Hallmarking of Gold

Now let me discuss about hallmarking of gold. What is hallmark? Hallmark is a purity certification of gold articles in accordance with Indian Standard specifications. India Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) was named as the sole agency in the country for Hallmarking of gold jewelry under the provisions of the BIS Act, 1986. BIS is primarily engaged in the preparation and promotion of standards and operation of different quality certification schemes. You might have noticed hallmark seal placed on gold ornaments and jewels in jewelry houses. If not noted, at least from now onwards you ensure this mark on your jewelry. Your hallmark comprises five elements

BIS Mark
The fineness number (corresponding to given caratage)
Assaying and Hallmarking Center's mark
Jeweler's mark
Year of marking denoted by a code letter and decided by BIS (e.g. code letter 'A' was approved by BIS for year 2000, 'B' being used for the year 2001 and 'C' for 2002).
The marking is done either using punches or laser marking machine. Its purpose is to safeguard the consumers. The meaning of this mark is that the assayers (an independent body - assay office) guarantee the legal standard of fineness or purity. This mark applies for both buying and selling of ornaments and jewels.

Hallmarking is the reliable certicification scheme. But its implementation is not complete in all respects. It seems only more fashion jewelries are sometimes less reliably hallmarked. So be cautious. While buying gold check it yourself if you feel confident or have it checked by a professional. LASTLY, I would like to point out that I am not a jeweler and that the above guidelines are not provided out of expertise in gold ornaments.