Why the Hallmark Number Matters
When you see a number stamped on a piece of metal jewellery, it is the hallmark — a standardised purity mark that tells you how much precious metal the piece contains. The three-digit number represents purity in parts per thousand. So 916 means 916 parts out of 1,000 are pure gold. The confusion between 916 and 925 arises because they look similar but refer to completely different metals.
What Does 916 Hallmark Mean?
The 916 hallmark indicates 22 Karat gold — the most common purity for gold jewellery in India.
- Gold content: 91.6% (916 parts per 1,000)
- Remaining 8.4%: copper and silver alloy (added for hardness and workability)
- Colour: Yellow gold (the alloy composition can be adjusted to produce rose gold or white gold at this karatage, though less common)
- Use: Traditional gold jewellery — necklaces, bangles, rings, earrings, chains
- Price: Based on gold weight × current 22K gold rate per gram
What Does 925 Hallmark Mean?
The 925 hallmark indicates Sterling Silver — it has nothing to do with gold.
- Metal: Silver (not gold)
- Silver content: 92.5% (925 parts per 1,000)
- Remaining 7.5%: copper (added to improve durability)
- Use: Silver jewellery, silverware, oxidised silver pieces, silver coins
- Price: Based on silver weight × current silver rate (far lower than gold)
916 vs 925: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 916 Hallmark | 925 Hallmark |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | Gold | Silver |
| Purity | 91.6% gold | 92.5% silver |
| Equivalent karatage | 22 Karat | Sterling Silver (no karat equivalent) |
| Colour | Yellow gold | Bright white (tarnishes over time) |
| Typical uses | Gold jewellery, coins | Silver jewellery, silverware, utensils |
| Value (approx.) | ₹6,000–₹7,500/g | ₹80–₹120/g |
| BIS certified? | Yes (mandatory) | Yes (optional but available) |
Common Confusion: Gold-Plated Silver and 925 Stamps
Some jewellery is made of 925 sterling silver with a thin gold plating on the outside. These pieces may appear gold-coloured and are sometimes listed as “gold-plated silver” or “gold-over-silver”. The 925 stamp on such a piece refers to the silver base — the piece is not gold. Always verify whether a piece described as “gold” actually has a 916 stamp (for 22K) or a 750 stamp (for 18K) rather than a 925 stamp.
Other Common Gold Hallmarks to Know
- 999 = 24 Karat gold (99.9% pure) — coins and bars
- 916 = 22 Karat gold — traditional jewellery
- 750 = 18 Karat gold — diamond jewellery
- 585 = 14 Karat gold — less common in India
Full hallmark reference: 916, 750 and 585 hallmark numbers on gold jewellery explained.
Also read: What BIS hallmark on gold means and why it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a piece with a 925 stamp worth anything significant?
A 925 sterling silver piece has intrinsic silver value (92.5% silver). It is a genuine precious metal, but at a fraction of the price of gold. The value depends on the weight × current silver rate.
Can 916 gold look white or rose coloured?
Yes. Rose gold is typically 22K or 18K gold with a higher copper alloy content. White gold (usually 18K/750) uses nickel or palladium alloy. The hallmark tells you the purity of the gold content, not the colour.
How do I tell 916 gold from 925 silver at home?
Use a strong magnet — gold (916) and silver (925) are both non-magnetic, so this won’t help. The simplest way is to read the hallmark stamp carefully. A professional can use an acid test or XRF analyser to confirm the metal type and purity definitively.