What does BIS mean on jewellery?
BIS means BIS certified (Gold (India)). Solid precious metal
Government-certified purity, which makes Indian gold unusually easy to resell at close to full metal value.
What the mark tells you
The Indian Bureau of Indian Standards hallmark. Since 2021 it comprises three marks: the BIS triangle logo, the purity grade (such as 22K916), and a six-character alphanumeric HUID unique to that piece.
Is it worth anything?
Government-certified purity, which makes Indian gold unusually easy to resell at close to full metal value.
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