Have you ever bought un-hallmarked gold jewelry and asked yourself, “What now?” You’re not alone. According to a recent survey, approximately 20% of gold jewelry circulating in the market is un-hallmarked. These pieces, lacking official purity stamps, might leave you puzzled about their value. But does this mean they become worthless? Absolutely not! They hold untapped potential, just waiting to be discovered. If you are trying to sell gold in Chandigarh, this article will reveal the enigmas and check out the opportunities hidden within un-hallmarked jewelry.
1. What is Hallmarking?
On June 16, 2021, the Indian government announced that dealers would only be allowed to sell gold jewelry with the BIS hallmark. Gold jewelry that has been hallmarked has three symbols, as compared to the previous four or five. These are the six-digit HUID alphanumeric code, purity/fineness grade, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark.
In simple terms, hallmarking is a guarantee label that tells you how pure or of good quality your gold or silver jewelry is. When jewelry is hallmarked, it means experts have checked it to make sure it’s made of real precious metal.
Who Certifies Purity?
This means making sure that the metal in your jewelry is real and of good quality. Special places called Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) check this and give it a stamp of approval. Jewelers take the jewelry to these places, and if it passes the test, BIS gives it a certificate to prove it’s real.
2. What to Do with Un-Hallmarked Gold Jewelry
If you have gold jewelry without a stamp, there are two things you can do:
- Hallmarking through a BIS-registered jeweler: For instance, if you live in Chandigarh and you want to sell your unhallmarked gold, firstly, take your jewelry to a gold buyer in Chandigarh who is registered with BIS. They’ll send it to be checked at one of these special centers.
Gold Hallmarking Charges:
Getting your jewelry stamped or tested can cost some money. Here’s how much it might cost:
- For gold jewelry, it could be Rs. 35 per piece.
- For silver jewelry, it’s Rs 25 per piece, no matter how heavy it is.
- If you’re testing gold jewelry and have up to four pieces, it might cost Rs 200. But if you have five or more, each extra piece could cost Rs 45.
- But jewelers don’t have to pay anything to get certified or registered.
Re-Hallmarking Already Hallmarked Jewelry
If your jewelry already has a stamp, but it’s the old kind, you don’t need to worry. BIS says it’s still okay to sell it with the old stamp. You don’t have to get it stamped again with the new code. This means you can trust that it’s still of good quality.
Hallmarking Mixed Metal Jewelry
Some jewelry is made by mixing gold with other metals. If this mix meets certain standards, it can still get a stamp. This shows that even mixed-metal jewelry can be of good quality if it meets the rules and can make cash for gold in Chandigarh.
Last Words of Advice
In summary, un-hallmarked gold jewelry isn’t a dead end—it’s an opportunity waiting to be uncovered. By learning about hallmarking and exploring certification options, you can reveal its true value. Don’t hesitate to consult registered jewelers or testing centers for guidance. Remember, even mixed-metal jewelry can meet quality standards. Embrace the versatility and sentimentality of these pieces, whether by repurposing them or preserving their history. With the right approach, un-hallmarked gold jewelry can become cherished treasures in your collection.
