How to Check Hallmark on Gold: HUID, Symbols, and Benefits Explained

Buying gold, especially in Indian households, is often seen as a safe investment, be it for personal adornment, future resale, or even as security for a gold loan. But in a market where the visual appeal of the yellow metal takes centre stage, how would you ensure the glittering gold is backed by genuine value? That is exactly where hallmarking steps in as your silent guardian.

Table of Content

• What is a Hallmark?
• Gold Hallmark Symbols You Must Look For
• What is the HUID Number and Why It Matters
• Benefits of Buying Hallmark Gold

For anyone purchasing gold or who has already secured it in their lockers, knowing how to check the hallmark on gold is non-negotiable. Spotting the hallmark stamp on your precious ornament is all about decoding its purity, identifying official symbols and understanding what the HUID in gold actually means. This knowledge plays a direct role in how your gold jewellery holds up over time, impacting everything from its authenticity to resale value and how much funding you can raise through a gold loan.

Read ahead as we uncover the essential information about what hallmarking is, explore the symbols and their benefits, and arm you with the confidence to invest and utilise your gold asset smartly.

What is a Hallmark?

Hallmarking is the official process of certifying the purity of gold through authorised testing centres under the Bureau of Indian Standards, full form for BIS. When you own a hallmarked gold item, it means that the purity of the metal matches exactly what the jeweller had promised you.

In India, hallmarking has been made mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts across most cities and districts. This has improved transparency and increased trust between buyers and sellers, safeguarding the former from adulteration and deceit. So, the next time you notice a BIS hallmark on your jewellery or artefact, it means that the products have been verified for authenticity at a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.

Gold Hallmark Symbols You Must Look For

To ensure your intended purchase has been hallmarked properly, always check for these four key signs stamped on the product, which include:

BIS Logo

The BIS logo comprises a triangular symbol certifying that a BIS-recognised centre has tested and authenticated the gold.

Purity/Fineness Mark

The mark denotes the gold item’s purity level, such as 22k916 (91.6% purity), 18k750 (75% purity) or 14k585 (58.5% purity). This is one of the most crucial indicators of gold authenticity.

Assaying Centre Mark

The mark identifies the lab that performed the testing and hallmarking. Every certified gold item must carry this mark to confirm it underwent proper purity evaluation.

HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) Number

The extra layer of authenticity was introduced to increase traceability and transparency between buyers and sellers. This six-digit alphanumeric code is unique to each item and can be verified online or through the BIS care app.

The signs, as mentioned above, protect you as a buyer and ensure that the gold you own or intend to buy can be trusted for its stated quality. Download the BIS care app to check the hallmark code online and authenticate your purchase.

Suggested Read: Difference Between 22k and 24k Gold

What is the HUID Number and Why It Matters

Hallmark Unique Identification, full form for HUID, is a recent addition to the hallmarking ecosystem that plays a crucial role in India’s efforts to digitise gold authentication. Each gold jewellery or artefact is assigned a unique HUID code, which is etched directly on the product. This code is traceable and cannot be duplicated at any cost, making it a robust layer of authentication for your precious gold assets.

To check the HUID of your purchased gold, you need to install the BIS Care mobile application. Simply enter the six-digit HUID code or scan the QR code (if available) to access complete details about your gold item, including the hallmarking centre, purity, and date of certification. This verification process ensures transparency and accountability in gold transactions. It also makes it easier to determine the current gold rate, resale value, get insurance, or avail services like gold loans with confidence.

Benefits of Buying Hallmark Gold

The benefits of investing in hallmark gold cannot be overstated, going beyond simple peace of mind. The key benefits include:

Assured Purity

You get exactly what you paid for, with no adulteration or ambiguity around the karat value.

Resale Confidence

Gold ornaments backed by Hallmark fetch better resale value as buyers know the quality is certified.

Eligibility for Loans

Banks and NBFCs often require hallmarked gold when evaluating it for a gold loan.

Suggested Read: Gold Loan - Know about Eligibility, Interest Rates and Tenure

Consumer Protection

In case of disputes or ambiguity, hallmarking provides legal ground for redressal.

Standardisation Across the Country

The hallmarking system ensures uniformity and trustworthiness, even when purchasing gold from a new or lesser-known seller.

In conclusion, buying gold after learning how to check the hallmark on gold is a good practice as it ensures your purchases carry the authentication symbols and a unique HUID number. This assures quality and opens doors for leveraging your gold asset when needed, especially through trusted financial avenues like a gold loan. And when it comes to unlocking the financial potential of your hallmarked gold, trusted names like Muthoot Finance make the journey seamless. With a transparent evaluation process and competitive interest rates, Muthoot Finance ensures your certified gold fetches funds, backed by trust and credibility when required.