Guide
How to Check Gold Purity — 3 Ways to Check Before You Sell
Your gold's purity directly decides how much you are paid, and knowing how it is measured lets you check that any buyer is assessing it honestly. Here are three ways to check, from a quick home check to the professional testing used by gold buyers.
The basics
Understanding gold purity — karat and fineness
The fineness mark on your gold tells you its purity.
| Karat | Fineness mark | Gold content | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Coins, bars |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | Indian jewellery (most common) |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% | Diamond-set jewellery |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Lightweight modern jewellery |
The methods
3 ways to check gold purity
From a home check to the professional testing a buyer uses.
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1
Check the BIS hallmark — high reliability
Look for three marks on the piece: the BIS triangle logo, the purity fineness mark (916 for 22K, 750 for 18K, 999 for 24K), and the 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique ID). Since 2021, all gold jewellery sold in India must carry a HUID that can be verified at bis.gov.in. This is your most reliable starting point before visiting any buyer.
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2
The magnet test — basic check only
Gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the piece: if it is attracted, the item contains iron or other magnetic metals and is not pure gold. This only screens for obvious fakes — many alloys are also non-magnetic, so a negative result (no attraction) tells you very little about the actual gold content.
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3
Professional purity testing — highest accuracy
A trained buyer verifies purity using professional testing equipment, done openly in front of you. This is more reliable than a home check, and at IGoldcash the result is explained clearly before any price is discussed.
Why professional testing matters: a purity reading that is even 1–2% off can mean a meaningful difference on a large transaction. Professional testing equipment, used correctly, sharply reduces that risk of error.
At the counter
What to expect when you visit IGoldcash
At IGoldcash in Nehru Colony, Dehradun, purity is tested professionally, openly in front of you. Each step is explained as it happens, and you can ask questions throughout. Weight is measured on a certified digital scale — also in front of you. You then receive a written quote showing purity, weight, market rate, and the final offer, with no obligation to sell. Customers consistently write detailed reviews not just about the price but about how clear and honest the process felt.
Questions
Gold purity FAQs
Common questions
01What does 916 stamped on gold mean?+
916 stamped on gold means it is 91.6% pure — this is 22 Karat gold, the most common purity for Indian jewellery. The 916 mark is the BIS fineness mark for 22K.
02What does 750 stamped on gold mean?+
750 stamped on gold means it is 75% pure — this is 18 Karat gold, commonly used in modern lightweight jewellery and diamond-set pieces.
03How accurate is professional purity testing?+
Professional testing equipment, used correctly, gives a reliable purity reading. It's done openly in front of you, with the result explained before any price is discussed — which matters most on larger transactions.
04Can I watch the purity testing at IGoldcash?+
Yes — always. Purity testing is performed openly in front of you at IGoldcash, Nehru Colony, Dehradun. Each step is explained and you can ask questions throughout.
05Can I get my gold tested without selling?+
Yes. IGoldcash offers free purity testing with no obligation to sell. You are welcome to visit simply to know what your gold is worth.
IGoldcash — Nehru Colony
BS-26, Nehru Colony, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand
- Mon – Sat: 10:00–19:00
- Closed Sunday
Get your gold tested for free
Professional purity testing, openly in front of you, with no obligation to sell. BS-26, Nehru Colony, Dehradun.