Understanding Gold: What Are Hallmark, KDM, and 916 Gold?

Introduction:

In India, the purity of gold is paramount for consumers. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has instilled buyer confidence with gold hallmarking. Choosing hallmarked gold ensures both purity and enhanced resale value.

This guide explores three essential gold terms: BIS Hallmark Gold, KDM Gold, and 916 Gold, which are crucial for making informed gold purchase decisions.

What is Hallmark Gold?

Hallmarking is a certification of the gold's purity and fineness. A BIS hallmark on jewelry or coins confirms compliance with BIS norms, ensuring purity. For example, 18K hallmarked gold jewelry contains 18 parts pure gold out of 24, with the remainder as alloy.

The Bureau of Indian Standards governs gold and silver hallmarking under the BIS Act. When purchasing gold, look for these four elements in the hallmark seal's laser engraving:

1. BIS Hallmark: Verification of purity from a BIS licensed lab.
2. Purity expressed in Karat and fineness (e.g., 22K916 for 91.6% purity, 18K750 for 75% purity, and 14K585 for 58.5% purity).
3. Assaying & Hallmarking Centre's mark.
4. The jeweler's unique identification mark.

Understanding Gold Hallmarking:

Note that hallmarking became mandatory from January 15, 2021, for retailers selling 14K, 18K, and 22K gold.

What is KDM Gold?

KDM gold is a gold alloy containing 92% gold and 8% cadmium. Originally used for high purity, cadmium's health risks to artisans led to its ban, replaced by safer metals like Zinc.

What does '916 Gold' mean?

'916 Gold' denotes 22K gold, meaning that in 100 grams of gold, 91.6 grams are pure.

Gold purity is categorized as 24K, 23K, and 18K. If hallmarked, 'BIS' precedes it; for instance, 22K is 'BIS 916', and 23K is 'BIS 958'. The numbers like 916 or 958 are part of the hallmark seal.

Understanding hallmark gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold helps buyers make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry or coins. BIS hallmarking assures gold's purity and quality, enhancing investor confidence.

Some relevant terms include: MSMEs, CIBIL, RBI, UX, NPAs, NRI, RTGS, and IMPS.