Thinking of turning that old chain or bangle into cash? Before you hand it over, one number decides everything you’ll be paid: purity. Sellers across India lose money every year to buyers who undervalue jewellery by simply “guessing” the karat. Knowing how to check gold purity before selling puts that power back in your hands. 

Whether it’s a 22K wedding set or a mixed-metal pendant, a five-minute check can be the difference between a fair deal and a loss. This guide breaks down every reliable method, like hallmark, HUID, acid, and machine testing, so you walk in informed, not hopeful.

Why Purity Decides Your Payout

Gold is rarely 100% pure. Jewellery is blended with metals like copper and silver for strength, so the real question isn’t “how much does it weigh?” but “how much of that weight is actual gold?” A seller paid for 22K when the piece is truly 18K, losing almost 17% of value in one signature. 

Even two items of identical weight can fetch wildly different prices. The purer the metal, the fatter your payout. That’s why a proper gold jewellery purity check comes first. Every rupee you’re offered is built on it.

Step 1: Understand Karat and Fineness

Purity is measured in karats (K) or fineness (parts per 1,000). Learn these four numbers and you’re already ahead of most sellers:

• 24K = ~99.9% pure (999) — softest, used mainly for coins and bars

• 22K = 91.6% pure (stamped 916) — most Indian jewellery

• 18K = 75% pure (stamped 750) — common in diamond and studded pieces

• 14K = 58.5% pure (stamped 585)

So “916” on your bangle literally means 91.6% gold. That’s your first clue.

Step 2: Read the BIS Hallmark and HUID

Hallmarking has been mandatory in notified districts since June 2021, and from 1 April 2023, every hallmarked piece carries a 6-character HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification). A genuine current hallmark shows three marks: the triangular BIS logo, the purity grade (e.g., 22K916), and the HUID code. Older pieces may show four marks and are still valid.

Verify it free in two minutes: download the official BIS Care app, tap “Verify HUID", enter the code exactly as engraved, and match the purity, article type, and jeweller details to your piece. One caution: the app confirms the record, not the metal itself.

Step 3: Quick At-Home Checks

These won’t replace a lab, but they expose obvious fakes before you meet any gold buyer:

• Magnet test: real gold is non-magnetic, so if it sticks, it’s heavily alloyed or fake.

• Float test: pure gold sinks fast; it never floats.

• Magnifier check: genuine hallmarks are crisp and laser-sharp; blurry stamps are a red flag.

Step 4: Acid and Machine Testing — The Accurate Way

For a true verdict, professionals rely on:

• Acid test: a tiny scratch reacts with nitric acid to reveal karat. It is cheap, but slightly destructive.

• XRF spectrometer: a non-destructive X-ray that reads the exact composition in seconds. It is the method trusted buyers prefer.

• Karat meter: an instant digital purity reading with zero damage.

Always ask which machine your buyer uses. A serious buyer tests openly, right in front of you, and deducts only for genuine impurities. Never for guesswork or hidden “making” tricks.

Jewel House, the No. 1 Gold Buyer in Chandigarh

Once you know your purity, sell where the price actually matches it. Jewel House is a trusted gold buyer in Chandigarh, known for fair, transparent deals and on-the-spot cash at the highest market value.

Why sellers choose Jewel House:

• Best price, instantly — get 100% value of your gold, with cash in hand within 10 minutes.

• Complete transparency — your gold is tested in front of you, at real value, in minimum time.

• Release pledged gold — they free your jewellery from banks, financiers, and pawn brokers, clearing loans and EMIs.

• Sell online too — quick evaluation and instant payment for your gold jewellery.

Selling your gold in 3 easy steps: carry your original bill or KYC documents; let their experts weigh and value your gold accurately; agree to the offer and receive immediate cash on the spot. Want genuine advice first? Speak to Mr. Deepinder Singh about cash for gold, diamonds, and jewellery.

Visit: SCO-7, Sector 19-D, Chandigarh, or call at +91 98151 50400 / +91 172 4616859, or Email at jewelhousechd@gmail.com.

FAQs

1. How do I check gold purity before selling at home?
Ans: Start with the hallmark and HUID using the free BIS Care app, then try quick checks like the magnet and float test. These spot fakes, but for an exact karat, get an XRF or acid test done at a certified buyer before you finalise any deal.

2. What does 916 mean on gold jewellery?
Ans: 916 is the fineness stamp for 22K gold, meaning it is 91.6% pure. Likewise, 750 means 18K (75%), and 585 means 14K (58.5%). It is the fastest shortcut in any gold jewellery purity check.

3. Can I sell gold without a hallmark or bill?
Ans: Yes. A trusted gold buyer in Chandigarh like Jewel House can test unhallmarked gold on machines and pay for current purity. You will usually still need valid KYC documents even if the original bill is missing.

4. Which gold purity test is the most accurate?
Ans: The XRF spectrometer is the most accurate and non-destructive method, reading the exact composition in seconds. The acid test is reliable but slightly damages the piece, so reputable buyers test transparently in front of you.

5. Where can I get the best price for my gold in Chandigarh?
Ans: Jewel House, a leading gold buyer, offers the highest market value with instant cash and full transparency. Visit SCO-7, Sector 19-D, or call to sell gold in Chandigarh the very same day.