Is BIS hallmarking mandatory or voluntary?

Currently voluntary (as of September 1, 2025). BIS will evaluate its effectiveness for 6 months and then decide whether to make it mandatory. For gold, hallmarking is already mandatory.

Will BIS hallmarking become mandatory in the future?

Very likely. The government plans to evaluate the voluntary system for 6 months and then consider making it mandatory, just like gold hallmarking.

Which is best—925 or 999 silver?

925 Sterling is better for jewelry (more durable, looks beautiful, affordable), while 999 Fine Silver is better for investment and bullion (too soft for daily wear jewelry).

Is 925 sterling silver pure?

No, it's 92.5% pure. The remaining 7.5% is alloy (usually copper) that adds strength. This is why it doesn't bend or scratch easily like 999 pure silver would.

Can I wear 925 silver every day?

Yes! 925 sterling silver is specifically designed for everyday wear. The 7.5% alloy makes it durable enough to handle daily use while maintaining beautiful shine.

How do I verify a BIS hallmark?

Download the BIS Care App, enter the 6-digit HUID code from your jewelry, and the app will instantly show all details from the BIS database.

Is 925 silver nickel-free?

Most certified 925 sterling silver is nickel-free. BIS-hallmarked pieces use copper or other skin-safe alloys. Always verify on your purchase bill.

Can I get hallmark removed?

You can, but hallmark proves authenticity and increases value. Removing it only raises suspicion and reduces resale value.

Understanding BIS Hallmark

Your guide to authentic silver jewelry in India

Expert authentication, guaranteed purity, complete transparency. Everything you need to know about BIS hallmarking for 925 sterling silver jewelry.

What is BIS Hallmark?

The Definition

BIS Hallmark is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India. It verifies the purity and authenticity of precious metal jewelry—gold, silver, and platinum.

Think of it as a "purity guarantee" engraved on your jewelry. When you see a BIS hallmark, it means:

✅ The jewelry has been tested by an official laboratory
✅ The purity grade matches the claim
✅ The jeweler is registered with BIS
✅ You're buying from a legitimate, verified source

Why It Matters

India's silver jewelry market is worth thousands of crores annually. Without hallmarking, buyers often face fraud. BIS hallmarking solves this by creating a transparent, regulated market where both buyers and jewelers are protected.

Evolution of BIS Hallmarking

Gold Hallmarking (2021 - Present)

Gold hallmarking became mandatory in June 2021. Since then:

• 44.28 crore gold items hallmarked
• 400,000+ pieces hallmarked daily
• 194,000+ jewelers registered
• 1,622+ Assaying Centres nationwide

Silver Hallmarking (September 1, 2025)

BIS introduced voluntary hallmarking for silver jewelry with new HUID system.

• Voluntary for 6 months (evaluation period)
• Potential mandatory status after review
• 230+ AHCs certified
• 32 lakh+ articles hallmarked

Silver Purity Grades (IS 2112:2025)

Grade	Purity	Name	Best For
999	99.9%	Fine Silver	Investment, bullion, coins
990	99.0%	High Purity Silver	Premium artifacts
970	97.0%	Traditional Silverware	Ceremonial items, utensils
925	92.5%	Sterling Silver	Everyday jewelry, fashion
958	95.8%	Newly Added (2025)	Premium jewelry
900	90.0%	Coin Silver	Decorative items

Why 925 Sterling Silver is Most Popular

✅ Durable - 7.5% alloy adds strength for daily wear
✅ Beautiful - 92.5% silver gives excellent lustre
✅ Affordable - Less expensive than 999 pure silver
✅ Hypoallergenic - Usually nickel-free (skin-friendly)
✅ Globally Recognized - Accepted worldwide

The New HUID System (2025)

What is HUID?

HUID = Hallmark Unique Identification

A 6-digit alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies every hallmarked piece of jewelry. It's India's answer to global traceability standards.

Example HUID: AB12345 or XY98765

Benefits of HUID System

✅ Better Traceability - Each item tracked individually
✅ Fraud Prevention - Unique codes prevent counterfeiting
✅ Digital Verification - Easy to check via BIS Care App
✅ Consumer Empowerment - Direct access to item history
✅ Global Alignment - Matches international standards

How to Verify BIS Hallmark

Download the App

Search "BIS Care" on Play Store or App Store

Create Account

Navigate to Verify

Tap "Verify Hallmark" or "Verify HUID"

Enter HUID Code

Input the 6-digit code from your jewelry

Tap Search

App connects to BIS database instantly

Review Details

See purity, date, AHC name, jeweler info

Compare & Verify

Match details with your purchase bill

Buying Checklist

✅ Do's

Ask for BIS hallmarked jewelry only
Request jeweller's BIS registration certificate
Ask about purity grade
Verify HUID is engraved clearly
Get detailed invoice with hallmark details

❌ Red Flags

No visible hallmark on jewelry
Jeweller refuses to show BIS registration
Vague purity claims ("pure silver")
HUID missing on piece
Price unusually low for claimed purity

Benefits of BIS Hallmarking

For Consumers

✓ Quality Assurance
✓ Investment Protection
✓ Legal Recourse
✓ Price Transparency
✓ Better Resale Value
✓ Peace of Mind

For Jewellers

✓ Customer Trust
✓ Market Differentiation
✓ Export Benefits
✓ Legal Compliance
✓ Reduced Disputes
✓ Business Growth

For India

✓ Global Competitiveness
✓ Fraud Reduction
✓ Market Transparency
✓ Export Boost
✓ Economic Growth
✓ Consumer Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

For more care and maintenance tips, visit our Complete Silver Care Guide.

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