A Guide to Hallmarks and Certifications in Gold and Diamond Jewellery

Buying gold or diamond jewellery is more than just a fashion decision—it's an investment in value, craftsmanship, and long-term trust. Whether you buy jewellery online or visit an online jewellery store, hallmarks and certifications play a critical role in ensuring you receive authentic, high-quality products. In today’s digital shopping environment, understanding these indicators is more important than ever.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about hallmarks, gold purity, diamond certifications, online verification tools, and smart buying practices. If you're planning to buy diamond jewellery online, this guide will help you shop with confidence and clarity.

1. Importance of Hallmarks & Certifications

Hallmarks and certifications serve as the foundation of trust in the jewellery industry. They are more than just stamps or documents—they are proof of authenticity and purity.

Here’s why they matter:

✔ Build trust and authenticity

When you purchase jewellery from a verified jeweller like Kisna, hallmarks and certifications ensure that the material used is exactly what is being claimed. They help you make confident choices—especially when shopping from an online jewellery store.

✔ Protect buyers from fraud

Counterfeit gold, misrepresented purity, and incorrect diamond grades are common challenges in the jewellery market. Hallmark and certification systems protect you from such risks, giving buyers peace of mind.

✔ Enhance long-term value

Jewellery with proper BIS hallmarking or IGI certification has better resale value. These markings prove the genuineness of the metal or gemstone, making your ornaments a more reliable investment.

2. Gold Hallmarking (BIS)

In India, gold hallmarking is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is a mandatory quality assurance process that ensures the purity of gold used in jewellery. 

Hallmarking eliminates doubts about metal content and ensures you get the exact karat value you pay for.

Key Components of BIS Hallmark

Every hallmarked gold jewellery piece contains these four marks:

1. BIS Logo
   This logo indicates that the jewellery has been tested and certified by BIS-recognized laboratories.
2. Purity / Fineness Grade
   Common grades include:
   • 18K (750 fineness)
   • 14K (585 fineness)
     This marking confirms the exact proportion of pure gold in the jewellery alloy.
3. Jeweller’s Identification Mark
   A unique code that identifies the licensed jeweller who manufactured or sold the item.
4. Assaying Centre Mark
   Indicates the certified testing center where the jewellery was tested for purity.

Why BIS Hallmark Matters

Gold purity directly influences price, durability, and long-term value. BIS hallmarking ensures:

• Purity authenticity
• Nationwide acceptance
• Transparent and standardised pricing
• Protection during resale or exchange

For anyone looking to buy jewellery online, checking BIS hallmarking is a must.

3. Diamond Certifications

Diamonds require a different system of verification—one that assesses the gemstone’s internal and external quality. This is where diamond certifications play a key role.

Diamond certification is like an identity card for the diamond. It lists the unique details determined through laboratory testing.

Trusted Diamond Grading Lab

When purchasing from reliable brands like Kisna, diamonds are graded by internationally recognized lab, including:

• IGI (International Gemological Institute)

These institutions evaluate diamonds using scientific instruments and strict standards.

4Cs of Diamond Evaluation

Diamond certifications are based on the world-renowned 4C grading system:

1. Cut – Determines brilliance and sparkle.
2. Colour – Ranges from colourless to tinted shades.
3. Clarity – Refers to internal and external inclusions.
4. Carat – Weight of the diamond, affecting size and price.

Proper certification ensures you receive exactly the diamond you’re paying for. To know more, explore Kisna’s detailed Diamond Certifications guide.

4. Difference Between Hallmark & Certification

Buyers often confuse gold hallmarking and diamond certification. While both validate quality, they serve different purposes.

Gold Hallmark (BIS)

• Certifies purity of gold.
• Mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India.
• Issued by a government-authorized body (BIS).

Diamond Certification

• Certifies quality of a diamond.
• Not mandatory, but highly recommended.
• Issued by private but internationally recognized labs (IGI).

Understanding this difference helps buyers make informed choices—especially when planning to buy diamond jewellery online.

5. Online Verification Tools

Technology has made verification easier and more transparent. Buyers can now check the authenticity of gold and diamonds from anywhere.

✔ Gold Verification: BIS Care App

The BIS Care app helps you:

• Verify HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number)
• Check jeweller credentials
• Confirm hallmark authenticity
• Validate purity grade

This ensures the gold piece you purchased is genuine and as per BIS standards.

✔ Diamond Verification: IGI

By entering the certificate number on the IGI website, you can:

• Verify diamond grading report
• View 4C details
• Check laser inscriptions
• Validate authenticity

These tools are extremely useful when making online purchases.

6. Key Buying Tips for Gold & Diamond Jewellery

Before you shop from any online jewellery store or retail outlet, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Always buy from certified jewellers

Authorized jewellers ensure purity, accurate grading, and transparency.

2. Check diamond certification

Ask for IGI certificates for diamond pieces. These are reliable and globally accepted.

3. Keep all documents safely

Store your purchase invoice, hallmarking details, and diamond certificates carefully for insurance or resale purposes.

4. Prefer reputed brands

Brands like Kisna follow strict standards and offer complete transparency when you buy jewellery online.

FAQs

1. Why is BIS Hallmarking important?

BIS hallmarking guarantees the purity of gold, protects from fraud, and ensures fair pricing.

2. Are diamond certifications mandatory?

Not mandatory, but essential for transparency and resale value.

3. Which diamond certification is the best?

GIA and IGI are globally recognized for accuracy and reliability.

4. What should I check when buying diamond jewellery?

Verify certification, inspect 4Cs, and ensure proper documentation.

5. Does certified jewellery have better resale value?

Yes, authenticated jewellery generally offers higher resale confidence and value.

7. Conclusion

Hallmarks and certifications are essential safeguards in gold and diamond purchases. They confirm authenticity, verify purity, and provide buyers with confidence—whether shopping in stores or planning to buy diamond jewellery online. Always check for BIS hallmarking, demand IGI/GIA diamond certificates, and use online verification tools before making a purchase. By understanding these quality markers, you can make a secure, trustworthy, and valuable jewellery investment that lasts a lifetime.