Buying gold this festive season: Unsure about your gold jewellery's purity? Here's how to check

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As the festive season begins, many shoppers are flocking to buy gold jewellery. Dhanteras, which falls days before Diwali, is considered an auspicious occasion to buy precious metals like gold and silver.People usually invest in physical gold like jewellery, coins, or bars. However, as prices have risen more than 50% in the past year, according to MCX, the risk of buying impure gold has also grown, ET reported.This has left buyers uncertain about the purity of their gold jewellery. To safeguard themselves, many are now relying on hallmarking, the official system that verifies gold purity. Here’s how you can be confident your gold is genuine before you buy.How gold hallmarking worksGold purity is assessed according to hallmarking standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The government implemented mandatory hallmarking for gold jewellery in four phases:

Phase 1: Began on 16 June 2021, covering 256 districts.
Phase 2: Started on 4 April 2022, adding 32 districts.
Phase 3: Launched on 6 September 2023, including 55 districts.
Phase 4: Started on 5 November 2024, adding 18 more districts.

According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, as of November 14 2024, a total of 361 districts now have mandatory hallmarking. This means any jewellery purchased after this date will be hallmarked, giving buyers confidence in its purity.

BIS defines hallmarking as the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in articles. Hallmarks are recognised internationally as a guarantee of the purity of precious metals, including gold and silver. The scheme protects the public from adulteration and ensures manufacturers maintain legal standards of fineness. Currently, in India, hallmarking applies to both gold and silver.

How to verify your gold

Consumers can check the authenticity of their gold in several ways:

AHC Testing: Jewellery, hallmarked or unhallmarked, can be tested at BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs). Consumers may submit up to 10 pieces as a mixed lot, which will be tested as per IS 15820:2009. If the jewellery is hollow, wax-filled, or made of mixed metals, the report will note this. The centre will provide an official assay report identifying the article’s metal content, ET reported.
BIS Care App: Every piece of hallmarked jewellery carries a six-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification). Consumers can use the ‘Verify HUID’ feature on the BIS Care App to check purity. This can be done before purchasing or for jewellery already owned.

Testing charges and compensation

Testing at an AHC costs Rs 45 per article, with a minimum fee of Rs 200 per lot. If hallmarked jewellery is found to be of lesser purity than marked, the buyer is entitled to compensation. This is calculated as two times the value of the shortage, based on the weight of the jewellery, plus testing charges.With gold prices at record highs, taking these steps can help buyers ensure their Diwali purchase is genuine, valuable, and safe from hidden impurities.

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