Real vs Fake: How to Identify Hallmarked Gold and Certified Diamonds

Fine jewellery is not just a style statement but it is also a smart investment. We have seen how Indian women, who always adore gold, actually turned out to be the smartest of the lot with gold prices touching lifetime high of Rs 180,000. But with loads of high quality fakes in the market at the cheapest prices possible along with substandard products in the market, taking the decision to buy the right jewellery from the right store becomes very crucial. So, whenever you buy a minimal gold jewellery or an opulent gold jewellery with diamond, one must know how to check the authenticity of the product. Here is a guide to ensure that your investment in luxury is the real deal.

 To begin with:

1. Gold Authenticity: Look for the 'Signature'

• Across the globe including India, Gold markets are regulated to protect consumers. And India the most trusted way to check the purity of the gold is through hallmarking. Let's understand how to check the hallmarking on your gold jewellery, so you know you are buying the right jewellery.
  
  
• The BIS Hallmark: Look for the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Logo, on the jewellery. As per the latest regulation product will be engraved with HUID( Hallmark Unique Alphanumeric ID), a unique jewellery identification number. This is a 6 digit code that allows you to track the jewellery’s.
  
  
• Always look for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) logo. As of recent regulations, this must include the HUID (Hallmark Unique Alphanumeric ID). This is a six-digit code that allows you to track the jewelry's journey through the BIS Care App.
  
  
• Purity Grade: Always look for the fineness number. For example, 22K916 means 22-karat gold (91.6% purity), while 18K750 means 18-karat gold (75.0% purity).
  
  
• The Magnet Test: Gold is not magnetic. If your jewelry is attracted to a strong magnet, it most likely contains a base metal core like iron or nickel with a gold plating.

2. Diamond Certification: The 'Birth Certificate'

Gold can be melted and tested for weight and purity, a diamond’s value lies in the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. 

• Ask for IGI, GIA, or SGL Reports: A reputable brand like La Marque-M provides certificates from world-renowned laboratories like the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
  
  
• The Fog Test: Diamonds are incredible conductors of heat. Breathe on the stone like you’re fogging a mirror, if the fog disappears instantly, it’s likely real. In case the stone's fog stays for a few seconds, it’s most likely glass or quartz.
  
  
• Laser Inscriptions: All Certified diamonds have a microscopic serial number laser-etched on the outer edge called griddle. This number should match the one on your physical certificate.

3. The 'Hallmark' of a Trusted Brand

Authentic luxury brands provide transparent billing that breaks down the gold weight, diamond weight, and making charges separately.

 We at La Marque-M, believe in "Minimalism with Integrity." Every piece of our fine jewelry is crafted in hallmarked gold and comes with internationally recognized diamond certifications from IGI, ensuring that your sparkle is 100% genuine.

Final Verdict

Don't let a "good deal" blind you to counterfeit jewelry. Always verify the HUID for gold and the Lab Report for diamonds. When in doubt, take your piece to a government-recognized assaying center for a professional check.

Invest in Jewellery that are as authentic as you? Explore our certified collection at La Marque-M today.