In 2021, the Government of India updated the jewellery hallmarking scheme to protect gold consumers from the menace caused by fake laser hallmarks. Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) is a six-digit code consisting of letters and numbers. Each piece of jewellery will be assigned HUID and inscribed on it using laser technology during the process of hallmarking. For controlling the system, the details of HUID are stored in the BIS database.
Now, while buying gold, consumers have to check for 3 symbols. First BIS logo. Second, the purity and fitness symbol and third, the HUID symbol.
Basically, the hallmark is a certification presented to ensure the quality of gold. These hallmarks are laser embarked. 916 hallmarking is a promise that the jewellery piece contains 91.6 % gold in an alloy of 100 gm. During jewellery making, 916 gold is used as 100% is considered to be too soft and breakage while making intricate designs makes it unfavourable for the jewellery makers.
Hallmarks on gold are awarded by the Bureau of Indian Standards or BIS. BIS indicates whether a piece of jewellery is up to mark and promises whether the claims made by the seller are true. There are over 330 assaying units of BIS all across the country. These units check the purity of gold and ensure that they are on par with International Purity Standards.
So, the next time you plan to buy a gold check for HUID Hallmark and make sure you are safe in your transactions. Happy shopping!