're buying is exactly what it claims to be.
The karat grade tells you what you're paying for. The HUID lets you confirm it. And knowing the difference between 22K traditional gold and 18K for diamond settings means you can walk into any purchase — physical or online — with clarity rather than blind trust.
"The best jewellery purchase is one where you know exactly what you have — not because you were told, but because you verified it yourself."
Next time you're shopping for gold jewellery, flip the piece over, find the stamp, and spend thirty seconds on the BIS Care App. It costs nothing and tells you everything.
Visit Us
Book a Consultation or Visit Our Hyderabad Store
Choosing fine jewellery is a deeply personal experience. At Vai Ra, our experts are here to guide you — whether you're looking for a lab-grown diamond solitaire, a moissanite statement piece, or something entirely bespoke.
Book a Consultation with Vai RaExperience our Moissanite or Lab Diamond jewellery in person at our Panjagutta showroom. Our experts will help you choose a style that complements your personality. You can also explore the full collection at our website.
Panjagutta, Hyderabad
Telangana, India
Try on pieces, verify BIS hallmarks in-store, and get expert guidance on lab-grown diamonds & moissanite.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS hallmarking mandatory for all gold jewellery in India?
What is the difference between 18K and 22K gold — which is better for diamond jewellery?
How do I verify a BIS HUID on a piece I've already purchased?
Does Vai Ra's jewellery come with BIS hallmarking?
What is moissanite — and how does it compare to a lab-grown diamond?
Can I visit the Vai Ra store without a prior appointment?
What should I do if I find jewellery being sold without a BIS hallmark?
Explore Vai Ra
Jewellery That's Verified, Not Just Valued
Certified stones, BIS-hallmarked gold, and a team ready to guide every decision — online or in person at our Hyderabad showroom.