Hallmarked Gold, KDM Gold, and 916 Gold: What Sets Them Apart?
Hallmarked Gold, KDM Gold, and 916 Gold: What Sets Them Apart?
Mar 20, 2024
15Mins
Introduction:
The purity of gold has always been a top concern for buyers in India. However, thanks to the introduction of hallmarking by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), buyers now feel more confident when purchasing gold. Opting for hallmarked gold articles not only ensures purity but also enhances the resale value when selling it later.
In this piece, we will delve into three key terms: BIS Hallmark Gold, KDM gold, and 916 Gold, which buyers often encounter when buying gold. Understanding the nuances among these three will assist you in making an informed decision regarding gold purity and quality.
What is Hallmark Gold?
Hallmarking refers to the process of certifying the purity and fineness of gold. If you come across the BIS hallmark on gold jewelry or coins, it signifies that the gold adheres to the standards set by BIS. Hallmarking provides consumers with an assurance regarding the purity of their gold. For instance, if you purchase hallmarked 18K gold jewelry, it means that 18 out of 24 parts are gold, while the rest are alloy.
The Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India, is responsible for hallmarking gold and silver jewelry under the BIS Act. When buying gold, there are four components to look out for in the laser engraving of a hallmark seal:
1. BIS Hallmark: This indicates that the purity has been verified in one of BIS's licensed laboratories.
2. Purity in Karat and fineness (corresponding to the given Karatage KT):
- 22K916 (91.6% Purity)
- 18K750 (75% Purity)
- 14K585 (58.5% Purity)
3. Assaying & Hallmarking Centre's mark.
4. Jeweler's unique identification mark.
Understanding Gold Hallmarking
Note: Earlier, hallmarking gold was optional. However, as of 15th January 2021, it has become mandatory for retailers to sell hallmarked gold articles of 14K, 18K, and 22K.
What is KDM Gold?
KDM gold is a type of gold alloy that consists of 92% gold mixed with 8% cadmium alloy. This composition was used to achieve a high standard of purity in gold. However, due to serious health issues faced by artisans working with cadmium, it has been banned by BIS. Cadmium has now been replaced with advanced solder metals such as Zinc and other metals.
What does '916 Gold' mean?
In simple terms, '916 Gold' is another name for 22K gold. For instance, if 100 grams of gold weighs 22K, it contains 91.6 grams of pure gold per 100 grams of alloy.
Note: Gold is categorized based on its purity, such as 24K, 23K, and 18K. If gold is hallmarked, BIS will be added as a prefix. For example, 22K gold is referred to as 'BIS 916' gold, while 23K gold is known as BIS 958, and so on. The number, whether 916 or 958, is part of the hallmark seal.
By understanding the differences between hallmark gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold, buyers can make more informed decisions when purchasing gold jewelry or coins. With BIS hallmarking ensuring purity and quality, buyers can feel more confident in their gold investments.
Introduction:
The purity of gold has always been a top concern for buyers in India. However, thanks to the introduction of hallmarking by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), buyers now feel more confident when purchasing gold. Opting for hallmarked gold articles not only ensures purity but also enhances the resale value when selling it later.
In this piece, we will delve into three key terms: BIS Hallmark Gold, KDM gold, and 916 Gold, which buyers often encounter when buying gold. Understanding the nuances among these three will assist you in making an informed decision regarding gold purity and quality.
What is Hallmark Gold?
Hallmarking refers to the process of certifying the purity and fineness of gold. If you come across the BIS hallmark on gold jewelry or coins, it signifies that the gold adheres to the standards set by BIS. Hallmarking provides consumers with an assurance regarding the purity of their gold. For instance, if you purchase hallmarked 18K gold jewelry, it means that 18 out of 24 parts are gold, while the rest are alloy.
The Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India, is responsible for hallmarking gold and silver jewelry under the BIS Act. When buying gold, there are four components to look out for in the laser engraving of a hallmark seal:
1. BIS Hallmark: This indicates that the purity has been verified in one of BIS's licensed laboratories.
2. Purity in Karat and fineness (corresponding to the given Karatage KT):
- 22K916 (91.6% Purity)
- 18K750 (75% Purity)
- 14K585 (58.5% Purity)
3. Assaying & Hallmarking Centre's mark.
4. Jeweler's unique identification mark.
Understanding Gold Hallmarking
Note: Earlier, hallmarking gold was optional. However, as of 15th January 2021, it has become mandatory for retailers to sell hallmarked gold articles of 14K, 18K, and 22K.
What is KDM Gold?
KDM gold is a type of gold alloy that consists of 92% gold mixed with 8% cadmium alloy. This composition was used to achieve a high standard of purity in gold. However, due to serious health issues faced by artisans working with cadmium, it has been banned by BIS. Cadmium has now been replaced with advanced solder metals such as Zinc and other metals.
What does '916 Gold' mean?
In simple terms, '916 Gold' is another name for 22K gold. For instance, if 100 grams of gold weighs 22K, it contains 91.6 grams of pure gold per 100 grams of alloy.
Note: Gold is categorized based on its purity, such as 24K, 23K, and 18K. If gold is hallmarked, BIS will be added as a prefix. For example, 22K gold is referred to as 'BIS 916' gold, while 23K gold is known as BIS 958, and so on. The number, whether 916 or 958, is part of the hallmark seal.
By understanding the differences between hallmark gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold, buyers can make more informed decisions when purchasing gold jewelry or coins. With BIS hallmarking ensuring purity and quality, buyers can feel more confident in their gold investments.
Author
Pluto Team
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