What is a Silver Hallmark?
A silver hallmark is an official mark stamped on silver articles that certifies their purity and authenticity. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for hallmarking precious metals, including silver.
Hallmarking was made mandatory for gold jewelry in 2021, and silver hallmarking is increasingly important for consumer protection.
Understanding BIS Silver Hallmarks
Components of a BIS Hallmark
A genuine BIS silver hallmark consists of three main components:
- BIS Logo - The triangular BIS standard mark
- Purity Grade - Indicates the silver content (e.g., 999, 925, 900)
- HUID - Hallmark Unique Identification Number (6-digit alphanumeric code)
Silver Purity Grades in India
| Grade | Silver Content | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% pure | Coins, bars, investment |
| 990 | 99.0% pure | High-quality articles |
| 970 | 97.0% pure | Premium jewelry |
| 925 | 92.5% pure | Sterling silver jewelry |
| 900 | 90.0% pure | Traditional jewelry |
| 835 | 83.5% pure | Some European silver |
How to Verify BIS Hallmarked Silver
Step 1: Locate the Hallmark
The hallmark is usually stamped on:
- Inside of rings and bangles
- Back of pendants and earrings
- Handle or base of utensils
- Edge of silver bars and coins
Step 2: Check for All Components
Ensure you can see:
- The BIS triangle logo
- The purity number (999, 925, etc.)
- The HUID code
Step 3: Verify Online
You can verify the HUID online:
- Visit the BIS HUID verification portal
- Enter the 6-digit HUID code
- View the article details and jeweler information
Note: The BIS verification portal is available at bis.gov.in
Common Hallmark Frauds to Avoid
Fake Hallmarks
Watch out for:
- Blurry or poorly stamped marks
- Missing HUID codes
- Incorrect logo designs
- Marks that can be easily rubbed off
Silver-Plated Items
Some sellers may claim silver-plated items are solid silver. Check for:
- "Silver Plated" or "EPNS" markings (not real silver)
- Unusually low prices
- Thin, lightweight feel
German Silver Warning
German Silver is NOT real silver. Despite the name, German Silver (also called Nickel Silver) contains:
- Copper: 60%
- Nickel: 20%
- Zinc: 20%
- Silver: 0%
Always ask for BIS hallmark to avoid this common confusion.
Benefits of Buying Hallmarked Silver
- Guaranteed Purity - You know exactly what you're paying for
- Fair Pricing - Price is based on actual silver content
- Resale Value - Easier to sell with verified purity
- Consumer Protection - Legal recourse if hallmark is fake
- Quality Assurance - Tested by authorized centers
Where to Buy Hallmarked Silver
Authorized Retailers
Buy from BIS-certified jewelers who:
- Display their BIS license prominently
- Provide proper invoices with HUID
- Offer exchange and buyback policies
What to Ask Before Buying
- Is this article BIS hallmarked?
- Can I see the hallmark clearly?
- What is the HUID number?
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Hallmarking Centers in India
BIS has authorized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) across India. Major cities with multiple centers include:
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bangalore
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
Silver Hallmark vs Gold Hallmark
| Feature | Silver Hallmark | Gold Hallmark |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Not yet | Yes (since 2021) |
| Common Purities | 999, 925, 900 | 999, 916, 750 |
| Color of Metal | White/Grey | Yellow/White/Rose |
| Verification | Same BIS portal | Same BIS portal |
Conclusion
Always insist on BIS hallmarked silver when making purchases. The small effort of verifying the hallmark can save you from paying for lower-quality or fake silver. Use our Silver Price Calculator to calculate the fair price based on the hallmarked purity.
Need to calculate the price of hallmarked silver? Use our Silver Calculator and select the appropriate purity grade.