How to Verify Purity Before Buying Gold for Varalakshmi Vratham

Learn practical ways to verify gold purity before buying coins or jewellery for Varalakshmi Vratham, from hallmarks to karat testing.

Why Purity Verification Matters Before You Buy

With festive demand for gold rising ahead of Varalakshmi Vratham, purity verification becomes especially important to ensure you're getting genuine value for your money. Here's a practical look at how gold purity is checked and what buyers should know.

Understanding Gold Purity Levels

Karat	Purity	Common Use
24K	99.9% pure	Coins, bars, investment
22K	91.6% pure	Jewellery, some coins
18K	75% pure	Studded or lightweight jewellery

The BIS Hallmark System

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is the official certification of gold purity. A hallmarked piece carries the BIS logo, purity grade, a unique identification number, and the jeweller's identification mark - all of which can be verified for authenticity.

What to Check on a Hallmarked Piece

BIS hallmark logo clearly stamped on the item
Purity grade (such as 916 for 22K or 999 for 24K)
A six-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number
The jeweller's registered identification mark

Simple Checks Buyers Can Do

Ask the seller for a purity certificate along with the invoice
Weigh the item in front of you using a calibrated scale
Cross-check the HUID number if the seller provides verification access
Avoid purchases where hallmark details are missing or unclear

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Sellers unwilling to provide a proper invoice with purity details
Prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates without explanation
Missing or inconsistent hallmark stamping on the item

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about verifying gold purity before buying.

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