Quick answer: a hallmarked silver piece in India carries three things: the BIS standard mark (the triangle logo), the purity grade (for jewellery usually 925, meaning 92.5% silver) and a 6-character alphanumeric HUID unique to that piece. Open the free BIS CARE app, tap Verify HUID, type the code, and the app shows the purity, the article type, the jeweller who registered it and the hallmarking centre that tested it. As of 2026, hallmarking silver is voluntary in India, but every piece that is hallmarked must carry a HUID. At GemKrishna most SILVY pieces are already hallmarked, and any other silver piece can be hallmarked for ₹249 before dispatch.
What the marks on silver mean
| Mark | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| BIS standard mark | The piece was tested at a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre |
| Purity grade (for example 925, 999) | Parts of silver per thousand: 925 = 92.5% silver (sterling), 999 = 99.9% (fine silver) |
| HUID (6 characters, letters and numbers) | A unique ID for this one article, linked to its test record |
A plain "925" or "S925" stamp without the BIS logo and HUID is only the maker's own claim. It may well be true, but it has not been independently tested.
How to verify a HUID in the BIS CARE app
- Install BIS CARE from the Play Store or App Store. It is the official app of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Open it and choose Verify HUID.
- Read the 6 characters on your piece. Use a magnifier or your phone camera zoom; HUIDs are tiny.
- Enter the code and submit.
- Check that the result matches your piece: purity, article type (a pendant should not show as a ring), the jeweller's name and the hallmarking centre.
If the app shows no record, or the article type does not match, contact the seller. A genuine HUID cannot belong to two different pieces.
Is silver hallmarking compulsory in India?
Not yet. For gold, hallmarking has been compulsory in India's notified districts since 2021, with HUID required since April 2023. For silver, hallmarking remains voluntary as of 2026. Since September 2025, however, any silver article that is hallmarked must carry a HUID. The Bureau of Indian Standards has said it is assessing readiness before any mandatory scheme, and silver hallmarking volumes have been rising quickly. So a hallmark is not legally required on silver today, but it is the strongest proof of purity you can ask for.
What do "tunch" and "tonch" mean?
At Indian jewellers you will hear tunch (also written tonch or touch) for the purity of the metal: "80 tunch" means about 80% silver, and "92.5 tunch" means sterling. Traditional shops test tunch by rubbing the metal on a touchstone or by melting a sample. A BIS hallmark is the modern, independent version of tunch. That is why GemKrishna's hallmark add-on at checkout is called "Silver Hallmark (Tonch)": it is a full BIS hallmark with HUID, not just a shop stamp.
Why some silver jewellery is not hallmarked
- It is voluntary, and some sellers skip it to save cost and time.
- Very small or delicate pieces can be hard to stamp without damage.
- Pieces made to order are hallmarked after making, which adds a little time.
- Some "silver" items are not silver (German silver, silver-plated) and cannot be hallmarked. See 925 silver vs German silver vs silver-plated.
How hallmarking works at GemKrishna
- Most SILVY pieces and our 925 silver god pendants are already hallmarked; the product page says so.
- For a piece that is not, add "Silver Hallmark (Tonch)" for ₹249 at checkout.
- We send the piece to a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre, where it is assayed and stamped with the BIS mark, purity and HUID.
- This adds up to 2 days before dispatch.
- You can verify the HUID in BIS CARE as soon as you receive it.
Stoneless silver jewellery does not get a gemstone lab report, because there is no stone to test; the hallmark is what certifies the silver. For silver set with a gemstone, the stone gets its own lab report.
Hallmark and price: what to check on the bill
- Net silver weight (grams), separate from stone weight.
- Purity (925 or 999).
- Making charge, shown separately.
- Hallmarking charge, if any.
- The HUID number, written on the bill if possible.
For how silver is priced, read silver gifts for Diwali: paying a fair price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a silver hallmark online?
Use the BIS CARE app: choose Verify HUID, enter the 6-character code on your piece, and check the purity, article type, jeweller and hallmarking centre shown.
Is silver hallmarking mandatory in India in 2026?
No. Silver hallmarking is voluntary as of 2026, but any hallmarked silver piece must carry a HUID (since September 2025). Gold hallmarking is compulsory in notified districts.
What does 925 on silver mean?
925 parts of silver per 1,000, which is 92.5% silver, also called sterling silver.
What does tunch mean in silver?
Tunch (tonch or touch) is the trade word for metal purity, for example "92.5 tunch" for sterling silver. A BIS hallmark is an independent, verifiable tunch test.
Can I get my silver jewellery hallmarked at GemKrishna?
Yes. Add "Silver Hallmark (Tonch)" at checkout for ₹249. It is a full BIS hallmark with HUID and adds up to 2 days.
Shop hallmarked SILVY 925 silver or ask us anything on WhatsApp (+91 76782 75972).
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