With gold prices at ₹14,562/gram in India today, verifying that your gold is genuine and accurately karat-rated has never been more important. While professional testing is always the gold standard, here are 5 methods you can use to get a good initial assessment at home.

Method 1: Check the BIS Hallmark (Easiest & Most Reliable)

Since 2021, BIS hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India. Look for these elements stamped on your piece:

  • BIS logo (triangular mark)
  • Purity code: 999 (24K), 916 (22K), 875 (21K), 750 (18K), 585 (14K)
  • 6-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification)

Use a magnifying glass to read these tiny stamps, usually located on the clasp or inner band. Then verify the HUID on the BIS Care App (free government app) — it will show registration details confirming authenticity.

Method 2: The Magnet Test

Pure gold is not magnetic. Use any strong magnet (neodymium magnets work best) and bring it close to your jewellery:

  • Strong attraction = likely contains iron/nickel = NOT genuine gold
  • No attraction = passes this test, but doesn't confirm purity (brass and copper alloys are also non-magnetic)

This test can only catch obvious fakes — it cannot confirm karat purity.

Method 3: The Acid Test

Gold testing kits (₹500-1500) include nitric acid solutions calibrated for different karats. Process: make a tiny scratch on an inconspicuous spot, apply a drop of the karat-specific acid, and observe:

  • No reaction/color change = gold is at least that karat
  • Bubbling or color change = gold is below that karat (or fake)

Caution: This test causes minor damage and involves corrosive chemicals — handle carefully or have a jeweller perform it.

Method 4: The Density (Specific Gravity) Test

Pure gold has a density of 19.3 g/cm³ — significantly higher than common fakes (brass: 8.5, copper: 8.9). To test:

  1. Weigh the item precisely (in grams)
  2. Fill a graduated container with water, note the level
  3. Submerge the item fully, note the new water level
  4. Calculate: Density = Weight ÷ (Volume displaced)

If the result is close to 19.3 (for 24K) or proportionally lower for lower karats, the item is likely genuine gold of that purity.

Method 5: Professional XRF Testing (Most Accurate)

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing is non-destructive and provides instant, highly accurate purity readings. Many jewellers, pawn shops, and BIS-certified hallmarking centers offer this service free or for a small fee (₹50-200). This is the recommended method for high-value purchases or when buying second-hand gold.

BIS Hallmark Purity Codes — Quick Reference

Karat BIS Code Purity % Today's Rate/g
24K99999.9%₹14,562
22K91691.6%₹13,349
21K87587.5%₹12,742
18K75075%₹10,922
14K58558.5%₹8,495

People Also Ask

Can I check gold purity without any tools at home?▼
Yes, partially. You can check the BIS hallmark stamp (look for "999" for 24K or "916" for 22K plus a 6-digit HUID code) using just a magnifying glass, then verify the HUID on the free BIS Care App. The magnet test (gold is non-magnetic) also requires no special tools — just any strong magnet.
What is the BIS Care App and how does it verify gold?▼
The BIS Care App is a free government app where you can enter the 6-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number stamped on your jewellery. It instantly verifies the registration details including the jeweller, hallmarking center, and purity — confirming whether the hallmark is genuine.
Does a magnet test prove gold is real?▼
A magnet test can only rule out certain fakes — if a strong magnet strongly attracts your jewellery, it likely contains significant amounts of magnetic metals like iron or nickel, indicating it's not genuine gold. However, passing the magnet test does NOT prove gold is real, since many counterfeit metals (brass, copper alloys) are also non-magnetic.
How accurate is the acid test for gold purity?▼
The acid test is reasonably accurate for distinguishing between major karat differences (e.g., 14K vs 22K vs 24K) when performed correctly with karat-specific acid solutions. However, it can damage the item slightly (small scratch required) and requires careful handling of corrosive acids. For precise purity verification, professional XRF testing is more accurate and non-destructive.
What does 916 mean on gold jewellery?▼
"916" is the BIS hallmark code indicating 91.6% gold purity, which corresponds to 22 Karat (22K) gold. Similarly, "999" means 99.9% purity (24K), "750" means 75% purity (18K), and "585" means 58.5% purity (14K). These three-digit codes are stamped alongside the BIS logo and HUID on hallmarked Indian jewellery.

Bottom Line

For most buyers, checking the BIS hallmark + verifying the HUID on the BIS Care App is sufficient and takes under a minute. For high-value purchases, second-hand gold, or if you suspect fraud, get a professional XRF test — it's quick, free or low-cost, and completely non-destructive.