How to Check Gold and Silver Jewellery Purity in India

July 3, 2026

925 silver sample plate beside a jeweller’s loupe and polishing cloth

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the official system used to certify the purity of gold and silver jewellery. A hallmark helps you check what the piece is made from and who tested it.

For a modern HUID hallmark, look for three things: the BIS Standard Mark, the purity or fineness number and a unique six-digit alphanumeric HUID code.

What to look for on a gold hallmark

Gold jewellery hallmarked under the HUID system carries:

the BIS Standard Mark;
the purity or fineness grade; and
a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification code.

These marks are normally very small. Ask the jeweller for a magnifying glass if you cannot read them clearly.

BIS hallmark, purity grade and HUID code stamped inside a gold ring — The hallmark identifies the purity grade and provides a traceable HUID code.

What gold and silver purity numbers mean

The fineness number shows how much precious metal is present in the alloy.

Common gold grades

916 means 22K gold, 750 means 18K gold and 585 means 14K gold.

Silver grades under IS 2112:2025

The seven recognised grades are 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990 and 999. Sterling silver is 925, or 92.5% silver.

The remaining percentage is made up of alloy metals added for strength, colour or workability.

How to verify an HUID number

Open the official BIS Care app.
Select the Verify HUID feature.
Enter the six-digit alphanumeric code stamped on the jewellery.
Compare the result with the piece and the jeweller's invoice.

The result can show details such as the article type, purity grade, jeweller and Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. This gives you a direct way to check the hallmark rather than relying only on a verbal assurance.

BIS Care app being used to verify a jewellery HUID code — The BIS Care app allows consumers to verify an HUID before or after purchase.

Are the rules the same for gold and silver?

No. Mandatory gold hallmarking has been introduced across notified districts in phases. Silver hallmarking remains voluntary.

However, when a silver article is hallmarked under the revised system introduced on 1 September 2025, the hallmark must include an HUID. The silver hallmark has three parts: the BIS Standard Mark with the word “SILVER,” the purity grade and the HUID code.

A recently purchased silver piece without an HUID is not automatically fake, because silver hallmarking is voluntary. Ask whether the piece is BIS hallmarked, check the invoice and request supporting documentation.