What Is BIS Hallmark & Why It Matters

When buying gold jewelry in 2025, authenticity and purity are top priorities. This is where the BIS Hallmark comes in. Recognized across India and globally, the BIS hallmark ensures that your gold meets strict quality standards, giving buyers confidence and peace of mind. This guide explains what BIS Hallmark is, why it’s important, and how it benefits you as a buyer.

 

1. What Is BIS Hallmark?

BIS Hallmark is a certification system introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to verify the purity of gold, silver, and platinum jewelry.

• Objective: Guarantee the metal content and purity.
  
  
• Scope: Applied to gold jewelry with purity of 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K.
  
  
• Legal Standard: BIS Hallmarking is mandatory in India for all jewelers selling hallmarked gold.
  
  

A BIS hallmark on your jewelry confirms that the gold meets the certified standard of purity, giving you full assurance about your purchase.

 

2. Components of BIS Hallmark

Every BIS Hallmarked piece contains four essential marks:

1. Purity Mark: Indicates the gold fineness in karats or parts per thousand (e.g., 22K, 916).
   
   
2. BIS Logo: Certifies the jewelry is approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
   
   
3. Assaying Centre Mark: Shows the mark of the licensed testing laboratory that certified the jewelry.
   
   
4. Jeweler’s Mark: Identifies the manufacturer or jeweler responsible for the piece.
   
   

These marks collectively ensure transparency, authenticity, and trust.

 

3. Why BIS Hallmark Matters

• Authenticity Guarantee: Confirms your jewelry is made of genuine, certified gold.
  
  
• Purity Assurance: Prevents adulteration with lower-grade metals.
  
  
• Consumer Protection: Legally protects buyers against fraud and misrepresentation.
  
  
• Global Recognition: BIS-hallmarked jewelry is accepted and trusted internationally.
  
  
• Resale and Exchange: Hallmarked jewelry has higher resale value due to verified purity.
  
  

 

4. Tips for Buying BIS-Hallmarked Jewelry

• Always Check the Marks: Ensure all four components are visible and legible.
  
  
• Buy from Licensed Jewelers: Only authorized jewelers can sell BIS-hallmarked gold.
  
  
• Verify Assaying Centre: Confirm the lab that certified your jewelry is BIS-approved.
  
  
• Check Purity: Understand the karat system and fineness before purchasing.
  
  
• Request Certification: Ask for a BIS hallmark certificate for your records.
  
  

 

FAQs About BIS Hallmark

Q1: Is BIS hallmark mandatory for all gold jewelry?
A: Yes, in India, all gold jewelry sold must be BIS-hallmarked.

Q2: Does BIS hallmark apply to silver and platinum?
A: Yes, BIS has certification standards for silver and platinum jewelry as well.

Q3: How can I identify genuine BIS-hallmarked gold?
A: Look for the four essential marks: purity, BIS logo, assaying center, and jeweler’s mark.

Q4: Does BIS hallmark affect the price of jewelry?
A: Slightly, as it ensures verified purity, but it guarantees quality and trust.

Q5: Can I trust second-hand jewelry with a BIS hallmark?
A: Yes, but it’s wise to verify the assaying mark and karat before purchase.

 

Conclusion

In 2025, BIS Hallmark is more than just a stamp—it’s a guarantee of purity, quality, and trust. Whether buying gold for investment, gifting, or personal use, hallmarked jewelry ensures that your hard-earned money is secure and your jewelry meets international purity standards.

Always look for the BIS mark, check the certificate, and buy from authorized jewelers to enjoy peace of mind and lasting value.