When it finally comes time to consider buying jewellery, the first consideration that arises in the mind of the consumer is the purity of the precious metal, while recognizing that the metal going to be used is authentic. So what do you do to know that the jewellery you’re purchasing is truly made of the metal it claims to be when it comes to gold, silver and platinum? This is where the hallmark unique identification (HUID) for jewellery comes in.
The Hallmarking scheme is the scheme that was started in India way back by the government to attain the consumers’ trust and to maintain the quality of the product with the purity of their jewelleries. This blog explains what Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is, why it is important, and how to check the purity of jewellery.
What is Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID)?
Curious about what this HUID is. That will also be understood quickly with a little explanation. HUID is Hallmark Unique Identification, which means it is a unique code, and it is different from every metal and every piece of jewellery that has been hallmarked by a BIS-approved center. The HUID is a very vital part of the initiative that the government has taken to ensure that the purity and quality of jewellery sold in India are as per commitment.
In its simplest form, it is a traceable code that guarantees the genuineness and purity of the metal used in jewellery making. It acts as a seal of trust, therefore assuring the consumer that the product being bought possesses a strict quality check.
The HUID is a unique number and is neither forged nor altered, therefore remaining with the piece of jewellery throughout its life cycle. It is a significant step toward transparent consumer protection and the eradication of spurious trade in the jewellery industry.
Importance of HUID
Consumer Protection: HUID protects the consumer from interference with any metal purity that the consumer pays for. The trust of the consumers is therefore enhanced, reducing the risk of fraud and changes concerning the standard purity of the metal.
- Being fair and transparent: Hallmarking ensures that only genuine jewellers can certify the purity of a jewellery product, thus making the entire process open.
- Tracing ability: The HUID can backtrack the exact jeweller or hallmarking body in the event of any legal measures taken regarding the purity of a jewellery item.
- Legal: The Hallmarking has become compulsory in India as regards the gold jewellery and ornaments, thus ensuring market control and safeguarding consumer interests.
How do I check the purity of jewellry with HUID?
To check for the authenticity of your jewellery, apart from the following steps for checking the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) of your jewellery:
- Locate the Hallmark Stamp:
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- The first thing you want to do for purity checks is locate the hallmark stamp on your jewellery. Hallmark is an identification process among gold, silver, or platinum jewellery that is internationally accepted; it is seen as a little logo or stamp on the jewellery piece.
- The stamp will carry several things, such as BIS, the purity of the metal (for example, 22K for 22-carat gold), the unique mark of the jeweller, and the HUID.
- Visit the BIS Hallmarking Website:
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- Go to the official Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website. In the consumer segment, it has a very good place dedicated to authentication of the jewellery using HUID.
- Put the HUID code mentioned on your jewellery in the search tool so that you can get the details about the purity of the metal, jeweller, and hallmarking center that certified the specific piece.
- Use the BIS Hallmarking Mobile App:
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- Another option for BIS is their new mobile application named BIS Care to keep the hallmarking information easily available. With it, you can scan the HUID QR code to get more information, or you can input your HUID manually.
- The user-friendly nature of the app allows it to quickly provide results, making it a wonderful tool for customers to verify that which they purchase in real time.
- Authenticate through the Jeweller:
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- You could also call the jeweller who sold you the piece and ask them to authenticate the piece using the HUID. Reputable jewellers would have no issues verifying the authenticity and purity of their pieces.
- Check for Other Certificates:
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- Sometimes, other than HUID, you may get other certificates if it is a high-value ornament, for example, a diamond certification or report from an internationally well-known lab. This would further ensure the quality and authenticity of the ornament.
What to Do if the HUID Does Not Match?
In case the information does not match while entering the HUID in the BIS database or app, please necessarily follow these steps:
Report to the Jeweller: Contact the jeweller or store from which you bought the item. If it is a reputable firm, there shouldn’t be any objection to addressing your query.
Report to BIS: If you feel you have been sold fake jewellery, report the matter to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or the Consumer Court for their consideration. They will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Conclusion
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is a revolutionary concept in the jewellery sector; it ensures consumers get what they paid for in terms of purity and genuineness. While hallmarking is now made mandatory, the HUID stands tall against the pillars of trust, transparency, and consumer protection.
As buyers, knowing how to check the purity of jewellery and verify the HUID before purchase is an important step to secure one’s investments. Hallmark and HUID should always be checked casually while purchasing gold, silver, or platinum to ensure jewelry is of the highest quality.
The historical HUID represents a massive step toward halting fraud in the Indian jewellery market and ensuring that consumers truly receive value for their money. So the next time you’re out looking for jewellery, make it a habit to always look for the hallmark and verify its authenticity; it’s your right as a consumer!
