Ensuring the authenticity of jewellery is crucial to make sure you are getting what you pay for. Remember that due diligence is essential when making significant purchases, especially in the jewellery industry. If possible, educate yourself about the specific type of jewellery you are interested in to make informed decisions.
According to Jaydeep Banerjee, co-founder, Dvara SmartGold, here are ways to help and ensure the authenticity of the jewellery in India;
Banerjee said that in the past, the only way to determine the authenticity of jewellery was to melt and assess the residue of gold content. Instruments like the Karotometer (using X-rays to give an exact reading of the purity of gold) had disadvantages because firstly the Iridium mixed in gold was difficult to trace and secondly, X-rays could not penetrate below certain microns.
Also Read: Buying Gold From Jeweller? Must Ask These Questions To Get The Best Deal
The other method used popularly was acid testing (rubbing a portion of the jewellery on a stone and pouring nitric acid to test gold content; as the metal does not react to nitric acid, all other metals turn greenish, therefore detecting the presence of impurities), however, in this method too it was often difficult to assess the purity of links and joints because that portion was unreachable to rub over the stone.
Both methods above have inherent subjectivity associated with them, therefore never fail proof.
During present times, the best way is to check the Six-digit Alphanumeric Code, also called Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number, unique to each piece of jewellery.
Customers can use the BIS Care App to validate this alphanumeric code, which is available as a download on a smartphone.
The hallmark is often printed on jewellery clasps or the inner bands of rings. It is usually visible on the surface of coins and bullion.
Banerjee added that the stamp contains the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) logo, the purity — a number from 1 to 999 or 0K to 24K to determine purity, depending on what kind of grading system was used and a six-digit unique code for that piece of jewellery.
From April 1, 2023, it is mandatory to use the six-digit code.
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