Gold and silver purchases are considered auspicious during Dhanteras and Diwali. While jewellery, coins, and utensils are popular choices, many households also buy Lakshmi-Ganesha idols made of precious metals for Diwali puja.
Buyers can choose from 925 sterling silver or solid 22K gold idols, depending on their budget and preference. Silver idols are generally more popular and cost-effective than gold idols.
But are these idols also covered under BIS hallmarking rules, just like gold and silver jewellery? Here is what buyers should know about hallmarking rules and the key checks to make before paying the jeweller.
Is hallmarking mandatory for gold and silver idols?
According to BIS’s latest hallmarking scheme brief released on 1 October, “mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery/artefacts was introduced on 23 June 2021 in 256 districts. Through successive amendments, the coverage has since expanded to 392 districts.”
The mandatory gold hallmarking framework covers seven gold caratages (fineness in parts per thousand) under IS 1417: 9K (375), 14K (585), 18K (750), 20K (833), 22K (916), 23K (958) and 24KS (995). Certain categories are exempt, subject to applicable conditions. These include gold articles below two grams, specified Kundan, Polki and Jadau articles.
Silver hallmarking, however, is voluntary. As per the revised IS 2112:2025 standard, silver articles hallmarked under the BIS scheme must carry a 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) from 1 September 2025. The eight permitted fineness grades are 800, 835, 900, 925, 958, 970, 990 and 999.
What should you check in the hallmark on gold and silver idols?
There are three important components to look for in hallmarked articles:
- BIS Standard Mark: The official BIS logo on a gold idol. For silver, the BIS Standard Mark is accompanied by the word ‘SILVER’.
- Purity or fineness mark: Indicates the precious metal content. For example, 22K916 denotes 22-karat gold, while 925 indicates silver with 92.5% fineness.
- HUID: A unique six-character alphanumeric code assigned to each hallmarked article.
How to verify HUID through the BIS Care app?
You can verify a hallmarked article using the free BIS Care app.
What should buyers check before purchasing idols?
- Confirm the metal and purity: Ask whether the idol is made of solid gold, solid silver, or gold-plated silver. Check the price accordingly, as gold-plated silver idols should not be priced like solid gold idols.
- Check the weight: Confirm the net precious-metal weight and whether the idol is solid or hollow.
- Inspect the workmanship: Carefully examine the faces of Lakshmi and Ganesha, along with the eyes, trunk, crown, and other intricate details.
- Check the finishing: Ensure the idols have a smooth finish and are not chipped, broken or damaged (khandit), particularly if they are being purchased for Diwali puja.
- Understand making charges: Ask for a separate breakdown of metal value, making charges, and applicable taxes.
- Check the buyback policy: Understand the jeweller’s exchange or buyback terms, including deductions.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consumers should verify hallmark details and HUID numbers through the official BIS Care app.