Don't lose money when buying or exchanging gold. Understand 6-digit HUID purity codes, BIS hallmarking standards, and fair deductions at jeweler counters.
Decoding Hallmarked Purity Standards
Gold purity is measured in carats, representing the fraction of pure gold per 24 parts of alloy metal. Under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations, every piece of hallmarked jewelry must bear a unique 6-character alphanumeric Hallmarking Unique ID (HUID):
- 24 Karat (999 Purity): 99.9% pure bullion gold. Ideal for investment coins, bullion bars, and sovereign bonds. Too soft for delicate jewelry.
- 22 Karat (916 Purity): 91.6% pure gold alloyed with 8.4% copper or silver. The standard for durable wedding jewelry.
- 18 Karat (750 Purity): 75.0% pure gold. Commonly used for modern diamond-studded rings and designer ornaments.
Comparative Data Benchmark
| Carat Purity | Fineness Code | Purity Percentage | Primary Consumer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K Gold | 999 | 99.9% | Investment Bars, Coins, Sovereign Gold Bonds |
| 22K Gold | 916 | 91.6% | Traditional Indian Wedding Jewelry |
| 18K Gold | 750 | 75.0% | Diamond & Gemstone Studded Jewelry |
| 14K Gold | 585 | 58.5% | Minimalist Daily Fashion Jewelry |