Gold Shopping Tips - What does Hallmark Mean?

What to look for when buying gold jewelry

Don't buy gold Jewelery in India unless it is Hallmarked! Gold Jewelery. Hallmarks are official marks used in many countries as a guarantee of the purity of gold Jewelery. Hallmarking involves testing articles made of precious metals such as gold and marking them to clearly indicate that they are indeed made with a minimum standard of purity. The Indian government planned to make Hallmarking compulsory from January 2008. However a the gold jewelers lobby groups have opposed such a move and this law has not come into affect yet. While some Jewelery shops have started selling Hallmark Jewelery, there are still many Jewelery shops that continue to sell Jewelery without Hallmarking. Consumers buying Jewelery in India should insist on verifying Hallmark markings on all Jewelery items they buy. Don't buy Jewelery that is not hallmarked. Don’t get taken in by promises and printed guarantees of Jewelery shops selling Jewelery without Hallmarking. One place I was shopping in Delhi for a gold chain told me that Hallmarking will increase the price, don’t fall for such tricks. Buy only from reputed shops that sell Hallmarked jewelry and provide a proper receipt.

How to identify Hallmark Jewelry

The Bureau of Indian Standards mandates that five visible marks be placed on all jewelry identified as Hallmarked Jewelry. The five visible marks are: 1. The Logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards. 2. Year of Hallmarking 'A' = 2000, 'B'= 2001 ....'I' = 2008 and so on . . . 3. Purity of gold where '916' = 22carats, '875' = 21 carats and so on . . . 4. Identification mark of the jeweler who is selling the jewelry item. 5. The logo of the laboratory that Hallmarked the jewelry These five marks are usually placed on the back of the jewelry item. While not visible easily to the naked eye, you should be able to see these five marks with the help of a magnifying glass. Remember: • All jewelers have magnifying glasses and should be able to provide you with one to check the jewelry you wish to examine for purchase. • Hallmarking of Jewelery is used in many countries and acts as a guarantee of purity of gold jewelry. • The value of gold Jewelery depends to a large extend on the purity of the amount of gold used plus the cost of labor to make the jewelry item

What to check when buying gold Jewelery

• Check Hallmarking on the gold ornament. • Insist on a bill of sale. This bill would clearly state the price you are being charged for actual gold content and the amount you are paying for labor. • Price of gold is standard these days around the world. No jeweler will sell you gold at a sale price! The only difference in prices comes from the cost of labor added to the purchase price, and this is where Indian jewelery becomes cheaper, because labor is quite cheap in India.