Is Hallmark Gold Always Real?

When you go to buy gold, you often hear the word “Hallmark”. It sounds fancy, but what does it really mean? And can you trust it every time?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

💡 What is Hallmark Gold?

Hallmark is a stamp or mark given by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India. This mark is proof that the gold you’re buying is pure and has been tested.

So, if a piece of gold has a BIS Hallmark, it means:

• The gold has been checked in a lab.
• Its purity (like 22K or 24K) is verified.
• It’s certified and approved.

✅ Does That Mean Hallmark Gold is Always Real?

Most of the time, yes — Hallmarked gold is real and trustworthy. But there are a few things you should still be careful about:

1. Fake Hallmarks

Sadly, some dishonest sellers may put a fake hallmark stamp on jewelry to trick buyers. It may look real but is not from BIS.

2. Partial Hallmark

Sometimes sellers only stamp the BIS mark but skip other details (like the jeweler’s code or the year of hallmarking). That’s a red flag.

3. Unregistered Sellers

Only BIS-licensed jewelers are allowed to sell hallmarked gold. If you buy from an unregistered shop, the hallmark may not be genuine.

🔍 How to Check if Hallmark Gold is Real?

Here are some quick tips:

• Look for 4 things on the jewelry:
  1. BIS logo (a triangle with a dot)
  2. Purity mark (e.g. 22K916)
  3. Jeweler’s registration number
  4. Year of hallmarking (a letter code)
• Use the BIS Care App
  You can scan the jeweler’s code or the hallmark number using the official app to check if it’s registered with BIS.

🛑 Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Very cheap gold with hallmark claim.
• Missing jeweler’s code or BIS logo.
• Seller refuses to show a certificate.
• No bill or a handwritten receipt.

👍 Final Words

Hallmark gold is usually real and reliable, but only if it’s from a trusted, BIS-registered seller. Always double-check the symbols, use the BIS app, and buy with a proper bill.

If it sounds too good to be true — it probably is.