Read the BIS hallmark
Hallmarking is now mandatory for most gold jewellery sold in India. A current BIS hallmark has three marks:
- The BIS standard mark (a triangle logo)
- The purity grade in karat and fineness, such as 22K916 or 18K750
- A HUID: a unique 6-character alphanumeric code for that piece
You can verify a HUID in the BIS CARE app using Verify HUID. It shows details such as the purity and the jeweller who had the piece hallmarked.
Gold purity by karat
| Karat | Fineness | Gold content |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% |
| 20K | 833 | 83.3% |
| 18K | 750 | 75% |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% |
Gold purity testing methods compared
| Method | What it can tell you |
|---|---|
| Home tests (magnet, float, bite) | Unreliable. They cannot measure karat and can miss fake or low-purity gold. |
| Touchstone | A traditional rub test compared with reference needles. Gives an estimate that depends on experience. |
| Acid test | Shows a purity range, but acid on a scratch can mark the jewellery. |
| XRF analyser | Non-destructive reading in seconds. Plating or thick solder can affect the surface reading. |
| Fire assay | The most accurate lab method. It destroys a small sample, so it is used by hallmarking centres and refiners. |
How purity is checked at our shop
At Value Money Gold, your gold is tested for purity in front of you before any price is discussed, and we explain the reading. The purity found, not just the marking, is what your price is based on.