Hallmark Certification for Tola Gold Jewelry: What You Need to Know

What Is Hallmark Certification and Why It Matters for Tola Gold

A hallmark is an official mark or series of marks stamped, struck, or laser-inscribed onto a precious metal article by an independent, government-authorized assaying authority. The word itself dates back to Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, where precious metals were tested and marked as early as the 14th century. Today, hallmarking serves as a legally binding guarantee of purity that protects buyers across the globe.

When you buy gold jewelry measured in tola, hallmarking becomes critically important because the tola system is deeply embedded in retail markets across South Asia and the Middle East where 22-karat gold dominates. A single tola of 22K gold weighs exactly 11.6638038 grams, and at current market prices, even a tiny deviation in purity translates to a loss of hundreds of dollars. If a jeweler passes off 18K gold as 22K on a 5-tola necklace, the buyer loses roughly 18% of the gold’s intrinsic metal value, which can amount to over $500 on a single piece.

Hallmarking eliminates this uncertainty entirely. It is a physical, tamper-evident inscription on the metal itself that certifies:

• The exact purity (fineness) of the gold alloy, expressed in karats or parts-per-thousand
• The identity of the assaying laboratory that verified the composition
• The identity of the jeweler or manufacturer responsible for the piece
• A unique tracking number (in modern systems) enabling digital verification

Whether you are buying a 1-tola gold coin for investment or a 10-tola bridal set for a wedding, the hallmark is the only guarantee that withstands the test of time. Paper certificates fade, verbal promises are forgotten, but a hallmark laser-etched into the metal lasts forever.

The Greatest Risk in Buying Gold by the Tola

You have negotiated the making charges down. You have verified the weight precisely on the digital scale using our gram to tola converter. You are ready to hand over thousands of dollars for a spectacular 6-tola wedding set.

But how do you know, unequivocally, that the metal you are holding is actually 22 Karat (91.6% pure) and not 18 Karat (75.0% pure) heavily plated with 24K gold on the outside? To the naked human eye, the difference is practically invisible, but the financial difference is immense.

Consider the mathematics. If the current gold price per tola for 24K pure gold is approximately $900, then:

• 22K gold (91.6% pure): $900 x 0.916 = $824.40 per tola in intrinsic metal value
• 18K gold (75.0% pure): $900 x 0.750 = $675.00 per tola in intrinsic metal value
• Difference per tola: $824.40 - $675.00 = $149.40 loss per tola

On a 6-tola wedding set, that translates to a potential loss of $896.40 if the purity is not what you were promised. This is precisely why hallmarking exists, and why every buyer must learn to read these microscopic codes.

This is where the ancient tradition and modern science of hallmarking protects you. A hallmark is a third-party guarantee physically struck or laser-inscribed into the jewelry itself. If you are buying gold by the tola, you must know how to read these microscopic codes before every purchase.

The 916 Hallmark Explained: What Does 916 Mean on Gold?

The number 916 is the single most important number you will encounter when buying tola gold jewelry. It appears on hallmarks worldwide, and understanding it is fundamental to protecting your investment.

The "916" stamp indicates that the gold article is 22 karats pure, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloying metals (typically copper, silver, or zinc). Here is how the karat-to-fineness conversion works:

• 24K = 999 fineness (99.9% pure gold) — too soft for jewelry, used for bullion bars and coins
• 22K = 916 fineness (91.6% pure gold) — the standard for tola jewelry in India, Pakistan, UAE, and Bangladesh
• 21K = 875 fineness (87.5% pure gold) — common in Saudi Arabia and parts of the Gulf
• 18K = 750 fineness (75.0% pure gold) — popular in Western markets for designer jewelry
• 14K = 585 fineness (58.5% pure gold) — common in the United States for everyday jewelry

The 916 system is mathematically derived: (22 ÷ 24) × 1000 = 916.67, rounded to 916. When you see "916" stamped on a piece of gold, the assaying authority has confirmed that for every 1,000 parts of metal in the alloy, 916 parts are pure gold. If you weigh that piece on a tola to gram converter and it comes to exactly 1 tola (11.6638038 grams), then 10.688 grams of that piece is pure gold and only 0.976 grams is alloying metal.

