Old Jewellery Without a Hallmark: Can You Still Sell It & What Rate Do You Get?

Old Jewellery Without a Hallmark: Can You Still Sell It & What Rate Do You Get?

BIS hallmarking became mandatory for Indian jewellers only from June 2021. This means most gold bought before 2021 - and virtually all gold bought before 2000 - is not BIS hallmarked.

Does this mean you get less for it when you sell? No - but the purity must be determined differently. Here is exactly how unhallmarked gold is valued and what to expect.

At a Glance

Why Most Old Indian Jewellery Has No BIS Hallmark

BIS hallmarking was introduced in 2000 but was voluntary until June 2021. This means:
• Jewellery bought before June 2021 - no BIS hallmark required by law
• Family heirlooms, ancestral pieces, jewellery from small local jewellers - likely no hallmark
• None of this makes the jewellery less valuable - purity simply needs independent verification.

How Unhallmarked Gold Is Valued at Resale

Attica Gold uses XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing on every piece - hallmarked or not. The XRF identifies exactly what percentage is gold.

If an old piece with no stamp tests at 91.2% gold: paid at 22K rate (₹13,965/g).
If it tests at 74.8%: paid at 18K rate (₹11,438/g).
The absence of a stamp is irrelevant - only the XRF result matters.

Why Older Jewellery May Test Below Expected Purity

• Old KDM jewellery (pre-2000, cadmium soldering) may have slightly lower purity near solder joints
• Some older jewellers sold jewellery at lower purity than claimed - without mandatory hallmarking, there was no verification
• Pieces repaired or altered with lower-purity gold may test lower overall
• Lac and resin filling inside hollow pieces affects weight but not the purity of the gold itself
• Family heirlooms repaired over generations may be a mix of purities

Does No Hallmark Mean Lower Payment?

No - provided XRF confirms the expected purity. A 22K piece testing at 91.6% gets the same rate as a BIS-hallmarked 916 piece: ₹13,965/g.

The hallmark is a pre-verified purity certification. XRF at the branch does the same job - in real time, in front of you.

Why Choose Attica Gold Company

Attica Gold Company is ISO 9001:2015 certified with 200+ branches across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Pondicherry. Your wait is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell gold without a BIS hallmark?

Yes. Attica Gold accepts all gold regardless of hallmarking - XRF testing determines purity.

Will I get less money for unhallmarked gold?

No - if XRF confirms the expected purity, you receive the same rate as hallmarked gold of that purity.

How is purity determined for old unhallmarked jewellery?

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing - non-destructive, identifies exact gold content in 30–60 seconds.

What if the XRF shows lower purity than I expected?

You are paid at the tested purity. If the piece tests at 18K when you assumed 22K, the 18K rate applies.

Is KDM gold (old cadmium solder) affected?

XRF tests the gold body, not the solder joint. The gold portion of a KDM piece is paid at its actual purity.

Should I get my old gold tested before visiting?

Attica Gold does free XRF testing. This is the definitive test - no need to pay elsewhere first.

Does old ancestral gold always test lower?

Not necessarily. Old South Indian hand-crafted jewellery is often genuinely 22K or close to it.