Context:

From April 1, the sale of gold jewellery will not be allowed without a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.

Image Source: The Indian Express

About HUID Number:

• HUID is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code given to every piece of jewellery and artefact at the time of hallmarking.
• It is given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking, and is a unique identifier for each gold item. 
• The jewellery is stamped with the unique number manually at the Assaying & Hallmarking centre.

Why is hallmarking of gold jewellery important?

• “Hallmark is a mark on gold jewelry which is affixed by an entity recognised by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to assure its fineness and purity.
• Since the quality of the jewellery is guaranteed, that piece will fetch a higher price when re-sold. 
• Also, Banks are likely to give loans on better terms if the mortgaged jewellery is hallmarked, 
• The three categories of hallmarked jewelry are: 
  • “22K916 means that it is a 22 carat gold and the piece of jewellery has 91.6 percent gold. 
  • 18K750 means that it is an 18 carat gold and the piece of jewellery has 75 percent gold. 
  • 14K585 means that it is 14 carat gold and the piece of jewellery has 58.5 percent gold.

Benefits:

• It is aimed at ensuring the purity of Hallmarked jewellery and checking any malpractice. 
• HUID is a secure system and poses no risk to data privacy or security. HUID-based Hallmarking is a win-win for everyone. 
• It brings about transparency, ensures consumers’ rights and obviates the chances of Inspector Raj.

News Source: The Indian Express