Gold Purity Explained: Carats, Hallmark Symbols & Buying Tips in India

Gold is one of the most treasured metals across the globe, particularly in India, where it holds cultural, emotional, and financial significance. Whether it's for investment, making jewellery, or gifting, the purity of gold plays a critical role in its value and usage.

With various grades and types of gold available in the market, it is essential for consumers to verify the authenticity and purity before making a purchase. This can be done by examining carat ratings, colour variations, and most importantly, the BIS hallmark.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about checking gold purity, including carats, hallmarking symbols, and what they mean.

What Is a Gold Carat and How Is It Measured?

The carat (K or KT) is a unit of measurement that indicates the proportion of pure gold in a given alloy. Pure gold is considered 24K (24 carats), meaning it contains 99.9% pure gold with no significant additions of other metals.

However, pure gold is soft and malleable, making it unsuitable for regular jewellery. To enhance its strength and durability, it is often mixed with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc, or nickel, forming various gold alloys.

Here’s a detailed comparison of gold purity based on carats:

Key Takeaways:

1. 24K Gold is the purest form but is extremely soft, which is why it's mostly used in making coins and investment-grade items.
2. 22K Gold offers a good mix of purity and durability, making it ideal for traditional gold jewellery.
3. 18K & 14K Gold are popular in western jewellery and are preferred for diamond and designer jewellery due to their ability to hold stones firmly.
4. 10K Gold, though less common in India, is highly durable and more affordable.

How to Verify Gold Purity in India?

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national authority responsible for certifying the purity of gold through its Hallmarking Scheme. Hallmarked gold jewellery comes with certain identifiers that help buyers ensure its authenticity.

Key Elements of BIS Hallmarking:

1. BIS Standard Mark: This is the logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards, indicating that the item meets Indian quality standards.
2. Purity in Carat and Fineness: For example, “22K916” denotes 22 carats with 91.6% purity. “18K750” means 18 carats with 75% purity.
3. Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s Mark: This certifies that the gold has been tested and authenticated at a BIS-recognised laboratory.
4. Jeweller's Identification Mark: A unique code identifying the manufacturer or jeweller.
5. Year of Hallmarking: Denoted by a specific alphabet (e.g., ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’) that corresponds to the year of hallmarking.

Note: From June 16, 2021, hallmarking has become mandatory in India in 256 districts for all jewellers, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Tips for Buying Gold in India

• Always look for the BIS Hallmark when purchasing gold jewellery or coins.
• Check for carat purity (K) and ensure it matches your intended use.
• Retain the bill/invoice mentioning the purity and weight for future resale or exchange.
• Be cautious of non-hallmarked gold, as it might lack quality assurance.

Conclusion

Gold’s value goes beyond its visual appeal—it is deeply connected with its purity and authenticity. Understanding the difference between carat ratings, the composition of gold alloys, and the BIS hallmarking system empowers consumers to make smarter, safer purchases.

Whether you're buying gold for personal use, gifting, or investment, always prioritize certified purity. Not only does this safeguard your investment, but it also ensures you're getting the true worth of this timeless precious metal.