What does 916 mean on jewellery?
916 means 22K · 91.6% gold (Gold). Solid precious metal
Solid gold, very high value — often bought as a store of wealth rather than as fashion.
What the mark tells you
The Indian and South Asian gold standard, and the basis of BIS hallmarking in India. Also common across the Middle East.
Is it worth anything?
Solid gold, very high value — often bought as a store of wealth rather than as fashion.
Where to find it
On a ring the mark is almost always inside the band. On a chain or bracelet look at the clasp or the tag beside it; on earrings check the post or the back. Marks are tiny and often worn — a phone camera zoomed all the way in usually reads one better than your eye does.
A stamp is evidence, not proof
Marks wear down, are struck only partially, and are occasionally forged outright. If a piece is valuable enough to matter, have the metal tested rather than relying on the stamp alone. Equally, an absent stamp does not always mean an absent metal: older and handmade jewellery is frequently unmarked.
Found something real? Value it
If the piece is solid metal or holds a stone, see what it is actually worth — both at retail and what you would genuinely be offered for it.
Value my jewellery