Mandatory Since June 2021

Gold Purity Guide

BIS Hallmarking on Gold Jewellery — What It Means & How to Verify

All My Carat gold jewellery carries BIS hallmarking. Here's what that stamp proves, what the numbers mean, and how to verify it instantly using the BIS Care app.

What is BIS Hallmarking?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is India's national standards body, operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. BIS hallmarking is the official Indian government certification for gold jewellery purity.

A BIS hallmark on your jewellery is a guarantee from the Indian government that the gold used is of the declared purity. It is tested and certified by a BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centre — an independent laboratory, not the jeweller.

BIS hallmarking is mandatory in India since June 16, 2021. The Government of India made it compulsory for all gold jewellery sold in India to carry a BIS hallmark. Any gold jewellery sold without a BIS hallmark is illegal. All My Carat pieces are fully compliant.

Gold Purity — What the Numbers Mean

999

24 Karat

99.9% pure gold. Too soft for jewellery. Used for gold coins/bars.

916

22 Karat

91.6% pure gold. Traditional Indian jewellery standard. Strong and durable.

750

18 Karat

75% pure gold. Best for diamond jewellery — harder, holds settings better. My Carat standard.

585

14 Karat

58.5% pure gold. More durable, lower price. Less common in India.

My Carat uses 18K gold (750 hallmark) for all diamond jewellery. 18K is the international standard for diamond settings — it is hard enough to hold diamonds securely while maintaining high gold purity.

What is a HUID Number?

HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) is a 6-character alphanumeric code stamped on every BIS hallmarked piece of jewellery since April 2023. It is India's unique identifier for each piece of hallmarked gold.

Example HUID on a My Carat piece:

AB1234

This 6-character code is laser engraved on your jewellery. It is linked to the specific piece — its metal weight, purity, and the hallmarking centre that tested it. No two pieces have the same HUID.

How to Verify Your BIS Hallmark

  1. Find the HUID number stamped on your jewellery (6-character code, e.g., AB1234)
  2. Download the BIS Care app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store (free, official government app)
  3. Open the app → tap "Verify HUID"
  4. Enter your HUID number
  5. The result will show: metal type, karat, hallmarking centre, and date of hallmarking

You can also verify on the BIS website: bis.gov.in. If your HUID is not found or shows incorrect details, contact us immediately on WhatsApp.

What's Stamped on a BIS Hallmarked Piece?

A complete BIS hallmark on jewellery includes 3 marks:

  • BIS Logo — the triangular BIS mark (looks like a triangle with "BIS" inside)
  • Purity/Fineness number — 999, 916, 750, 585 etc.
  • HUID — the unique 6-character alphanumeric identification code

Why 18K Gold is Best for Diamond Jewellery

  • Hardness: 18K gold is harder than 22K — it grips diamond prongs more securely. Diamonds are less likely to fall out.
  • Longevity: 18K jewellery lasts longer with daily wear — it scratches and dents less than higher-purity gold.
  • International standard: All major global jewellery brands (Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari) use 18K gold for diamond pieces.
  • Better value: 18K gives you high gold purity (75%) at a lower weight cost — same look, better durability, better price per piece.
  • White gold: White gold and rose gold are only available in 18K (pure gold is always yellow).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is 18K or 22K better for diamond jewellery? — 18K is better. 22K is too soft to hold diamond settings securely. All international diamond jewellery is made in 18K.
  • Can I exchange hallmarked jewellery? — Yes. BIS hallmarked jewellery is accepted at full current gold market value by any jeweller in India. The hallmark is your proof of purity.
  • What if my jewellery doesn't have a hallmark? — Selling gold jewellery without a hallmark is illegal in India since June 2021. If you bought jewellery recently without a hallmark, demand one or seek a refund.
  • Does My Carat hallmark all pieces? — Yes. Every My Carat piece carries BIS hallmarking with a HUID number. You receive the hallmark certificate with your delivery.
  • What is the difference between hallmarking and certification? — Hallmarking certifies the gold purity. IGI/GIA certification certifies the diamond quality. Both together give you complete assurance on a diamond jewellery piece.

All My Carat Gold is BIS Hallmarked

18K gold · 750 hallmark · HUID number on every piece · Verifiable on BIS Care app.

Shop Hallmarked Jewellery