As Dussehra, Diwali, and Dhanteras approach, silver coins, utensils, and gifts once again become popular purchases across India. Buying silver during these festivals is considered auspicious and a symbol of prosperity. But while the tradition is age-old, many buyers still overlook a crucial question: Is the silver you are buying genuine or fake? Knowing how to check the purity of silver is essential to avoid fraud and ensure that you get full value for your money.
Why Hallmarking Matters
The most reliable way to verify the purity of silver is through BIS hallmarking. Hallmarking is an official certification that confirms the metal’s exact purity and composition. This system protects consumers from being cheated with adulterated or substandard silver sold at full price. It also helps establish India as a trusted global market for precious metals and supports exports.
What Hallmarking Means
Hallmarking is the process of determining and certifying the precise amount of pure metal in an item. For silver, it ensures that what you buy matches the purity claimed by the seller. Each hallmarked piece of silver carries specific marks that provide key information about its quality, origin, and authenticity.
Key Signs to Check on Hallmarked Silver
When buying silver, carefully look for these hallmark details:
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BIS Logo: A triangular mark that confirms the product is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
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Purity/Fineness Grade: The most common grade for silver is 925, meaning 92.5% purity. Other approved grades include 800, 835, 958, 970, 990, and 999.
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Assaying and Hallmarking Centre Code: Identifies the testing centre where the silver was certified.
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Jeweller’s Identification Mark: Indicates which registered jeweller sold the item.
These symbols act as a guarantee that the silver meets official quality standards and has undergone proper testing.
Government’s New Rules for Silver Hallmarking
From September 1, the government introduced a voluntary hallmarking system for silver jewellery and articles. Under this new arrangement, seven different purity grades—800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999—are recognized. This gives consumers more options and greater transparency while making it easier to choose silver based on both price and purity.
Tips to Ensure You Buy Genuine Silver
To avoid being misled during the festive season, follow these steps before making a purchase:
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Check for BIS Hallmark: Always buy only BIS hallmarked silver, and make sure the invoice clearly mentions “BIS Hallmarked.”
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Verify with BIS Care App: Download the BIS Care mobile app to instantly check the authenticity of the hallmark in real time.
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Buy from Registered Jewellers: Only purchase from jewellers registered with BIS.
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Keep the Invoice and Receipt: Preserve your purchase bill and hallmarking certificate for future reference or resale.
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Avoid Bargain Deals: A lower price on unverified silver may mean compromised purity, which can result in long-term loss.
Why Purity Checks Are Crucial
Silver prices have been rising sharply in 2025, delivering impressive returns for investors. With increasing demand for silver in electronics, solar panels, and semiconductors, the risk of counterfeit or low-quality silver entering the market is higher than ever. A hallmark is the consumer’s best safeguard against such risks.
The Bottom Line
Buying silver during festivals is more than just a tradition—it’s also a financial investment. Whether you are purchasing coins, jewellery, or decorative items, always look for the BIS hallmark and verify it before making payment. A few minutes of careful checking can protect you from fraud, ensure the purity of your silver, and preserve the true value of your festive purchase.
