Selling Gold in Hyderabad? Understand Hallmarks to Get the Right Price
LIjo James
Selling gold in Hyderabad can feel stressful—especially if you’re unsure whether your jewellery is as pure as you believe. Many sellers worry about one thing above all else: “Am I getting the right price for my gold?”
This is where gold hallmarks play a crucial role. These tiny stamps on your jewellery are not decorative. They are your proof of purity, authenticity, and fair value—especially when dealing with professional gold buyers in Hyderabad.
This guide explains what gold hallmarking is, why it matters before selling, and how Hyderabad sellers can use it to protect their value.
What Is Gold Hallmarking?
Gold hallmarking is an official certification that verifies the purity and genuineness of gold jewellery. In India, this process is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Since June 2021, hallmarking has been mandatory for most 14K, 18K, and 22K gold jewellery sold in the country. (PIB) This regulation was introduced to protect consumers from purity misrepresentation and fraud.
For someone planning to sell gold, a BIS hallmark removes ambiguity. It tells buyers exactly what they are evaluating, reducing disputes and delays during valuation.
Key Hallmark Symbols to Look For on Your Gold
Before approaching a gold buyer in Hyderabad, take a moment to check your jewellery for these BIS hallmark components:
-
BIS Logo
A small triangular symbol confirming government certification. -
Purity / Fineness Mark
This number shows how much pure gold is present:-
916 – 22 Karat (91.6% purity)
-
750 – 18 Karat (75% purity)
-
585 – 14 Karat (58.5% purity)
-
-
Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) Number
A 6-digit alphanumeric code unique to each jewellery piece, ensuring traceability. -
Assaying & Hallmarking Centre Mark
Identifies the BIS-approved centre that tested the gold.
These marks together function as a reliability label for your jewellery.
Why Hallmarks Matter When Selling Gold in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a large and competitive gold-buying market. While this gives sellers more choice, it also means price differences depend heavily on purity confidence.
Ensures Authenticity and Purity
Hallmarks confirm that your gold meets declared purity standards. This removes guesswork and protects sellers from incorrect valuation.
Helps You Get a Fairer Price
Gold buyers rely on hallmark information to assess purity quickly. Hallmarked jewellery often receives better offers, while non-hallmarked gold may be discounted to cover testing risk. Industry estimates indicate that uncertified gold can fetch 5–15% less, depending on buyer confidence and testing outcomes.
Offers Consumer Protection
BIS hallmarking acts as a safeguard against fraud by ensuring jewellery adheres to national standards. This becomes especially important when selling older or high-value pieces.
What If Your Gold Is Not Hallmarked?
Not all gold carries a hallmark—especially inherited jewellery or older ornaments. While such gold can still be sold, buyers will usually perform a gold purity test to determine its actual gold content.
Because testing introduces uncertainty and cost, offers for non-hallmarked gold may be slightly lower. To avoid surprises, always ensure that purity testing is done transparently and in your presence. At IMG Gold Buyers, we take special care to ensure that all testings are done in front of the customer
Where to Find the Hallmark on Jewellery
Hallmarks are usually placed in discreet locations, such as:
-
Inside rings
-
On necklace clasps
-
On the inner surface of bangles or chains
Using a magnifying glass can help you spot faint markings that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Common Mistakes Sellers Should Avoid
-
Selling gold without checking hallmark details
-
Accepting the first quote without comparison
-
Not asking how purity is tested
-
Ignoring current gold rates
Being informed helps you stay in control of the selling process.
Actionable Tip Before You Sell
Before visiting any gold buyer:
-
Locate the hallmark on your jewellery
-
Note the purity number (916, 750, etc.)
-
Ask for transparent testing and weight measurement
-
Compare offers from multiple buyers
Understanding hallmark details helps you negotiate confidently and protect your gold’s true value.
Conclusion
A gold hallmark may be tiny, but its impact is powerful. It confirms purity, protects you from fraud, and helps you receive a fair price—especially in a competitive market like Hyderabad.
If you’re planning to sell gold, start with the hallmark. It’s your strongest tool for transparency, confidence, and value.
FAQs
Yes, you can. However, non-hallmarked gold must undergo purity testing, and buyers may offer a lower price to account for risk and testing costs.
A BIS hallmark certifies that the jewellery meets declared purity standards at the time of testing. While it greatly reduces doubt, buyers may still perform basic verification during resale.
HUID is a unique identification number assigned to each hallmarked jewellery piece. It improves traceability and helps prevent counterfeit hallmarking.
In most cases, yes. Certified purity builds trust and speeds up valuation, which often results in better offers compared to non-hallmarked jewellery.
Hallmarks can be verified through BIS-recognised assaying centres or via the BIS Care app for added assurance.