How to Check Gold Purity at Home and Understand Hallmarking
Learn how to check gold purity at home, read BIS hallmarks like 22K916, verify the HUID on the BIS Care app and know when to get a proper gold test.
Why Gold Purity Matters Before You Buy
Gold purity decides how much real gold you get for your money. A higher karat means more pure gold in the piece, while lower karats are mixed with other metals for strength. In India, the easiest way to confirm purity is the BIS hallmark, and you can double-check it online with the HUID number.
Gold Purity Chart: 24K, 22K, 18K and 14K
| Karat | Purity | Hallmark Mark | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | Coins and bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | Traditional jewellery |
| 18K | 75% | 750 | Diamond and studded jewellery |
| 14K | 58.5% | 585 | Light everyday wear |
What a BIS Hallmark Shows
- BIS logo: shows the piece was tested under the Bureau of Indian Standards scheme
- Purity grade: for example 22K916 or 18K750
- HUID: a 6-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification number
Marks are tiny and usually sit on the inner side of a ring, bangle or clasp, so use a magnifier or ask the jeweller to show them.
How to Verify the HUID Online
- Download the BIS Care app.
- Open the Verify HUID option.
- Enter the 6-character HUID from your jewellery.
- Check that details such as the purity and jeweller match your bill.
Simple Gold Purity Checks at Home
These checks are only for quick screening. They cannot prove purity, so never rely on them alone.
- Look for the hallmark: no BIS mark or HUID is a red flag for new gold jewellery.
- Magnet check: real gold is not magnetic, so a piece that sticks strongly to a magnet is suspicious. Some fake metals are also non-magnetic, so passing this check proves nothing.
- Skin and colour check: flaking colour, or green or black marks on skin, may point to plating over base metal.
- Avoid acid and scratch tests: they can damage the piece and are unsafe at home.
Get a Reliable Test
For a dependable result, ask a BIS-registered jeweller to test your piece on a karatmeter, or use a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre. This is also useful before you sell or pledge old jewellery.
Check Your Bill Too
- Purity or karat and the HUID of each item
- Gross weight, net gold weight and stone weight
- Gold rate, making charges, hallmarking charges and GST
Conclusion
The BIS hallmark with a HUID is the most reliable proof of purity for jewellery. Verify it on the BIS Care app, use home checks only as a first look and keep your bill safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HUID on gold jewellery?
HUID is a 6-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification number given to each hallmarked piece. You can verify it on the BIS Care app.
How can I check 22K gold at home?
Look for the 916 or 22K916 mark and the HUID, then verify it on the BIS Care app. Home tests alone cannot prove purity.
Can a magnet test prove my gold is real?
No. Real gold is not magnetic, but some fake metals are also non-magnetic, so the test only helps you spot obvious fakes.
Is hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery?
Hallmarking with a HUID is mandatory for gold jewellery sold by registered jewellers in notified districts. It is wise to insist on it wherever you buy.
What do 916, 750 and 585 mean on gold?
They show purity: 916 is 22K (91.6% gold), 750 is 18K (75%) and 585 is 14K (58.5%).
Can I get old jewellery tested for purity?
Yes. A BIS-registered jeweller or a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre can test it, usually for a fee.
Does a hallmark guarantee a fair price?
No. It confirms purity, but you should still compare the gold rate, making charges and GST on the bill.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Home checks cannot prove gold purity, so use a BIS-registered jeweller or a hallmarking centre for reliable testing.
