When you shop for jewelry hallmark, a tiny stamped mark that guarantees the metal’s purity and authenticity, you’re really checking the gold purity, the exact percentage of pure gold in the alloy used in the piece. In India the most common indicator is the 750, a hallmark that tells you the item contains 75% gold, or 18‑karat gold. That number isn’t random – it’s a standard set by the BIS hallmark, the Bureau of Indian Standards certification that legally validates gold content. The hallmark symbol, usually a crown or a star, works hand‑in‑hand with the numeric code to signal that the piece has passed official testing. In short, jewelry hallmark ↔ gold purity, gold purity ↔ 750 stamp, and 750 stamp ↔ BIS hallmark are the core relationships you’ll see across the market.
First off, a hallmark protects you from cheap imitations that claim high gold content but deliver almost none. Since the hallmark is stamped under government supervision, it’s a legal guarantee you can trust. That means resale value stays high – a piece with a clear 750 stamp fetches a much better price on the second‑hand market than an unmarked one. Hallmarks also help you compare pieces quickly; a 22K gold necklace will show a 916 stamp, while an 18K piece shows 750, letting you decide which balance of purity and hardness fits your lifestyle. The more you understand the hallmark system, the easier it is to spot fake logos or poorly placed stamps that often hide in low‑quality online listings. Beyond gold, the hallmark system extends to silver (925) and platinum (950), each with its own numeric code, so the same reading skills apply across most precious‑metal jewelry.
Many shoppers mistake the hallmark for a design element, but it’s really a quality badge. To read it, start at the clasp or the back of a pendant – that’s where the stamp usually lives. Look for the numeric code first; a “750” means 18K gold, while “916” means 22K. Next, spot the BIS logo or any other recognized authority symbol; if it’s missing, the piece might not have undergone official testing. Some newer brands add a QR code that links to an online verification page – a handy modern twist on the age‑old hallmark. Keep an eye on the font and depth of the stamp; genuine hallmarks are crisp and slightly raised. With these tricks, you’ll be able to verify a piece in seconds, whether you’re browsing a local market in Surat or scrolling through an e‑commerce site. Now that you know how to decode gold purity, the 750 stamp, and the role of BIS testing, the articles below dive deeper into each topic – from spotting fake hallmarks to choosing the right karat for everyday wear.
When you spot the letters 'KK' stamped on jewelry, you're peering into a world of history and artistry. 'KK' often represents a hallmark or maker's mark, which can identify the jeweler or company that crafted the piece. This mark adds an intriguing layer of history, connecting modern wearers to the skilled artisans of the past. Understanding these marks can also enhance the value and authenticity of your jewelry.