How to Check If Your Gold Is Real
5 Tests — from free home checks to professional verification
Jump to a test:
What to Look For
- BIS logo (triangle with fish)
- Purity number: 999 (24K), 916 (22K), 750 (18K)
- 6-character HUID (Hallmarking Unique ID)
- Jeweller's BIS licence number
Steps
- Use a magnifying glass to examine the inner surface.
- Locate the BIS triangle hallmark stamp.
- Note the 3-digit purity number (e.g., 916).
- Find the 6-character HUID and verify at BIS Careapp or jewellersincity.com/tools/hallmark-checker.
What the Result Means
A valid BIS hallmark with matching HUID is the most reliable proof of gold purity in India. From April 2023, all gold jewellery above 2g must carry HUID. No hallmark = unverified purity.
What You Need
A strong neodymium (rare earth) magnet — fridge magnets are too weak. Available at hardware stores or online for ₹50–₹200.
Steps
- Remove clasps/findings (these may contain iron).
- Hold the magnet 1–2 cm from the jewellery piece.
- Observe any attraction or pull.
- Genuine gold will show NO attraction.
What the Result Means
Attracted = likely iron or nickel core (fake). Not attracted = passes basic test but doesn't confirm karat. Gold-plated brass also passes this test. Use as a first filter only.
⚠️ Professional Use Only — Nitric acid is corrosive and dangerous. This test must only be performed by a trained jeweller or testing lab.
How It Works
A small amount of nitric acid is applied to a scratch made on the jewellery surface. The colour reaction indicates the metal type and karat purity.
Colour Reactions
Steps
- Fill a glass or bowl with water.
- Drop the jewellery piece in.
- Real gold sinks immediately.
- If it floats or hovers, it is likely fake.
Limitations
Gold has a high density (19.3 g/cm³) and always sinks. However, hollow gold jewellery may appear to float. This test only catches obvious fakes — it cannot distinguish 18K from 22K gold.
What to Observe
- Green marks: Copper content — common in brass/bronze
- Black marks: Low-quality alloy or plating wearing off
- No marks: Passes basic test (pure gold or high-karat)
Limitations
High-quality gold-plated jewellery may not discolour for months. This test only fails very poor-quality fakes and cannot verify karat. Sweat and skin chemistry also affect results.
How to Read a BIS Hallmark
A BIS hallmark has 4 components stamped on the jewellery:
BIS Logo
The triangular BIS India mark with a fish inside. Confirms the jewellery was tested at a BIS-licensed assay centre.
Purity Number
3-digit number: 999 = 24K, 916 = 22K, 750 = 18K, 585 = 14K. This is the actual gold content per 1,000 parts.
6-Character HUID
Alphanumeric unique ID (e.g., AB1234) assigned to each jewellery piece. Scan with BIS Careapp or verify on jic tool.
Jeweller's Code
BIS licence number of the hallmarking jeweller. You can look this up on the BIS website to verify the jeweller's certification.
When to Get Professional Testing
High-Value Purchases
Any purchase above ₹50,000 or pieces above 20g should be professionally tested before payment.
Inherited or Gifted Jewellery
Old jewellery without hallmarks should be tested — purity can vary widely in older pieces.
Buying from Unknown Sources
Jewellery from online marketplaces, unregistered sellers, or abroad should always be professionally tested.
XRF Testing — Most Accurate
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing is non-destructive and gives precise karat readings within seconds. Available at reputable jewellers, assay labs, and BIS hallmarking centres. Cost: ₹100–₹500 per test.
FAQ — Gold Purity Testing
Home tests (magnet, float, skin) can identify obvious fakes but cannot determine karat. For accurate purity measurement, use XRF testing or the acid test at a professional assay centre or reputable jeweller.
916 means 91.6% pure gold — this is 22-karat gold. The number represents parts per 1,000. Similarly, 750 = 18K (75% pure), 999 = 24K (99.9% pure), and 585 = 14K (58.5% pure).
BIS hallmarking is a strong assurance of purity. However, it is not a 100% guarantee against fraud. Always verify the HUID on the BIS Careapp or an authorised verification tool to confirm the hallmark is genuine.
Use the BIS Careapp (Android/iOS), the BIS website, or the HUID lookup at jewellersincity.com/tools/hallmark-checker. Enter the 6-character HUID to see the registered purity, jeweller, and assay centre details.
The gold purity (karat) of solid jewellery does not change over time. However, gold-plated jewellery will wear through to the base metal. If you notice discolouration, it suggests the plating has worn off — the piece was never solid gold.