Hallmarking in Silver Jewellery: Why It Matters & How to Check

Silver jewellery that is hallmark stamped provides a guarantee- attesting to the purity of the metal and authenticity for the buyer of the item. Hallmark stamping protects against overmarking of the metal content, misrepresentation, and supports the resale value and the right of the seller to legal recourse in a dispute about the item. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides hallmarking in India, with necessary information that enables consumers to verify the purity and origin of their jewellery quickly.

What Hallmarking Means

A hallmark is an official stamp applied after independent testing by an authorised center to confirm whether an item is in fact made of precious metals all the while attesting to the amount of said metal present in the item.

For silver, the most common standard is 92.5% purity (sterling silver), noted as “925,” with added, typically, copper for strength.

National systems define what appears in the mark, such as purity/fineness, assay center ID, jeweller’s ID, and sometimes a year/code, enabling traceability.

Why It Matters

• Credibility: A hallmark stamp guarantees that the claimed purity of the metal matches the metal itself, suppressing the possibility for fraud and misrepresentation.

• Trust: Through standardising  marks, all consumers can speak the same language, and thus have confidence in the product regardless of whether they are purchasing it online or in-store

• Resale and exchange: Hallmarked pieces generally hold better resale value since buyers and appraisers can rely on verified fineness.

BIS and Indian context

BIS oversees hallmarking for jewellery in India and sets the standards used for gold and silver.

Typical BIS marks include the BIS logo, a purity grade/fineness (e.g., 925 for silver), the assay/hallmarking centre ID, and the jeweller’s identification mark.

Digital verification has expanded with HUID-based hallmarking and app-based checks that let you confirm a piece’s details and report discrepancies.

How To Check On A Piece

Look in discreet spots: Inside ring shanks, behind pendants, on bracelet or chain clasps; hallmarks are small and placed where they don’t disrupt design. Use a 10mm loupe or magnifier to closely examine your silver piece(s) to determine the sterling silver content. The stamp “925” represents Sterling Silver. A clearly struck number indicates that it has been officially tested and cares for 100% of its contents. 

Once you have found the number “925”, you will want to look for the entire set of identification marks; National Mark (BIS in India), Assay/Hallmarking Centre ID, and Jeweller ID; if you find the marks to be inconsistent or blurrily printed, you may have found an indication of poor quality workmanship. 

Verify your findings digitally. In India, you can check the purity and centre details by entering the HUID on the BIS CARE APP or by entering the Jeweller’s registration number; you can also file a complaint through the app if you find that the information does not match up. 

Other Tips when Purchasing Silver Jewellery:

• Buy from registered sellers: Before making any purchases (especially online), you should verify that the jeweller is registered within his/her applicable National body (BIS - India). 

• Match the paperwork: When you buy an item from a jeweller, ask him/her for an invoice which specifies the weight, purity of the metal, and if the item is hallmarked; then you should compare the details to the marking on the jewellery. 

• Caution with light-weight items: While several regulations do allow special treatment for ultra-light items or those made by any traditional decorative processes, in the event the item is not hallmarked, it is always good practice to request clarification regarding its purity and manufacturer. 

• Given the nature of the silver finish, the rigorous stamping of the hallmark also indicates a more suitable manufacturing environment for a reputable jeweller, as they must have performed and received independent or accredited testing as part of their routine quality assurance program prior to being registered with their respective National authority.

Common hallmark elements on silver

• Purity/fineness: “925” for sterling silver (92.5% purity), sometimes expressed as a three-digit fineness without the percent sign.

• Assay/centre mark: Identifies the authorised testing facility responsible for verifying purity.

• Jeweller/maker ID: A unique code linking the piece to a registered manufacturer or seller.

• National standard mark: For India, the BIS symbol indicates compliance with Indian standards.

• Year/date code (where used): Adds another layer of traceability for production and testing timelines.

Red flags to watch

• Only “925” with nothing else: While “925” is common, a solitary fineness stamp without any maker or assay identifiers can be easier to counterfeit; seek fuller hallmark sets where applicable.

• Irregular stamps: Misaligned, shallow, or smeared marks, or mismatched fonts across symbols, may signal improper marking.

• No digital trace: In contexts where digital verification is available (e.g., HUID in India), inability to confirm a piece’s details should prompt caution.

Care, value, and authenticity

Authentic sterling silver tarnishes slowly and can be maintained with gentle polishing and distance from moisture; hallmarking doesn’t prevent tarnish but assures the alloy’s claimed fineness.

For brand value and resale, hallmarking supports transparent appraisals and smoother exchange programs because purity is pre-verified.

For gifting and special occasions, a hallmarked piece offers peace of mind and long-term confidence for the recipient.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

Find the “925” fineness and accompanying official marks (BIS logo, assay centre, jeweller ID).

Verify on the BIS Care app where applicable; confirm the jeweller’s registration and the piece’s HUID.

Cross-check invoice details with the hallmark and keep records for service, exchange, or resale.

If anything doesn’t align, ask the seller to clarify or choose another piece from a registered, transparent brand.