Why 22K Is the Standard for Tola Jewelry

Across South Asia and the Middle East, 22-karat gold is overwhelmingly preferred for jewelry because it strikes the ideal balance between purity and durability. Pure 24K gold is too soft for intricate jewelry designs and daily wear. The 8.4% alloy content in 22K gold provides the necessary hardness while maintaining the rich, deep yellow color that is culturally prized. This is why virtually all tola-based gold markets around the world default to the 916 standard.

India’s BIS Hallmarking System in Depth

India is the largest consumer market of traditional "tola" jewelry on the planet. For decades, the market was plagued by impurities. A family would buy "22K" gold, only to discover when they tried to sell it years later that it was actually heavily alloyed 19K gold. To end this fraud, the Indian government created the most sophisticated hallmarking infrastructure in the world, operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The Mandatory Hallmarking Order of 2021-2023

In a landmark move, the Government of India made hallmarking mandatory for gold jewelry and artifacts in a phased rollout beginning June 16, 2021. By April 2023, mandatory hallmarking was expanded to cover 288 districts across India. This means that it is now illegal for any jeweler in a covered district to sell gold jewelry without a BIS hallmark.

The mandatory hallmarking order covers the following purity grades:

• 14 Karat (585 fineness)
• 18 Karat (750 fineness)
• 20 Karat (833 fineness)
• 22 Karat (916 fineness)
• 23 Karat (958 fineness)
• 24 Karat (999 fineness)

Jewelers who sell non-hallmarked gold face penalties including fines up to one lakh rupees and imprisonment up to one year for repeated violations. This enforcement has dramatically improved consumer confidence in India’s gold market.

The HUID System: A Global First in Gold Traceability

The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is perhaps the most revolutionary advancement in gold consumer protection worldwide. Introduced as part of the mandatory hallmarking framework, every single piece of hallmarked gold jewelry in India now receives a unique 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., "AB12C3") that is laser-inscribed directly onto the metal.

This HUID number creates an unbreakable digital chain of custody. When you scan or enter this code into the BIS Care mobile app (available free on Android and iOS), you can instantly verify:

• The exact purity of the gold (e.g., 22K916)
• The name and address of the jeweler who registered the article
• The name and location of the assaying and hallmarking center (AHC) that tested it
• The date of hallmarking
• The type of article (ring, chain, bangle, etc.)

India currently has over 1,300 BIS-recognized assaying and hallmarking centers operating across the country, processing millions of articles per month.

How to Read a Modern BIS Hallmark

If you are buying gold imported from or manufactured in India, pull out a jeweler’s loupe (a small magnifying glass) and look at the inside of the ring shank, the clasp of the necklace, or the inner wall of the bangle. You should see three distinct marks in a row:

1. The BIS Logo: A tiny, distinct triangle logo proving the piece was certified at a government-approved assaying center. This triangular symbol contains the letters "BIS" and is the official stamp of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
2. The Purity Grade: A number indicating the exact fineness.
   • If it says 22K916: It is 22 Karats (91.6% pure gold). This is the standard for tola jewelry.
   • If it says 18K750: It is 18 Karats (75.0% pure gold).
   • If it says 14K585: It is 14 Karats (58.5% pure gold).
3. The HUID Code: This is a massive recent security upgrade. A 6-digit alphanumeric code (e.g., ABC123). You can literally type this code into the official BIS Care mobile app on your phone, and the app will instantly tell you exactly which jeweler registered that specific necklace and on what date.

Important note: The old hallmarking system (pre-2021) used to include a fourth mark showing the jeweler’s individual identification mark and a date letter. These older hallmarks are still valid on jewelry manufactured before the HUID system was introduced. However, all newly hallmarked jewelry since July 2021 must carry the three-mark HUID system.

Pakistan’s Hallmarking Standards: PSQCA

Pakistan is another massive market for tola gold, with an estimated 200+ tonnes of gold consumed annually for jewelry and investment. The history of the tola is deeply intertwined with the subcontinent, and Pakistan’s gold bazaars in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar have traded in tolas for centuries.

The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is the body responsible for setting quality standards for gold jewelry in Pakistan. PSQCA has established the PS:2679 standard which specifies the requirements for gold alloys used in jewelry manufacturing.

