Indian weddings are unique and colourful celebrations. From the multiple henna designs on the bride’s hands to the roaring beats of the drums, a variety of cuisines & traditional music define different cultures. Above all, every part of an Indian wedding is filled with meaning and joy. Families come together for these joyous occasions, sharing mouth-wateringdishes and sweets of different varieties and tastes. There is a sense of excitement in the air as the couple exchanges flower garlands to mark the love-filled moments. Indian weddings are not just a ceremony; they are a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and community.
As the wedding season approaches, an array of celebrations fills the air with joy and anticipation. It’s a time when families come together to create lifelong memories, often marked by the exchange of beautiful jewellery. However, with this increase in jewellery purchases, consumers must ensure the authenticity and quality of the precious metals they buy. Hallmarking and the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system play vital roles in protecting consumers and ensuring they receive genuine, high-quality jewellery.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is a certification process that validates the purity of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. In India, the practice of hallmarking has evolved significantly over the years. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced mandatory hallmarking to safeguard consumers and uphold quality standards in the jewellery industry. The hallmarking process involves several steps. Initially, the jewellery is assessed for its metal purity at a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. Once verified, the jewellery is stamped with specific marks indicating its purity, the hallmarking centre’s identification mark, and the jeweller’s identification mark. These marks are a testament to the jewellery’s compliance with established standards.
Significance of Hallmarking
Hallmarking serves as a critical safeguard for consumers, ensuring that the precious metals they purchase meet the declared purity standards. By providing an official guarantee of quality, hallmarking protects consumers from fraudulent practices, such as the sale of counterfeit or under-karated jewellery. Moreover, it helps maintain consistent quality standards across the industry, fostering trust and transparency between jewellers and buyers. “Hallmarking not only assures consumers of the purity of their jewellery but also strengthens the credibility of the jewellery industry. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
What is HUID?
From April 1, 2023, the sale of gold jewellery without a 6-digit HUID will not be allowed in India. Both 4-digit and 6-digit HUIDs were previously used, but only 6-digit will be permitted going forward. The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is a distinctive alphanumeric code assigned to each piece of hallmarked jewellery. Introduced by the BIS, HUID enhances the traceability and authenticity of jewellery. Each HUID is unique and serves as a digital fingerprint for the item, making it easier for consumers and authorities to track and verify the jewellery’s origins and compliance with quality standards.
The HUID system works by linking each piece of jewellery to its detailed hallmarking information stored in a centralised database. Consumers can access this information by scanning the HUID or entering it into the BIS Care App, a mobile application designed to facilitate easy verification.
Benefits of HUID for Consumers and Jewellers
For consumers, HUID offers peace of mind, knowing that their jewellery is genuine and meets the required standards. It deters counterfeiters by making it challenging to pass off fake or substandard items as authentic. For jewellers, HUID provides a mechanism to demonstrate their commitment to quality and integrity, enhancing their reputation and customer trust.
Preventing Jewellery Scams with HUID
Wedding season often sees a surge in jewellery scams, with unscrupulous sellers attempting to exploit the high demand by peddling fake or under-karated jewellery. Such practices can leave consumers with significant financial losses and emotional distress.
Scammers may employ various tactics, such as selling jewellery with counterfeit hallmarks or manipulating the weight and purity of the metals. However, checking for HUID can help consumers avoid these pitfalls. By verifying the HUID through the BIS Care App, buyers can confirm the authenticity and purity of their jewellery, ensuring they are not deceived.
BIS Care App
The BIS Care App is a user-friendly mobile application developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards to help consumers verify the authenticity of hallmarked jewellery. The app allows users to scan the HUID or manually enter it, providing instant access to the jewellery’s hallmarking details.
Using the BIS Care App is straightforward. After downloading and installing the app, consumers can scan the HUID on their jewellery. The app will display detailed information about the piece, including its purity and hallmarking centre. Additionally, the app enables users to report any discrepancies or suspected fake jewellery directly to the BIS, facilitating prompt action against fraudulent practices.
Wrap Up
To sum up, hallmarking and the HUID system are indispensable tools for protecting consumers during the peak wedding season. By ensuring the purity and authenticity of precious metals, these measures help maintain high standards in the jewellery industry and prevent fraudulent activities.
We encourage consumers to use the BIS Care App to verify their jewellery purchases and to always buy hallmarked jewellery from trusted jewellers. As Suresh Gupta from the Consumer Protection Group advises, “Informed consumers are empowered consumers. By checking for hallmarking and HUID, you not only protect your investment but also contribute to a fair and transparent market.”
This wedding season, let’s celebrate with the assurance that our cherished jewellery is as genuine and precious as the moments it represents.
(Author is CSIR-NET, DST-INSPIRE fellow & Gold Medallist, School of Physical, Chemical & Applied Sciences (SPCAS). Pondicherry University)
