When buying gold jewellery in India, you often come across terms like Hallmark Gold, KDM Gold, and 916 Gold. While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and represent different aspects of gold quality, purity, and safety. Understanding these differences can help you make a smarter and safer purchase.
Let’s explore what each of these terms means and how they compare.
What is Hallmark Gold?
Hallmark Gold refers to gold jewellery or gold items that carry an official certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This hallmark confirms that the gold meets the purity standards declared by the jeweller.
Hallmarking is a scientific testing and certification process conducted by authorised assay and hallmarking centres. It protects buyers from fraud and ensures transparency in gold transactions.
Key components of a BIS hallmark include:
- BIS logo – confirms certification
- Purity grade – such as 916 (22K), 750 (18K), or 585 (14K)
- Jeweller’s identification mark
- Assaying centre mark
- Year of marking (in newer hallmark formats)
In India, hallmarking is mandatory for selling gold jewellery. No matter how small the ornament is, a genuine hallmarked piece will always carry these markings.
Hallmark gold is considered the safest option for buyers because it offers:
- Guaranteed purity
- Higher resale value
- Better acceptance for gold loans
- Government-backed certification
What is KDM Gold?
KDM Gold stands for Kadmium Gold. It was widely used in India before hallmarking became popular.
In this process, cadmium was added to gold as a soldering metal to help artisans create intricate designs. Typically, KDM gold contained:
- 92% gold
- 8% cadmium and other metals
KDM gold was mostly available in 22 karat purity and was appreciated for its smooth finish and affordability.
However, cadmium is a toxic metal. Long-term exposure during jewellery manufacturing caused severe health problems for artisans, including lung damage and kidney disorders.
Because of these risks:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) banned the use of cadmium in jewellery making.
Today, modern jewellers use safe alternatives such as zinc and other advanced soldering metals.
Important points about KDM gold:
- Not BIS certified
- No longer legally approved
- Lower resale value
- Potentially unsafe production process
- Still found in old jewellery collections
916 Gold refers to the purity of gold, not a certification.
It means:
- 91.6% pure gold
- 8.4% alloy metals (such as copper, silver, or zinc)
Since pure gold (24K) is very soft, alloy metals are added to improve strength and durability. That is why 916 gold is also called 22-karat gold.
Why 916 gold is popular:
- Rich yellow colour
- Durable enough for daily wear
- Ideal for traditional and bridal jewellery
- High resale and loan value
- Widely accepted across India
Most hallmarked 22K jewellery will carry the “916” stamp along with the BIS logo.
How to Identify Hallmarked Gold
Before purchasing any gold jewellery, always check for:
- BIS logo
- Purity number (916 / 750 / 585)
- Jeweller’s mark
- Assay centre code
These marks are usually engraved on the inner side of rings, bangles, or pendants.
Buying from trusted jewellers further ensures authenticity and fair pricing.
Hallmark vs KDM vs 916 Gold – Comparison Table
| Feature | Hallmark Gold | KDM Gold | 916 Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
Gold certified by BIS |
Gold soldered using cadmium |
Gold with 91.6% purity |
|
Purity |
14K, 18K, 22K etc. |
Around 92% |
Exactly 91.6% |
|
Certification |
BIS certified |
Not certified |
Can be hallmarked |
|
Usage |
Standard jewellery & investment |
Traditional jewellery (old) |
Weddings & daily wear |
|
Health Safety |
Safe |
Harmful to artisans |
Safe |
|
Resale Value |
High |
Low |
High |
|
Legal Status |
Approved |
Banned |
Approved |
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice should depend on your purpose:
✔ For investment or resale:
Choose hallmarked 916 gold.
It guarantees purity, fetches better value, and is accepted by banks and financial institutions for gold loans.
✔ For gifting:
Hallmarked gold is the best option due to authenticity and trust.
✔ For daily wear jewellery:
916 hallmarked gold offers durability and beauty.
❌ Avoid:
KDM gold for new purchases, as it is outdated, uncertified, and unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does BIS hallmark mean on gold jewellery?
BIS hallmark means the gold jewellery is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards for purity and authenticity. It confirms that the gold content mentioned by the jeweller is accurate and tested by an authorised assay centre.
2. Is hallmarked gold always pure?
Hallmarked gold is not 100% pure, but it is accurately certified for its stated purity. For example:
- 916 = 22K (91.6% pure)
- 750 = 18K (75% pure)
- 585 = 14K (58.5% pure)
3. Is KDM gold legal in India?
No. KDM gold is banned in India because cadmium used in the soldering process is toxic and harmful to artisans. BIS does not certify KDM gold anymore.
4. Which is better: KDM gold or hallmarked gold?
Hallmarked gold is better because it is government-certified, safer, legally approved, and offers higher resale value. KDM gold is outdated and not certified.
5. What does 916 mean on gold jewellery?
916 means the jewellery contains 91.6% pure gold, which is equivalent to 22-karat gold. The remaining 8.4% consists of other metals for strength.