Current Status of Hallmarking in Pakistan

Unlike India’s mandatory regime, Pakistan’s hallmarking system remains largely voluntary, which creates significant challenges for consumers. Key points to understand:

• No mandatory requirement: Jewelers in Pakistan are not legally required to hallmark gold jewelry, although the government has periodically discussed making it compulsory
• Voluntary PSQCA certification: Some larger, established jewelers voluntarily submit their products for PSQCA testing and carry the PSQCA mark as a badge of quality
• Jeweler’s own stamps: Many reputable jewelers in Pakistan use their own proprietary stamps and written guarantees, but these lack independent third-party verification
• Carat marking: Most Pakistani gold jewelry carries a simple karat stamp (22K, 21K, 18K) but this is self-declared by the jeweler, not independently verified

For buyers purchasing tola gold in Pakistan, the absence of mandatory hallmarking means you must rely more heavily on the reputation of the jeweler, demand an XRF purity test at the point of sale, and always get a detailed receipt specifying the declared purity. When selling old gold purchased in Pakistan, it is advisable to get an independent assay before accepting any buyback price. You can use our gram-to-tola conversion chart to verify the weight before and after any test.

UAE Hallmarking: ESMA and the Dubai Assay Office

Dubai is famously known as the "City of Gold." It processes a staggering volume of tola bullion and TT bars destined for South Asian expatriates. Because Dubai’s entire global reputation hinges on the integrity of its gold trade, the government enforces draconian penalties against jewelers who falsify karat purities.

The UAE’s hallmarking infrastructure is overseen by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) in conjunction with the Dubai Central Laboratories (DCL) which operates the Dubai Assay Office.

The Bareeq Certification

The Dubai Municipality runs the "Bareeq" certification scheme. Retailers who submit to voluntary, rigorous, unannounced physical inspections of their inventory receive this certification. When shopping in the Deira Gold Souk, look for the Bareeq emblem proudly displayed in the merchant’s window. The Bareeq system involves:

• Random sampling: Inspectors purchase gold items anonymously from participating shops and submit them for laboratory analysis
• Zero tolerance: If the tested purity falls below the declared karat even slightly, the retailer faces immediate suspension and substantial fines
• Annual renewal: Certification must be renewed each year, ensuring consistent quality standards
• Public database: Consumers can check which shops hold active Bareeq certification through the Dubai Municipality website

The Purity Stamps and UAE Standards

Unlike India’s HUID system, Dubai relies explicitly on the standard international numerical fineness stamps. On 22K jewelry purchased in Dubai, you should look for a clear, deep laser engraving that simply reads "916" or "22K". The UAE recognizes the following standard purities:

• 24K (999) — Pure gold bullion
• 22K (916) — Standard for South Asian style tola jewelry
• 21K (875) — Popular for Gulf-style jewelry and bangles
• 18K (750) — Common for Italian and Western-style designs

If a jeweler tries to sell you a 5-tola necklace in Dubai and you cannot find a "916" stamp anywhere on the clasp or links, you should immediately walk out of the store. No reputable merchant in the UAE sells unstamped 22K jewelry. Every piece should also come with a tax invoice clearly stating the karat purity, gross weight, net weight, making charges, and total price.

Understanding Hallmark Symbols: A Complete Visual Guide

Hallmarks can seem like a confusing jumble of tiny symbols when viewed through a loupe. Here is a systematic breakdown of every symbol category you may encounter on tola gold jewelry from any country:

The Purity Mark (Fineness Mark)

This is the most critical stamp. It tells you exactly how much pure gold is in the alloy. Common purity marks include:

• 916 or 22K — 22-karat gold (91.6% pure). The overwhelming standard for tola jewelry
• 875 or 21K — 21-karat gold (87.5% pure). Common in Saudi Arabia and Gulf states
• 750 or 18K — 18-karat gold (75.0% pure). Western and designer jewelry
• 585 or 14K — 14-karat gold (58.5% pure). Common in the US market
• 375 or 9K — 9-karat gold (37.5% pure). Common in the UK

The Assay Office Mark

This symbol identifies which government-authorized testing laboratory verified the gold’s purity. In India, this is represented within the BIS hallmark system through the AHC (Assaying and Hallmarking Center) code linked to the HUID. In the UK, different assay offices have distinct symbols: a leopard’s head for London, an anchor for Birmingham, a rose for Sheffield, and a castle for Edinburgh.

