Key takeaways
A genuine hallmark has three marks: the BIS logo, the purity grade and a six-character HUID.
916 means 91.6% pure, or 22 carat. 24K is 999.
Verify the HUID in the BIS Care app and match it with your bill.
A typed “916” without the BIS logo and HUID is not proof.
Old jewellery without a hallmark can still be tested and sold.
The jeweller smiles and says, “Full 916 hallmark, sir.” You nod, because it sounds reassuring and the bill is already printing. But how do you know that “916” is real, and not just a number someone stamped?
You can check it yourself in about two minutes. Here is how.
Quick answer: how to check hallmark on gold
Look for three things on the piece: the BIS logo, the purity mark such as 22K916, and a six-character HUID code. Then enter the HUID in the BIS Care app. If the app shows the right jeweller, article and purity, and the details match your bill, the hallmark is genuine.
What is a gold hallmark?
A hallmark is an independent purity check. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) runs the scheme in India. A registered jeweller sends the jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre, which tests the gold and engraves the mark.
The scheme is big. According to BIS, as of 15 October 2026 there are 2,36,624 registered jewellers and 1,565 hallmarking centres in India. Mandatory gold hallmarking covers 392 districts, after the latest amendment on 3 August 2026. In other districts, hallmarking is voluntary.
The three marks on hallmarked gold today
BIS logo. A small triangle-shaped mark showing the piece has been hallmarked under the BIS scheme.
Purity grade. The carat and fineness together, for example 22K916 or 18K750.
HUID. A six-character alphanumeric code, such as AB12C3 (an example only). Each piece gets its own unique one.
Some older articles and websites still list the jeweller’s mark, the assay centre mark and a year code as separate stamps. Since the HUID system, those details are stored online against the HUID instead of being stamped on the metal. So if you see only three marks on a new piece, that is correct. Older pieces may show more.
What is 916 hallmark gold?
916 means 916 parts of pure gold in every 1,000 parts, which is 91.6% gold. That is 22 carat, because 22 divided by 24 is about 0.916. The remaining 8.4% is other metals like silver or copper, which make the gold strong enough to wear.
The common BIS purity grades are:
24K: 999 (99.9% gold)
22K: 916 (91.6%)
20K: 833 (83.3%)
18K: 750 (75%)
14K: 585 (58.5%)
916 is not 24K gold, and 22K jewellery is not “pure”. If a jeweller says 916 is the same as 24K, that is wrong.
Why the number matters in rupees. Suppose 22K gold costs ₹13,000 per gram (illustrative). A 20K piece (833) would be worth roughly ₹11,800 per gram at the same base rate. If you are sold a 20K chain at the 22K price, you overpay about ₹1,180 per gram, or nearly ₹11,800 on a 10-gram chain. A real hallmark prevents this.
How to check hallmark on gold, step by step
Find the marks. Look on the inside of a ring, the inner edge of a bangle, the clasp of a chain or the back of a pendant.
Use a 10X magnifier. A BIS-registered jeweller must keep one at the shop, along with a weighing balance and the BIS Care information. Ask to use it.
Read the BIS logo and purity. Confirm the triangle logo is present and the purity matches what you are paying for. A plain “916” or “22K” stamp without the BIS logo is not a BIS hallmark.
Note the HUID. Read all six characters carefully.
Verify it in the BIS Care app. Open the app, choose the “Verify HUID” option and type the code. It shows details such as the jeweller, the type of article and its purity. They should match your piece.
Match the bill. Check that the bill lists the same purity, the weight and the HUID for each piece. A set of earrings or a necklace with several parts may carry more than one HUID.
How to identify real hallmark gold and spot a fake
Be careful if:
There is a “916” or “22K” stamp but no BIS logo.
The HUID is missing, or you cannot read it.
The app says the HUID is not found, or it shows a different type of article or purity.
The HUID on the piece is different from the one on the bill.
The jeweller refuses to let you check the marks or verify the code.
Home tests are not proof. A magnet can rule out some metals, but gold is not magnetic and neither are many fake metals. Float tests and kitchen tests cannot measure purity either. The reliable check is the hallmark plus the HUID verification.
What about old jewellery without a hallmark?
Old family jewellery usually has no HUID, and it is still real gold. Hallmarking applies to new sales. To know its purity, take it to a jeweller with an XRF machine or to a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre, and watch the test. If you are planning to sell it, see our guide on selling gold without a bill.
Check the rate along with the hallmark
A genuine hallmark confirms purity, not price. Compare the live rate before you buy. See the gold rate in Mumbai or the gold rate in Delhi, the national gold rate today or, near Boisar, the gold rate today in Boisar.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check hallmark on gold?
Look for the BIS logo, the purity mark (like 22K916) and the six-character HUID. Then verify the HUID in the BIS Care app and match it with your bill.
What is 916 hallmark gold?
It is 22 carat gold, which is 91.6% pure. The number 916 means 916 parts of gold in every 1,000 parts.
How do I identify hallmark gold?
Check for all three marks, use a 10X magnifier, verify the HUID in the app and compare it with the bill. A typed “916” alone is not enough.
Is 916 the same as 22K?
Yes. 916 is the fineness mark for 22 carat gold.
What is a HUID?
HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a six-character alphanumeric code given to each hallmarked piece for tracing and verification.
Can a hallmark be fake?
Fake stamps exist, which is why you should verify the HUID in the BIS Care app and make sure the details match the piece and the bill.
Is hallmarking mandatory in India?
It is mandatory for gold jewellery in 392 notified districts. In other districts, it is voluntary, though many jewellers still hallmark.
Does old gold need a hallmark?
No. Old jewellery without a hallmark is still valid. You can have its purity tested at a jeweller or a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre.
Last updated: 7 November 2026. Hallmarking rules and district coverage change over time. Confirm current details on the BIS website or the BIS Care app before you buy.
