Hallmarked gold is gold jewellery or items that bear an official mark, or hallmark, certifying its purity and quality, ensuring it meets standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Hallmarking is a process where an official assay office stamps a gold item with a mark to certify its purity and fineness.
Why it's important:
Guarantees purity: The hallmark ensures the gold is not adulterated with inferior metals, protecting buyers from deceptive practices.
Enhances resale value: Hallmarked gold is easier to sell or resell due to its verified authenticity, ensuring your investment retains its worth.
Legal requirement: In many countries, including India, hallmarking is a legal requirement for gold items to be sold.
Hallmarked silver is a silver item officially stamped with marks indicating its purity (or fineness), the maker, and the assay office, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Hallmarking is a system of official marks applied to precious metal articles, including silver, to guarantee their purity and quality.
Purpose:
It serves as a form of consumer protection, ensuring that the silver content of an item meets certain standards and protects against adulteration.
Marks typically include:
Purity mark: Indicates the percentage of pure silver in the item (e.g., "925" for sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver).
Why it matters:
Hallmarks are crucial for identifying genuine antique silverware and verifying the quality of silver jewelry and other items.