The Maker’s Mark (Jeweler’s Identification)

This identifies the manufacturer or jeweler who submitted the article for hallmarking. In the old Indian BIS system, this was a unique logo or alphanumeric code assigned to each registered jeweler. In the new HUID system, the jeweler’s identity is embedded digitally in the HUID database rather than physically stamped. Most international hallmark systems still include a physical maker’s mark.

The Year Mark (Date Letter)

Some hallmarking systems include a date indicator showing when the piece was assayed. The UK system historically used a rotating alphabet of letters, with each letter representing a specific year. India’s old system included a date code, but the new HUID system encodes the date digitally. This mark is useful for dating antique and vintage tola jewelry.

Digital Verification of Hallmarks

Modern technology has transformed hallmark verification from a purely visual exercise into a digital, instant process. Here are the tools available to you:

The BIS Care App (India)

The BIS Care app is a free mobile application available on both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store). To verify a hallmark:

1. Download and install the BIS Care app from your device’s app store
2. Open the app and navigate to the "Verify HUID" section
3. Enter the 6-character alphanumeric HUID code found on your jewelry
4. The app will instantly display the complete details: purity, jeweler name, AHC name, hallmarking date, and article type
5. If the HUID code returns no results, the hallmark may be counterfeit

You can also verify hallmarks through the BIS website (bis.gov.in) by entering the HUID number in the online verification portal. This is especially useful if you are buying gold online and want to verify before making the purchase.

Online Databases and Third-Party Tools

Beyond the BIS app, several other digital verification methods exist:

• Dubai Municipality portal: Check Bareeq-certified retailers and their compliance status online
• LBMA Good Delivery List: For bullion bars, the London Bullion Market Association maintains a public list of accredited refineries whose bars carry recognized hallmarks
• SMS verification: In India, you can also verify HUID by sending an SMS to the BIS helpline number

When purchasing gold measured in traditional weight units like the tola, always take the extra 30 seconds to digitally verify the hallmark. It could save you thousands of dollars.

Counterfeit Hallmarks: Red Flags and How to Spot Fakes

Unfortunately, as hallmarking has become more widespread and recognized, counterfeiters have also become more sophisticated. Here are the critical red flags to watch for when inspecting tola gold jewelry:

Visual Red Flags

• Blurry or poorly defined stamps: Genuine laser-inscribed hallmarks are sharp and crisp. Counterfeit stamps often appear blurred, uneven, or shallow because they are applied with inferior equipment
• Incorrect symbol proportions: The BIS triangle logo has very specific proportions. Fake stamps often have slightly distorted versions that look "almost right" but not exact
• Missing components: A genuine modern BIS hallmark has exactly three marks (BIS logo, purity grade, HUID). If any component is missing, it may be fraudulent
• Inconsistent depth: All marks on a genuine hallmark are inscribed in a single pass and have uniform depth. If one mark appears deeper or shallower than the others, be suspicious
• Placement in unusual locations: Hallmarks are standardized in their placement (inner band of rings, clasps of chains, inner wall of bangles). A hallmark in an unexpected location warrants further investigation

Behavioral Red Flags from the Jeweler

• Refusing to let you inspect the hallmark with a loupe: Any honest jeweler will happily hand you a magnifying glass
• Claiming the hallmark "rubbed off" from polishing: While light surface scratches can occur, a properly laser-inscribed hallmark does not simply disappear
• Offering a paper certificate instead of pointing to the physical hallmark: Paper certificates alone are meaningless without the corresponding physical stamp
• The HUID does not verify in the BIS Care app: This is the single most definitive test. If the code returns no result or returns information that does not match the jewelry in front of you (wrong article type, wrong purity), walk away immediately
• Pressuring you to buy quickly: A jeweler who discourages you from verifying the hallmark is hiding something

Advanced Testing Methods

If you have any doubt about a hallmark’s authenticity, the following methods provide definitive answers:

1. XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Testing: A non-destructive test that determines the exact composition of the gold alloy within seconds. Many reputable jewelers offer this at the point of sale
2. Fire Assay: The gold standard (literally) of purity testing, but it is destructive and requires removing a small sample from the piece. Used by assay offices and refineries
3. Specific Gravity Test: A simple physics-based test comparing the density of the piece to known densities of gold alloys. Can be done at home with a precision scale and a glass of water

