How to Check for Hallmark in Jewelry : A Step-by-Step Guide November 6, 2024 – Posted in: Blog
Ensuring the authenticity and purity of your gold or silver jewelry is essential when making a purchase. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made it easier to check the hallmark certification for jewelry through its BIS Care App. Hallmarking is a mark of purity and guarantees that the jewelry meets BIS standards. This guide will explain how to use the BIS Care App to verify hallmarks on jewelry, ensuring that you make a secure, informed purchase.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the process of certifying the purity of gold and silver articles. The BIS is the authorized body in India responsible for hallmarking gold and silver jewelry. BIS hallmarking is essential as it ensures that the metal purity is genuine, giving consumers confidence in their purchases.
Hallmarked jewelry includes certain key elements:
- BIS logo: The symbol that represents BIS standards.
- Purity Grade: Indicates the gold purity, like 22K (91.6% purity), 18K (75% purity), or 14K (58.5% purity).
- Jeweler’s Identification Mark or Code: The unique code or mark of the jeweler who manufactured the jewelry.
- Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s Identification Mark or Number: Shows where the jewelry was tested and certified.
The hallmark guarantees purity, ensuring that you’re investing in authentic jewelry. With the BIS Care App, verifying this hallmark information is now easier than ever.
Why Verify Hallmarks Using the BIS Care App?
The BIS Care App is a simple, user-friendly tool developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards that allows consumers to:
- Verify the authenticity of hallmarked jewelry.
- Check the certification of various products.
- File complaints related to hallmarking or certification.
Using the BIS Care App is an essential step for consumers who want to ensure they’re getting the right purity in their jewelry.
How to Download and Set Up the BIS Care App
- Download the App
The BIS Care App is available for both Android and iOS devices. Simply go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for “BIS Care,” and download the app. - Create an Account or Log In
Once downloaded, open the app and create an account. If you already have an account, log in with your credentials. - Allow Permissions
Allow the necessary permissions for location and camera access, which will help in scanning and verifying hallmarks more easily.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Hallmarked Jewelry Using the BIS Care App
Step 1: Locate the Hallmark on Your Jewelry
Before using the app, identify the hallmark on your jewelry. The hallmark is usually engraved in a small, discrete area of the item, such as the inner part of a ring, the back of a pendant, or a clasp on a necklace. It will display the BIS logo, purity grade (like 22K, 18K), jeweler’s identification mark, and the hallmarking center’s mark.
Step 2: Open the BIS Care App
Launch the BIS Care App on your smartphone. Ensure that your internet connection is stable, as the app requires connectivity to verify hallmark details in real time.
Step 3: Access the “Verify Hallmark” Feature
On the main screen of the app, you’ll find several options, including “Verify License,” “Check Jeweler’s Registration,” and “Complaint Registration.” Select “Verify Hallmark” to proceed with hallmark verification.
Step 4: Enter the HUID Number
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) Number is a unique 6-digit alphanumeric code provided on hallmarked jewelry. It helps in identifying and verifying the purity and authenticity of each piece.
- Locate the HUID number engraved on your jewelry.
- Enter this number in the verification field on the app.
Step 5: Verify the Hallmark
After entering the HUID number, tap on “Verify” to start the verification process. The app will connect to the BIS database and fetch details associated with the HUID number, including:
- The purity of the jewelry (22K, 18K, or 14K).
- The jeweler’s identification code.
- The hallmarking center’s code.
If the details on your jewelry match the information on the app, your jewelry is certified and genuine. If any discrepancies arise, this could indicate a potential issue, and you may want to contact the jeweler or report it through the BIS Care App.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, users may encounter issues when verifying a hallmark. Here’s how to handle common problems:
- Invalid HUID Number:
If the app shows an “Invalid HUID” error, double-check the number on the jewelry. If the issue persists, it could mean the jewelry isn’t hallmarked by BIS or that the HUID number is incorrect. - Poor Internet Connection:
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Verification requires online access to connect with the BIS database. - App Not Working Properly:
If the BIS Care App is not functioning, consider uninstalling and reinstalling it, or check for updates. You can also contact BIS support for assistance.
Additional Features of the BIS Care App
Aside from hallmark verification, the BIS Care App offers additional tools for jewelry buyers:
Check Jeweler’s Registration
BIS requires all jewelers to register with them to sell hallmarked gold or silver. To check if a jeweler is registered:
- Open the BIS Care App.
- Select “Check Jeweler’s Registration.”
- Enter the jeweler’s identification mark or name to verify if they’re BIS-registered.
Complaint Registration
The app allows consumers to raise complaints about hallmarking issues or any discrepancies in the purity of jewelry. You can file a complaint directly from the app, ensuring your concerns are addressed by BIS.
Product Certification Verification
The app also allows users to verify other BIS-certified products, including electrical appliances, cement, and consumer goods. Simply enter the product’s certification number or scan the QR code to check its authenticity.
Benefits of Using the BIS Care App for Hallmark Verification
Using the BIS Care App ensures transparency, convenience, and confidence in your jewelry purchase. Here are some key benefits:
- Assured Authenticity
The app helps verify the purity and authenticity of the jewelry, ensuring you’re buying genuine hallmarked items. - Consumer Empowerment
The BIS Care App empowers consumers to make informed decisions, reducing the chances of fraud or misrepresentation. - Immediate Verification
You can verify the hallmark instantly, giving you peace of mind while shopping. - Easy Access to Complaint Filing
The app’s complaint feature makes it easier to report issues directly to BIS, promoting accountability among jewelers. - Supports Consumer Awareness
By verifying hallmarks, consumers become more aware of their rights, contributing to a market where purity and standards are prioritized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hallmark Verification and the BIS Care App
1. Is it mandatory for all jewelry to be hallmarked?
Yes, according to BIS regulations, all gold and silver jewelry sold in India must be hallmarked to verify purity.
2. What if the jewelry doesn’t have a HUID number?
If your jewelry lacks a HUID number, it may not be hallmarked under BIS standards. Consider asking the jeweler for hallmarked jewelry to ensure purity.
3. Can I verify hallmark details without the BIS Care App?
The BIS Care App is the easiest way to verify hallmarks, but you can also visit BIS-certified centers or check directly with the jeweler.
4. What should I do if I find discrepancies in hallmark details?
If you notice any discrepancies, report the issue through the BIS Care App’s complaint feature or contact BIS directly.
Conclusion
The BIS Care App makes it easier than ever to verify hallmarked jewelry, ensuring authenticity and protecting consumers from fraud. By following the steps in this guide, you can confidently check the purity of your gold or silver jewelry before purchase. Whether you’re buying a gold ring, necklace, or silver bracelet, using the BIS Care App to verify the hallmark is a smart and essential step.
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