When you buy gold jewellery in India, the BIS hallmark is the single most important mark to look for. It's not a seller's claim — it's the Indian government's certification that the gold is exactly the purity stated. Here's everything you need to know to verify it.
What Is BIS Hallmarking?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards — India's national standards body, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. BIS hallmarking is a certification scheme that guarantees the purity of gold jewellery sold in India.
Since June 2021, BIS hallmarking has been mandatory for all gold jewellery sold in India. Any jeweller selling gold without a BIS hallmark is operating outside the law.
How to Read a BIS Hallmark
A full BIS hallmark has three components stamped on the jewellery:
- BIS Logo — a triangular mark (the Bureau of Indian Standards logo). This is the primary indicator.
- Purity / Fineness mark — states the gold content: 999 (24kt), 916 (22kt), 750 (18kt), 585 (14kt). The number means parts per thousand. 750 = 750g pure gold per 1000g = 75% pure = 18 karat.
- HUID (Hallmarking Unique ID) — a 6-character alphanumeric code unique to that specific piece, assigned at the assaying centre. You can verify it on the BIS Care app.
How to Verify a BIS Hallmark
India launched the BIS Care app (available on Android and iOS) for exactly this purpose. Enter the HUID code, and the app shows the registered purity, assaying centre, and jeweller details. If the HUID isn't in the system or doesn't match what's on the jewellery, the hallmark is fake.
Steps:
- Download BIS Care app from Google Play or App Store
- Tap "Verify HUID"
- Enter the 6-character code stamped on your jewellery
- Confirm the purity and jeweller details match
18kt vs 22kt Gold — Which Is Better for Diamond Jewellery?
Diamond jewellery in India is almost always set in 18kt gold (750 hallmark). Here's why:
- 22kt gold is too soft for prong and bezel settings — the metal won't hold diamonds securely over time.
- 18kt gold is harder, more durable, and better suited to intricate diamond settings.
- 22kt is primarily used for plain gold jewellery — chains, bangles, traditional sets without stones.
At My Carat, all diamond jewellery is set in BIS-hallmarked 18kt gold (750 purity). The hallmark is on every piece — verifiable via HUID before and after purchase.
Making Charges: What They Are and How to Evaluate Them
Making charges are the cost of craftsmanship — separate from the gold price. They're quoted as either a flat amount per gram or a percentage of gold value. In India, making charges for diamond jewellery range from ₹200–₹600 per gram depending on complexity.
Making charges are non-refundable on buyback — jewellers buy back gold at the gold rate only, not the making charge. This is an industry-wide standard, not a scam. Factor it into your long-term cost calculation.
GST on Gold Jewellery in India
The current GST structure on gold jewellery:
- Gold (material): 3% GST
- Making charges: 5% GST
My Carat's price calculator shows the GST breakdown explicitly — you always know what you're paying in tax vs. material vs. craftsmanship.
What to Do If You Suspect Fake Hallmarking
If a hallmark fails the BIS Care HUID check, or if the seller refuses to provide the HUID, you can file a complaint at bis.gov.in or call the BIS helpline at 1800-11-4000 (toll-free). BIS takes hallmarking fraud seriously — penalties for jewellers include fines and licence cancellation.
→ More about BIS Hallmarking at My Carat | Full Diamond Buying Guide