What to Do If Your Tola Gold Jewelry Fails Hallmark Verification

If you discover that a piece of tola gold jewelry has a counterfeit hallmark or fails purity verification, here are the steps you should take:

Immediate Actions

1. Do not confront the jeweler aggressively: Document everything calmly and systematically first
2. Get an independent XRF test: Take the piece to a BIS-recognized AHC or a separate, reputable jeweler and pay for an independent purity test. Get the results in writing
3. Preserve all documentation: Keep your original purchase receipt, tax invoice, any paper certificates, and photographs of the hallmark
4. Screenshot the BIS Care app result: If the HUID verification failed, screenshot the error message as evidence

Filing a Complaint in India

India’s BIS framework provides robust consumer protection mechanisms:

• BIS Complaint Portal: File a formal complaint online at the BIS website with your HUID details and test results
• Consumer Helpline: Call the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) to register a complaint
• Consumer Court: You can file a case in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum for compensation
• Criminal Prosecution: Under the BIS Act, selling mismarked or counterfeit hallmarked gold is a criminal offense punishable by fine and imprisonment

Taking Action in the UAE

In Dubai and the broader UAE:

• Dubai Municipality: File a complaint with the Consumer Protection Department
• ESMA: Report the jeweler to the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology
• Dubai Police Economic Crimes Unit: For cases involving clear fraud, this is the appropriate law enforcement authority

Cost Impact: Hallmarked vs Non-Hallmarked Gold per Tola Pricing

One of the most common questions from tola gold buyers is whether hallmarking affects the price. The answer involves both direct and indirect costs.

Direct Hallmarking Costs

The actual cost of getting a piece hallmarked in India is remarkably low:

• BIS hallmarking fee: Approximately Rs. 45 per article (less than $0.55 USD), regardless of weight
• This fee covers: The XRF or fire assay test, the laser inscription, and the HUID registration
• Time required: Typically 1-3 business days from submission to return

At less than $1 per piece, the hallmarking cost is negligible compared to the value of even a single tola of gold. Any jeweler who claims that hallmarking "adds significant cost" to the jewelry price is being misleading.

The Price Premium for Hallmarked Gold

In practice, hallmarked gold does command a slight premium over non-hallmarked gold, but this premium reflects trust and resale value, not the cost of hallmarking itself:

• Resale confidence: Hallmarked gold is easier to resell because the buyer does not need to pay for an independent assay. This makes hallmarked pieces more liquid
• Bank acceptance: Banks and financial institutions that accept gold as collateral for loans strongly prefer (or require) hallmarked gold
• Insurance: Insurance companies may require hallmark documentation for high-value gold jewelry policies
• Price difference: Non-hallmarked gold from unknown sources typically sells at a 3-8% discount compared to hallmarked gold of the same weight, because buyers factor in the uncertainty of purity

If you are holding 10 tolas of non-hallmarked gold and trying to sell it, the buyer will either insist on an independent assay (which you pay for) or offer you a lower price to account for the risk. Either way, the lack of a hallmark costs you money. Check the current gold price per tola to see just how much that 3-8% discount translates to in real dollars.

What If the Jewelry Is Antique or Inherited?

This is where things get complicated. What if you inherit a 10-tola heavy Kundan bridal set that your grandmother bought in Lahore in 1960? It will almost certainly not have a digital hallmark or a government stamp.

Getting Antique Gold Tested

In this scenario, you must take the piece to a modern, reputable jeweler and request an XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Test. The jeweler will place the piece inside a digital karat-meter which shoots an X-ray into the metal, determining its exact molecular composition within seconds, without damaging the piece like traditional acid tests do. Once tested, you can calculate its exact value using our gram to tola converter.

Can Antique Gold Be Hallmarked Retroactively?

Yes, in India you can submit old, unhallmarked gold jewelry to a BIS-recognized AHC for testing and hallmarking. The center will test the purity, and if the piece meets a recognized purity standard (14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, or 24K), it will be hallmarked with the HUID system just like new jewelry. This is highly recommended for inherited gold that you plan to hold, sell, or use as loan collateral.

