Dhanteras is considered an auspicious occasion for buying gold, diamonds and traditional jewellery in India. Many people choose gold, Polki and Jadau ornaments during the festival as a symbol of prosperity. However, before making a purchase, buyers should understand how to verify gold purity, check diamond grading certificates and confirm the details of precious stones.
Knowing the difference between a gold hallmark and a diamond certificate can help shoppers make informed decisions and avoid confusion while purchasing jewellery.
1. Gold Hallmark vs Diamond Certificate: Know the Difference
One common misunderstanding among jewellery buyers is that a BIS hallmark verifies the quality of the entire ornament, including its diamonds and other gemstones. In reality, these checks serve different purposes.
A BIS hallmark provides information about the purity of gold and its compliance with applicable hallmarking requirements. It helps buyers verify whether the gold’s stated purity matches the hallmark details.
However, a gold hallmark does not certify diamond quality, gemstone authenticity, diamond weight or grading.
A diamond grading certificate, on the other hand, provides an assessment of the diamond. Depending on the laboratory and report, it may include details about:
- Cut quality
- Clarity
- Colour
- Carat weight
- Whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown
The certificate applies to the diamond being assessed, not automatically to the gold setting or the entire jewellery piece. Buyers purchasing diamond jewellery should therefore ask for appropriate gold hallmarking information and diamond documentation separately.
2. How to Verify a Gold Hallmark Before Buying
Before purchasing gold jewellery this Dhanteras, check the hallmark and verify its details rather than relying only on the jeweller’s verbal assurance.
Look for the BIS logo, the gold purity or fineness marking, and the six-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code.
You can use the Verify HUID feature in the BIS Care app to check the information associated with a hallmarked item. Compare the displayed details with the jewellery you intend to purchase.
Common gold fineness markings include:
- 22-carat gold: 916
- 18-carat gold: 750
These numbers indicate the gold’s fineness. For example, 916 denotes 91.6% gold content, while 750 denotes 75% gold content.
Remember that verifying a gold hallmark does not establish the authenticity or grading of diamonds and other gemstones set in the ornament. Those require separate information or documentation.
3. Diamond Jewellery: What Should Buyers Check?
Diamond jewellery requires additional checks because the gold hallmark alone does not provide information about the quality of the stones.
Before completing a purchase, ask the jeweller for the diamond’s grading report and check whether it contains the relevant identifying and quality details.
A diamond certificate or grading report may include the diamond identification number, carat weight, colour grade, clarity grade, cut quality, measurements and fluorescence details.
Buyers should also check that the information on the report corresponds to the diamond being sold. Where online verification is available, use the issuing laboratory’s official website to confirm the report details.
4. IGI vs GIA: Understanding Diamond Certification
Two recognised names in diamond grading are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is internationally recognised for its diamond grading work and is known for its grading standards and credibility.
IGI (International Gemological Institute) provides diamond certification services and has a global presence. Its reports are commonly used by jewellery retailers.
When purchasing a valuable diamond, ask which laboratory issued the grading report and check the report’s details through the relevant official verification facility, where available.
The certificate should correspond to the specific diamond being purchased. Buyers should not assume that a report covering one stone automatically applies to other diamonds in the same ornament.
5. Polki and Jadau Jewellery: Important Checks Before Purchase
Polki and Jadau jewellery often feature traditional craftsmanship and different types of stones. Buyers should ask clear questions about the materials, stone quality and pricing before making a purchase.
First, confirm whether the ornament contains uncut diamonds, coloured gemstones or other materials. Ask the jeweller how the stones have been assessed and whether supporting documentation is available.
It is also important to ask whether any gemstones have undergone treatments and whether those treatments have been disclosed.
Before paying, request a clear breakdown of the price, including the cost of gold, stones and craftsmanship, wherever applicable. Keep the purchase invoice, stone certificates and any written descriptions or disclosures provided by the seller.
These checks help buyers understand the composition and value of the jewellery they are purchasing. A gold hallmark should not be treated as certification of every material used in a Polki or Jadau ornament.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general consumer awareness and informational purposes only. Hallmarking requirements, certification details and verification procedures may vary according to the applicable rules and the type of jewellery purchased. Buyers should verify gold hallmark details through official BIS facilities and check diamond reports with the issuing laboratory where applicable. For specific concerns about purity, certification or authenticity, seek clarification from the jeweller or the relevant authorised organisation before completing the purchase.