Gold jewelry buyers often come up the terms like hallmark gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold, but many are unsure what they mean. These terms indicate purity, composition, and certification standards. A hallmark for gold ensures authenticity, while KDM refers to a specific soldering process. 916 hallmark gold represents 22K purity.
Identifying genuine gold requires checking the gold hallmark sign, which confirms its standardization. Understanding these classifications helps buyers make informed choices and avoid fake products. This webpage explains the differences, the significance of gold stamps and markings, and what to look for when purchasing gold.
| Hallmark gold is BIS-certified for purity, KDM gold uses cadmium soldering (now obsolete), and 916 gold is 22K (91.6% pure). Hallmark ensures authenticity, while 916 indicates purity. KDM was phased out due to health risks. Always check BIS hallmarking for genuine gold purchases in India. |
Difference Between Hallmarked, KDM & 916 Gold
Let us look at the difference between the hallmark, KDM & 916 Gold:
| Type | Hallmarked Gold | KDM Gold | 916 Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity Certification | Certified by BIS hallmark | Not certified by BIS | 22-carat gold hallmark (91.6% purity) |
| Gold Hallmark Sign | Features a gold hallmark symbol | Lacks a hallmark gold symbol | Marked with BIS 916 hallmark |
| Soldering Method | Uses approved metals for safety | Contains cadmium gold (cadmium soldering) | Safe alloying process |
| Health & Safety | Free from harmful elements | Cadmium exposure can be hazardous | Safe for everyday use |
| Common Use | Ensures resale value & reliability | Less preferred due to health concerns | Most common in gold jewelry |
| Legal Status | Government-approved | Banned due to cadmium risks | Widely accepted for ornaments |
Compare the purity of gold to estimate its value better. If you are looking for a gold loan, you can easily check the value of your gold & get an instant loan online.
| Quick Look: Gold purity is measured in karats (K), with 24K being the purest (99.9%). The fineness number (e.g., 916 for 22K, 750 for 18K, 585 for 14K) represents the gold content per 1,000 parts of the alloy. |
HallMarked Gold
Hallmarking is the process of certifying the purity and fineness of gold. Can you measure? Yes, It refers to gold that has been officially certified for purity and quality.
Authority & Certification
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for hallmarking gold and silver jewelry under the BIS Act.
- Gold is tested and certified in BIS-assaying centers, with over 330 centers across India.
Hallmark Components (Laser-engraved on gold items)
BIS Hallmark – Confirms that purity is verified in a licensed laboratory.
| Gold Karat (K) | Purity Percentage | Fineness Number |
|---|---|---|
| 22K | 91.6% Pure | 916 |
| 18K | 75.0% Pure | 750 |
| 14K | 58.5% Pure | 585 |
Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s Mark – Identifies the testing centre.
Jeweller’s Identification Mark – Confirms the retailer’s certification.
HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) – A 6-digit alphanumeric code for authenticity.
Purpose & Importance
- Ensures gold quality and authenticity, preventing fraud.
- Mandatory for gold jewelry in many countries, including India.
- Helps in reselling as hallmarked gold retains its value.
Hallmark Variants in India
- 958 (23 Carat Gold)
- 916 (22 Carat Gold)
- 875 (21 Carat Gold)
- 750 (18 Carat Gold)
Precaution While Buying Gold
- Always check for hallmarking when buying from local or small retailers.
- Ensure the BIS logo, purity mark, jeweler’s mark, and HUID are present.
KDM Gold
It is an alloy of 92% gold and 8% cadmium, originally used for soldering gold jewelry. The term KDM comes from “Kadmium” gold, referring to the cadmium content in the alloy.
- Purpose & Use
- Gold jewelry requires soldering, which joins different parts together.
- Traditional soldering used a gold-copper alloy (60% gold, 40% copper), which caused purity loss when melted.
- KDM soldering with cadmium prevented purity loss while allowing intricate designs.
- Issues & Ban
- Cadmium exposure was found to be hazardous to artisans, leading to serious health risks.
- Due to these concerns, BIS banned KDM gold, and it is no longer legally certified.
- Modern gold jewelry now uses zinc or other safe metals for soldering instead of cadmium.
- Current Status
- Even though KDM jewelry is no longer produced, the term is still widely used in the industry.
- KDM gold is not hallmarked, meaning its purity is not officially certified.
- Buyers should verify the BIS hallmark when purchasing gold instead of relying on the term “KDM”.
Get Personal Loan Online Up to ₹15 Lakhs
By entering your number, you're agreeing to Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy.
916 Gold
It refers to 22-karat gold, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% other metals like copper, silver, or zinc. The number 916 comes from the calculation 22K ÷ 24K = 91.6%.
- Composition & Properties
- The remaining 8.4% of the alloy consists of metals that enhance strength and durability.
- Pure 24K gold is too soft for jewelry, so 916 gold is preferred for intricate designs.
- The added metals may also slightly alter the color of gold (e.g., zinc & silver can create a greenish tint).
- Hallmarking & Identification
- BIS 916 hallmark gold ensures certified purity and authenticity.
- The hallmark typically includes:
- 916 or 22K stamp
- BIS logo
- Jeweller’s identification mark
- Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s mark
- Common Uses
- Jewellery & Ornaments – Preferred for its balance of purity and durability.
- Not primarily used for investment, as 24K gold is preferred for bullion and coins.
- 916 Hallmark Gold Price
- 916 hallmark gold price varies daily based on gold market rates.
- 916 KDM gold rate differs as KDM refers to an older soldering technique and is not BIS-certified.
Download the Buddy Loan App Now!
One solution to each of your financial needs at your fingertip.
Scan to download now
