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Gold is considered a symbol of financial stability and is ingrained in Indian social customs, making it more than just a precious metal. Purchasing gold is still a common and sentimental investment, whether for savings, weddings, or festivals. Its purity, however, is what gives it its true worth. Since impure gold can result in financial losses, experts advise making sure the gold is authentic before purchasing.

The official Seal Of Purity Is The BIS Hallmark

In India, BIS hallmarking is the most reliable method of determining the purity of gold. To guarantee that the gold you are purchasing is authentic, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) instituted mandatory hallmarking in June 2021.

Each gold item bearing the BIS hallmark has three identifiers

- The triangular BIS logo

- Carat purity or fineness (such as 22K or 916),

- Jeweler's mark of identification

Customers must be on the lookout for shopkeepers who might abuse or falsify these markings, though. Any gold item with ambiguous or insufficient hallmark information should be avoided, according to experts.

Gold Purity Mesures In Carat

24K gold is 99.9% pure, but it’s too soft for jewellery—mainly used for coins and bars.

22K gold is 91.6% pure and ideal for jewellery, as it is alloyed with other metals like silver or copper for strength.

Knowing the carat helps buyers choose the right type of gold for their purpose—be it for wearing or investing.

Home Methods to Check Gold Purity

If you're feeling uncertain about your gold, there are a few easy home tests you can try to confirm its authenticity.

Vinegar Test: Just drop a bit of vinegar on the gold. If it’s real, it won’t change colour, but fake gold might darken.

Water Test: Place the item in a bowl of water. Real gold is dense and will sink right to the bottom.

Ceramic Test: Rub the gold against an unglazed ceramic tile. If you see a gold streak, it’s the real deal; a black mark means it’s likely fake.

Magnet Test: Since real gold isn’t magnetic, if it sticks to a magnet, it’s probably not genuine.

Bite Test: Real gold is soft, so gently biting it might leave a mark.

Don't compromise with purity

When you're in the market for gold, don’t let design or price be your only focus. Always make purity your top priority. Look for the BIS hallmark, check the carat, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to do those simple home tests. These little steps can safeguard your investment and help ensure you’re getting the real thing.