Hallmarking
Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in precious metal articles. Hallmarks are official marks used in many countries as a guarantee of the purity or fineness of precious metal articles. The main objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme are to protect the public against adulteration and to oblige manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness.
BIS Hallmarking Scheme
In India, the BIS Hallmarking Scheme has been aligned with international standards on hallmarking. Under this scheme, registered jewelers are allowed by BIS to get their jewelry hallmarked from any of the BIS recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centers. The recognition of an Assaying and Hallmarking Center is done against IS 15820:2009.
Importance of Hallmarking
Hallmarking plays a crucial role in protecting consumers and ensuring the quality of precious metal articles. Some key points to understand about hallmarking are:
-
Official Stamp of Quality: A hallmark is an official mark struck on precious metals to certify the content of noble metals like gold, silver, and platinum
-
Certification of Metal Purity: The purpose of a hallmark is to certify the metal purity of the item, so you know the quality of gold, silver, or platinum you are purchasing.
-
Consumer Protection: Hallmarking protects consumers by certifying the fineness of the metal and ensuring that the item matches its description
Hallmarking in India
In India, currently, two precious metals, namely gold and silver, have been brought under the purview of Hallmarking. The BIS certified jewelers can provide their customers with the assurance of quality through the hallmark on their jewelry, indicating the purity of the precious metal used in the article.
By choosing BIS certified jewelers and opting for hallmarked jewelry, customers can have confidence in the quality and authenticity of the precious metal articles they purchase.
