Gold Certification Made Simple: What Every Buyer Should Know

When you pick up a gold piece, the first thing you should check is its certification. In India, that means looking for a BIS hallmark. The hallmark tells you the purity, the maker, and whether the piece is genuine. Knowing how to read it can save you from paying for fake gold.

What Is Gold Certification?

Gold certification is a government‑backed system that guarantees the metal’s purity. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issues a small stamp that includes a four‑digit number. The first two digits are the purity code – for example, 875 stands for 21 karat gold (87.5% pure). The next two digits identify the assay laboratory that tested the item.

Besides 875, you’ll also see 916 for 22 karat gold, 750 for 18 karat, and 585 for 14 karat. These numbers are standard across the country, so you can compare pieces from any city or shop using the same reference.

Certification isn’t just about purity; it also protects you from sub‑standard alloys. A piece without a BIS hallmark may still be gold, but you have no easy way to verify how much gold is actually there. That’s why reputable sellers always display the hallmark clearly on the product.

How to Check the Hallmark on Your Gold

First, look for a tiny stamp on the inner side of the jewellery – usually near the clasp, the back of a ring, or the inside of an earring post. The mark is about the size of a grain of rice, so you might need a magnifying glass.

Once you spot it, note the four digits. If you see 875, you’re holding 21 karat gold. If the number is 916, it’s 22 karat, and so on. Next, check the lab code – the last two numbers. You can quickly Google the code to confirm that the lab is BIS‑approved.

Another practical tip: weigh the item and compare its weight with a similar piece of known purity. Gold is heavy; a lighter piece with the same dimensions could be a sign of lower purity or plating.

If the hallmark is missing or looks worn out, ask the seller for a certificate. A legitimate dealer will have documentation from the assay lab that matches the hallmark.

Finally, trust your instincts. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable online store like RH Jewellers lists the hallmark details in the product description, so you can double‑check before you click ‘buy’.

Understanding gold certification puts you in control. It helps you compare prices, avoid fakes, and feel confident that the sparkle on your finger or neck truly reflects the value you’re paying for.