What karat means
Pure gold is soft. For jewellery it is mixed with other metals such as copper, silver and zinc to make it harder. The karat number says how much of the piece is gold, out of 24 parts; the fineness number says the same in parts per thousand.
| Grade | Fineness (parts per 1,000) | Gold content | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 995 | 99.5% | Coins and bars; rarely jewellery, as it is too soft |
| 23K | 958 | 95.8% | Some traditional jewellery |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | Most Indian jewellery |
| 20K | 833 | 83.3% | Some jewellery |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% | Stone-set and lighter jewellery |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Light, hard-wearing jewellery |
The three marks of a hallmark
- The BIS standard mark (the triangle logo).
- The purity grade, for example 22K916.
- A six-character alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) code, unique to that piece. HUID-based marking began on 1 July 2021 and replaced the older four-mark system.
How to check a HUID
- Install the BIS CARE app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Choose “Verify HUID” and enter the six characters engraved on the piece.
- The app shows the jeweller’s registration, the assaying and hallmarking centre, the purity and the type of article. If these do not match the piece or the bill, contact BIS through the same app.
Where hallmarking is mandatory
Hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts is mandatory in the districts notified in the government’s hallmarking orders. The sixth phase came into force in March 2026 and brought the total to 380 districts. Outside these districts, or for exempt items, a piece may be sold without a hallmark; ask for one.
How purity changes the price
The gold value of a piece is its weight times the rate for its purity. Rates for lower karats are close to the 24K rate multiplied by the fineness: 22K about 0.916 of the 24K rate, 18K about 0.75. Making charges and 3% GST come on top, as shown in our gold price guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 24K gold 100% pure?
- No metal is fully pure in practice. BIS hallmarks 24K jewellery at 995 fineness (99.5%); investment bars are commonly 999 (99.9%).
- Why is most Indian jewellery 22K?
- At 91.6% gold it keeps a deep yellow colour while being hard enough for daily wear and fine work.
- What should a gold jewellery bill show?
- The weight, the purity, the rate per gram, the making charges, the HUID of each hallmarked piece and GST, as separate items.
- Is this page investment advice?
- No. It explains how prices, purity and taxes work, with sources. It does not recommend buying, selling or holding any product. See our Financial Disclaimer.
Sources
- BIS: hallmarking FAQs
- All India Radio: 6th phase of mandatory gold hallmarking (12 March 2026)
- CBIC: GST rates for goods
This guide explains rules and prices for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice. Duty and tax rules change; check the official source before you act. See our Financial Disclaimer and Corrections Policy.