Understanding 916 gold, hallmarked gold and KDM

What is 916 gold?

In simple terms, 916 gold refers to gold that has 91.6 per cent purity, and it is the same as 22-karat purity. It is gold mixed with a small amount of alloy metals like silver or copper to give the jewellery enough strength to hold its shape. You’ll see this type of gold used widely across India because it gives you a near-pure feel without compromising durability.

In short, 916 gold translates to high purity, trusted quality and everyday wearability.

What is hallmark gold?

If you’re unsure what hallmark gold is, think of it as gold with a verified identity. Every hallmarked gold piece carries the hallmark gold sign, which includes the BIS logo, a purity stamp like 916 or 22K, the jeweller’s ID and the assay centre mark. This type of gold has been tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). So, the next time you are shopping for the yellow metal and your criterion is purity, hallmarked gold is basically your safest bet.

What is KDM gold?

KDM gold once seemed like a popular choice, but its story changed over time. The full form of KDM is cadmium, and the term refers to gold soldered using an alloy that contains around eight per cent cadmium. While it made intricate designs easier, it also caused health risks for workers and was banned by BIS. That’s why KDM is banned by BIS today.

Differences between hallmarked, KDM, and 916 gold

Here is a comparison table between hallmarked gold, KDM gold, and 916 gold:

You’ll notice that 916 gold describes purity, while hallmark gold confirms that purity through testing. KDM gold, on the other hand, focuses on the soldering technique and has fallen out of favour. If you want trust and strong resale value, hallmark gold will serve you best. If you simply want a purity benchmark, 916 gold does that for you. KDM gold, however, lacks certification and doesn’t offer the same security.

How to check the hallmark on gold?

When you’re examining jewellery, look closely for the hallmark sign. You’ll usually find the BIS logo, purity stamp such as 916 or 22K, the jeweller’s code and the assay centre mark engraved on the inner side or hidden surfaces. A magnifying glass makes it much easier to read. If you’re still unsure, you can also verify the hallmark through the BIS Care app so you always know what hallmark gold is and whether your piece is genuine.

Why is hallmarked gold preferred over KDM and non-hallmarked gold?

If you want complete peace of mind, hallmarked gold is the safest choice. It protects you from impurities, ensures you get exactly what you’re paying for and strengthens your resale value. While KDM gold and non-hallmarked pieces may look appealing initially, they come with purity doubts and health concerns. Hallmarking gives you certified purity, accurate gold weight and the confidence that you’re buying responsibly.

Benefits of hallmarked gold:

• Assured purity and authenticity
• Better resale value
• Protection against fraud
• Verified quality through BIS

Impact of gold type on price: Hallmark gold vs KDM vs 916 gold

Gold prices vary depending on purity, certification and market demand. Now that you know what 916 gold, hallmark gold and KDM gold are, you will understand why their prices are not similar.

Hallmark gold price is usually a little higher because it includes the cost of testing and authentication. KDM gold price today may seem lower, but it lacks assurance. The 916 gold price today depends entirely on the daily 22K rate. Before you want to purchase gold online or jewellery, always check live gold rates from reliable sources and choose only certified sellers to avoid fraud.