Akshaya Tritiya 2026: What 999, 916 and 750 Gold Mean Before You Buy
Mumbai, 17th April 2026: With gold buying set to spike around Akshaya Tritiya, understanding purity marks is critical, not just for value, but for what you are actually taking home.
Gold jewellery sold in India is certified under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking system. The hallmark is a combination of the BIS logo, a six-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number, and a three-digit purity mark.
These three digits define the gold content:
999 indicates 99.9% purity, the highest available. This is typically used for coins and bars, as pure gold is too soft for intricate or durable jewellery.
916 stands for 91.6% purity, or 22 karat gold. This is the most commonly used standard in Indian jewellery, balancing high gold content with enough alloy strength for everyday wear.
750 refers to 75% purity, or 18 karat gold. This is stronger and more suited for modern, lightweight or stone-studded designs, but contains significantly less gold.
The difference in purity directly impacts both pricing and resale value. Higher-purity gold commands a higher rate, but is less practical for regular use. Lower-purity jewellery, while more durable, carries reduced intrinsic value.
Alongside purity, the hallmarking system ensures traceability through the HUID number, which allows buyers to verify the authenticity of the piece.
Pricing, however, is not determined by purity alone. Making charges, which vary depending on design and craftsmanship, are added to the base gold rate and can significantly raise the final cost.
As festive demand rises, the hallmark remains the most reliable indicator of quality. In a market driven by both sentiment and investment, these markings are not decorative; they define the transaction.
