Why Fake Gold Is a Real Problem in India
India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold, and that demand creates opportunities for fraud. Fake or adulterated gold jewellery — items plated with gold over brass, copper or silver, or jewellery with a lower purity than claimed — costs Indian buyers hundreds of crores every year. Knowing how to spot it before you pay is a basic consumer skill.
Step 1: Check for a BIS Hallmark
The first and most reliable check is the BIS hallmark. Since 2021, BIS hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India. A genuine BIS-hallmarked piece will show:
- The BIS logo (a triangle)
- A purity number: 999, 958, 916, 875, 750, 585 or 375
- A six-digit alphanumeric HUID code
You can verify any HUID on the BIS Care app (available on Android and iOS). If the code doesn’t show up or the hallmark looks smudged or stamped-on, treat it as a red flag.
Learn what each hallmark number means: 916, 750 and 585 hallmark explained.
Step 2: Do the Magnet Test at Home
Pure gold and genuine gold alloys are not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (a fridge magnet is too weak — use a neodymium magnet) close to the jewellery. If it pulls noticeably toward the magnet, it likely contains iron, nickel or steel underneath — a sign of a plated piece.
Limitation: Some non-gold metals like copper and brass are also non-magnetic, so this test rules out iron-based fakes but not all fakes.
Step 3: The Density (Float) Test
Gold is very dense (19.3 g/cm³). Drop the piece into a glass of water:
- Real gold sinks quickly.
- Fake or hollow pieces may float or sink slowly.
This test is useful but not conclusive for jewellery with stones or hollow settings.
Step 4: The Skin Discolouration Test
Wear the piece for a few hours. Real gold does not react with skin oils or sweat. If you see green, black or grey marks on your skin where the jewellery touched, the piece is plated or made of a base metal with a thin gold layer.
Step 5: The Ceramic Scratch Test
Rub the jewellery gently on an unglazed ceramic tile (the back of a ceramic plate works). Real gold leaves a gold-coloured streak. A black streak means the piece is likely fool’s gold (pyrite) or a base metal. Do this test only on an inconspicuous spot as it can scratch the surface.
Step 6: Ask for a Professional Acid Test
Jewellers and certified labs use acid scratch tests and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machines to give a definitive purity reading. If you are buying a large piece or have any doubt, request a professional test before paying. Most reputable jewellers offer this at no cost.
How to Buy Safely
- Always buy from BIS-registered jewellers.
- Insist on a tax invoice that states purity and HUID.
- Cross-check the HUID on the BIS Care app in the store before paying.
- Be sceptical of heavy discounts on making charges — they are sometimes used to offset lower gold purity.
- Avoid buying gold from unverified online sellers or street vendors.
Also read: What BIS hallmark on gold means and why it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gold-plated jewellery pass the magnet test?
If the base metal is copper or brass (which are non-magnetic), yes — it can pass the magnet test. The hallmark check and skin discolouration test are more reliable for plated pieces.
Is all jewellery without a hallmark fake?
Not necessarily. Antique or heirloom pieces pre-date the mandatory hallmarking rules. But for any new purchase, the absence of a BIS hallmark is a serious concern.
What should I do if I discover I was sold fake gold?
File a complaint with the BIS (biscare@bis.gov.in), the consumer forum, or the local police. Keep your invoice as evidence.