The cost is the same standard hallmarking fee, and the process takes just a few days. Given that a single tola of 22K gold is worth hundreds of dollars, the small fee for retroactive hallmarking is one of the best investments you can make to protect your inherited wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Hallmarks

What does 916 mean on gold?

The number 916 on gold indicates that the piece is 22-karat gold, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloying metals. This fineness mark is the international standard used across India, Pakistan, the UAE, and most tola-based gold markets. A 1-tola piece stamped 916 contains approximately 10.688 grams of pure gold out of its total weight of 11.6638038 grams.

Is hallmarking mandatory for gold in India?

Yes. Since June 2021, the Government of India has made BIS hallmarking mandatory for gold jewelry in a phased rollout. As of 2023, mandatory hallmarking covers 288 districts across the country. Jewelers in these districts who sell non-hallmarked gold face fines up to Rs. 1 lakh and potential imprisonment for repeat offenses. All newly hallmarked jewelry must carry the three-part mark: BIS logo, purity grade, and HUID number.

How to verify a BIS hallmark online?

You can verify a BIS hallmark online through two methods: (1) Download the free BIS Care app on your smartphone and enter the 6-character HUID code in the "Verify HUID" section, or (2) Visit the official BIS website at bis.gov.in and use the online HUID verification portal. Both methods will display the complete details of the hallmarked article including purity, jeweler details, assaying center, and date of hallmarking.

Can fake gold have a hallmark?

Unfortunately, yes. Counterfeiters have been known to apply fake hallmark stamps to substandard gold jewelry. However, there are key differences: fake hallmarks are often blurry, poorly proportioned, or inconsistently deep. Most importantly, a fake HUID code will fail verification in the BIS Care app. Always digitally verify the HUID, and if in doubt, request an independent XRF purity test. The combination of physical inspection and digital verification makes it extremely difficult for counterfeits to pass both checks.

Does hallmarking affect gold price per tola?

The direct cost of hallmarking is negligible (approximately Rs. 45 per article in India). However, hallmarked gold commands a slight premium of 3-8% over non-hallmarked gold in the resale market because it provides guaranteed purity verification. Hallmarked gold is also preferred by banks for gold loans, by insurance companies for jewelry policies, and by buyers in the secondary market. The premium reflects the trust and liquidity that hallmarking provides, not an additional manufacturing cost. Check the latest gold price per tola to understand current market rates.

How do I check if my jeweler is BIS-registered?

You can verify whether a jeweler is registered with BIS by visiting the Bureau of Indian Standards website and searching their public database of registered jewelers. The BIS Care app also provides a "Search Jeweler" function. Every BIS-registered jeweler receives a unique registration number that should be displayed prominently in their shop. Buying from a registered jeweler ensures that any hallmarks on your tola gold jewelry are legitimate and traceable.

What is the difference between BIS hallmark and KDM gold?

KDM (Cadmium-based solder) was a soldering technique used to join gold jewelry pieces. It is not a purity standard and should never be confused with hallmarking. In fact, KDM soldering was banned in India because cadmium is toxic. Some jewelers still incorrectly use "KDM" to imply high purity, but this term has no legal standing. Only the BIS hallmark with HUID provides a verified guarantee of purity. Always ask to see the actual 916 stamp and verify the HUID, regardless of any other labels the jeweler uses.

Conclusion: Trust but Verify Every Tola

The physical weight of the gold is only half the equation in any transaction. If you perfectly negotiate the making charges on 3 tolas of jewelry, but that 3 tolas turns out to be 18K gold masquerading as 22K, you have lost hundreds of dollars instantly.

Never rely on verbal promises, and never rely on handwritten paper certificates. The guarantee must be stamped into the metal itself. Demand to see the "916" hallmark through a loupe before you hand over your credit card. Use the BIS Care app to digitally verify the HUID. If buying in Dubai, confirm the Bareeq certification. If buying in Pakistan, insist on an XRF test at the point of sale.

The entire process of verifying a hallmark takes less than 60 seconds. When you consider that a single tola of 22K gold (11.6638038 grams) is worth hundreds of dollars, those 60 seconds represent the highest return-on-time investment you will ever make. Use our tola to gram converter to verify weights, check the current gold price per tola, and always demand the hallmark.