Buying Gold Jewellery This Dhanteras: Purity, Hallmarking and What to Know

Dhanteras is a time when many families welcome prosperity and new beginnings by purchasing gold and precious metals. For some, it is a cherished annual tradition; for others, it is an opportunity to add a meaningful piece of jewellery to their collection.

But buying gold involves more than choosing a design you love. Understanding gold purity, hallmarking, pricing and craftsmanship can help you make a more informed decision.

Whether you are buying a delicate everyday piece or jewellery for special occasions, here is what to know before making your Dhanteras purchase.

1. Understand Gold Purity Before You Buy

Gold purity refers to the proportion of pure gold in a piece of jewellery. It is measured in karats, with 24K representing near-pure gold. The lower the karatage, the greater the proportion of other metals in the alloy, which can influence the jewellery's colour, hardness and suitability for different designs.

Here are three common gold purities you may encounter when shopping for jewellery:

• 14K Gold: Contains 58.5% gold and is often chosen for its balance of gold content and durability.

• 18K Gold: Contains 75% gold and is widely used in fine jewellery, including designs featuring diamonds and coloured gemstones.

• 22K Gold: Contains approximately 91.6% gold and is traditionally popular for gold jewellery in India.

The right choice depends on the design, how frequently you plan to wear the piece and your personal preferences. Higher karat gold has a greater proportion of gold, but the best option for you also depends on the jewellery's intended use.

2. What Is Gold Hallmarking and Why Does It Matter?

A hallmark is an official mark that indicates the purity or fineness of a precious-metal article. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates the hallmarking system to help consumers verify the declared purity of gold jewellery.

For jewellery bearing the current BIS HUID-based hallmark, look for three components:

• BIS Standard Mark: Identifies the BIS hallmark.

• Purity Mark: Indicates the gold's karatage and fineness, such as 18K750 or 22K916.

• HUID: A unique six-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification number assigned to the individual jewellery article.

You can verify the HUID using the Verify HUID feature in the BIS CARE app. Checking these details adds an important layer of confidence to your purchase.

For more information, refer to the BIS Hallmarking FAQs.

3. Know What Goes Into the Price of Gold Jewellery

The final price of a jewellery piece is not determined by gold weight alone. Understanding the different components helps you compare pieces more accurately.

Typically, the price may include:

• Gold value: Calculated using the applicable gold rate, the purity of the gold and the net weight of the precious metal.

• Making charges: The cost of crafting the design, which may be calculated by weight or as a fixed amount.

• Gemstone costs: Applicable when the piece includes diamonds or coloured gemstones.

• Taxes: Applicable GST and other relevant charges.

Before making a purchase, ask for a clear price breakdown. If the jewellery includes gemstones, check whether their weight and value are listed separately from the gold.

A transparent invoice makes it easier to understand exactly what you are paying for.

4. Choose the Right Gold Jewellery for Your Lifestyle

Dhanteras jewellery can range from traditional gold pieces to contemporary designs featuring diamonds and coloured gemstones. The right choice depends on your personal style, how you intend to wear the piece and the designs you want to add to your collection.

Consider how you plan to wear your jewellery:

• For everyday wear: Look for comfortable rings, lightweight earrings or versatile bracelets. Faya Jewels’ Abel Emerald Ring is an example of a gemstone ring that adds a touch of colour to everyday styling.
  
  

• For special occasions: Explore more detailed designs, gemstone jewellery or statement pieces. The Diva Ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold with Burma rubies and lab-grown diamonds, makes a striking choice for special occasions.
  
  
  

• For a versatile collection: Choose designs that work across different outfits and occasions. Faya Jewels’ Aasma Ruby Earrings add a rich pop of colour that can complement both festive looks and occasion wear.
  
  
  

At Faya Jewels, gold jewellery spans a range of designs, from refined everyday pieces to distinctive creations featuring diamonds and coloured gemstones. Exploring different styles can help you find a piece that suits both your preferences and the way you intend to wear it.

Discover the collections at Faya Jewels.

5. Look Beyond the Design

A beautiful design may catch your eye first, but the finer details deserve attention too.

Before buying, consider the overall finish, the quality of the setting and whether any gemstones are securely placed. For pieces featuring diamonds or coloured gemstones, ask about the stones, any treatments and the documentation available.

Also, check practical details such as the clasp on a bracelet, the fastening on a necklace or the comfort of a ring.

These small checks can help you choose jewellery that is not only visually appealing but also suitable for its intended use.

6. Always Check the Invoice and Purchase Details

An invoice is an important record of your jewellery purchase. It documents the article and its price, and can be useful if you need to raise a query or make a complaint later.

For hallmarked precious-metal jewellery, BIS guidance specifies that the invoice should include:

• A description of the jewellery article.

• The net weight of the precious metal.

• Gold purity in karats and fineness.

• Applicable hallmarking charges.

• The relevant price breakdown and taxes.

For hallmarked jewellery, BIS guidance requires the invoice to include the article description, net precious-metal weight, purity and fineness, and hallmarking charges.

Keep your invoice and any accompanying certificates or product documentation safely for future reference.

7. Make Your Dhanteras Purchase Meaningful

Buying gold on Dhanteras is a tradition associated with prosperity and new beginnings. Beyond the occasion, a thoughtfully chosen piece of jewellery can become part of your collection for years to come.

Rather than choosing a design simply because it is popular during the festive season, consider what you genuinely love and what you will enjoy wearing. Whether you prefer classic gold or designs featuring diamonds and coloured gemstones, let your choice reflect your personal style and the moments you want it to accompany.

Explore Faya Jewels to discover jewellery spanning gold, diamonds and coloured gemstones.