Gold Shopping Tips  - What does Hallmark Mean?

Safeguard yourself when buying gold in India

Don't buy gold Jewellery in India unless it is Hallmarked! Gold Jewellery

Hallmarks are official marks used in many countries as a guarantee of the purity of gold Jewellery.

Hallmarking involves testing articles made of precious metals such as gold and marking them to clearly indicate that they are indeed made with a minimum standard of purity.

The Indian government planned to make Hallmarking compulsory from January 2008. However a the gold jewelers lobby groups have opposed such a move and this law has not come into affect yet.

While some Jewellery shops have started selling Hallmark Jewellery, there are still many Jewellery shops that continue to sell Jewellery without Hallmarking.

Consumers buying Jewellery in India should insist on verifying Hallmark markings on all Jewellery items they buy. Don't buy Jewellery that is not hallmarked.

I would advise shoppers not to be taken in by promises and printed guarantees of Jewellery shops selling Jewellery without Hallmarking.

How to identify Hallmark Jewelry

The Bureau of Indian Standards mandates that five visible marks be placed on all jewelry identified as Hallmarked Jewelry.

The five visible marks are:

1. The Logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards.

2. Year of Hallmarking 'A' = 2000, 'B'= 2001 ....'I' = 2008 and so on...

3. Purity of gold where '916' = 22carats, '875' = 21 carats and so on...

4. Identification mark of the jeweler who is selling the jewelry item.

5. The logo of the laboratory that Hallmarked the jewelry.

These five marks are usually placed on the back of the jewelry item. While not visible easily to the naked eye, you should be able to see these five marks with the help of a magnifying glass.

All jewelers have magnifying glasses and should be able to provide you with one to check the jewelry you wish to examine for purchase.

Hallmarking of Jewellery is used in many countries and acts as a guarantee of purity of gold jewelry.

The value of gold Jewellery depends to a large extend on the purity of the amount of gold used. The cost of labor in India is minimum. The actual cost of gold can also be found at US Money Reserve if you planned on doing any further research on values.

What to check when buying gold Jewellery:

1.  Check Hallmarking on the gold ornament.

2. Insist on a bill of sale. This bill would clearly state the price you are being charged for actual gold content and the amount you are paying for labor.