Hallmarking certifies the purity of precious metal jewellery. In India, hallmarking of gold jewellery is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and each hallmarked piece carries a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification, or HUID.
For jewellers, HUID brings transparency for customers and a new record-keeping responsibility. This article explains the basics and how software helps. It is general information; always check the latest BIS rules and notifications.
What a Hallmark Contains
A gold hallmark includes:
- The BIS standard mark.
- The purity in carat and fineness, for example 22K916.
- The six-digit HUID unique to that piece.
Customers can verify a HUID using BIS's official mobile app, which shows details of the hallmarked article.
Who It Applies To
Mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery was introduced in phases across notified districts, and selling gold jewellery with the six-digit HUID became standard for covered jewellers. Some exemptions exist, such as for very small articles and for jewellers below a turnover threshold. BIS has also introduced HUID-based hallmarking for silver. Rules change, so check BIS for the current scope.
How Hallmarking Works for a Jeweller
- The jeweller registers with BIS.
- Jewellery is sent to a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC).
- The AHC tests purity and marks each piece with the hallmark and HUID.
- The jeweller receives the pieces back with their HUIDs.
What to Record in Your Software
For every hallmarked piece, store:
- The HUID number.
- Purity and fineness as marked.
- Gross weight, net weight and stone weight.
- The AHC and date of hallmarking.
- The internal tag or barcode linked to the HUID.
- Hallmarking charges, if you track them.
With this linked to each tag, staff can find any piece by HUID and show customers its details instantly.
Why It Matters at the Counter
- Customers increasingly ask to see the HUID and verify it.
- Accurate records prevent mix-ups when similar pieces look alike.
- Showing HUID and purity on the invoice builds confidence.
- Records help resolve exchange or buy-back questions later.
"Trust is the real currency of a jewellery business. Hallmarking makes it visible."
Managing the Hallmarking Process
Good software also helps you track items sent for hallmarking:
- Pieces issued to the AHC, with weights.
- Pieces received back, with HUIDs entered.
- Any pieces rejected or returned for rework.
- Pending items by date.
This prevents stock gaps when large batches are out for hallmarking.
Old Gold and Unhallmarked Stock
Old jewellery bought from customers may not carry a HUID. Keep it clearly separated in your records, and track it through melting or refining. Confirm with your adviser how such stock should be handled under current rules.
Common Mistakes
- Entering HUIDs in a separate spreadsheet instead of against the item tag.
- Typing errors in HUID numbers.
- Not updating records when pieces are exchanged or returned.
- Not training counter staff to explain HUID to customers.
ITELLIC Jewellery Management System
ITELLIC's jewellery software stores HUID numbers and hallmark details against every tagged piece, alongside weight, purity, stones and making charges, so you have full traceability from stock to invoice. Book a free demo to see it in action.
Jewellery Management System
Built for the way jewellers actually work.
