Gold is one of the most precious metals in the world. It is not just a piece of jewellery but also an important investment.
However, a small mistake while buying gold can cost you a lot of money.
Many people think that checking the "916" hallmark is enough.
But experts say you need to check more than just that to ensure you're buying real, pure gold.
Today, we’ll share with you 5 important tips that you must remember every time you buy gold.
1. '916' is Good, But It's Not Everything
The number '916' means that the gold is 91.6% pure, which is known as 22-carat gold.
This is a good sign, but it’s not the only thing you should trust.
You should not buy gold by looking only at the 916 mark.
You must check other signs of purity and authenticity too, to make sure that you are getting what you are paying for.
2. Proper Hallmark Verification is a Must
Always check for the complete hallmark details on the jewellery.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), three things must be present on hallmarked gold:
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BIS Logo: Proof that the gold is certified by BIS standards.
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Purity Mark: Tells you whether the gold is 22K, 18K, or 14K.
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HUID Number: A 6-digit alphanumeric code that is unique for every gold item.
If these are missing, there is a high chance that the gold is fake or impure.
Therefore, make it a habit to carefully verify these details before buying.
3. Know the Resale and Exchange Value
Gold is valuable not only today but also in the future when you want to sell or exchange it.
Before purchasing, ask the jeweller:
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What is the current gold price?
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What resale value will you get later?
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Will the making charges be deducted during resale?
Understanding this will help you make a smarter decision and avoid any unpleasant surprises if you decide to sell or exchange the jewellery later.
4. Always Insist on a Full Invoice
No matter how trusted the jeweller is, always demand a proper bill.
The bill should mention:
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The type and purity of gold (22K/18K/14K)
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The hallmark number
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The making charges and GST details
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Complete information about the jeweller
Without a valid invoice, it will be very difficult to prove the authenticity of your gold later.
Also, when reselling, many jewellers insist on seeing the original bill.
5. Be Careful When Buying Stone-Studded Jewellery
If you are buying jewellery that has stones (like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc.), be extra cautious.
Sometimes, jewellers mix the stone’s weight with the gold’s weight and charge you a high price.
To avoid this:
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Ask them to weigh the gold and stones separately.
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Verify whether the stones are real or imitation.
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Understand that stones generally cost much less than gold.
Without careful checking, you could end up paying for cheap stones at the price of pure gold!
Conclusion
Gold buying is a big investment and a matter of trust.
While the 916 hallmark is important, it alone does not guarantee purity or authenticity.
Always double-check the BIS logo, purity mark, and HUID number.
Confirm the resale policies, take a proper bill, and be extra careful with stone-studded jewellery.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your gold purchase is safe, genuine, and a wise investment for the future.
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