Gold and silver buyers in Kolkata
If you’re considering gold and silver buyers in Kolkata, you are probably familiar with the hallmarking system. While this helps protect you from counterfeit products, you must know how buyers know they are purchasing genuine products. The hallmark is only one of the means buyers use to verify the authenticity of the gold or silver that they are purchasing. Now, Om Assay Centre will provide you with a simple overview of how Kolkata buyers verify these marks.
What Are Hallmarks Anyway?
At first, gold purity is an indicator of its highest quality or a precise measure of the number of karats in an object. The measurement system uses percentages as opposed to the traditional way of measuring with a karat designation.
Based on the purity of the gold (24k Gold-Pure, 99% gold)/alloys,(soft, scratch-prone) like (Copper- Silver- Zinc) with metals to create strong components and hardness. Gold purity can be expressed in (Karats-degree). For example, 24K (100% Pure Gold); 22K, 91.67%; 18K, 75%; 14K, 58.33%, and 10K, 41.67%. In addition to gold purity expressed via Fineness.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
A trusted gold buyer in Kolkata will first check if the jewellery is stamped with an official BIS Hallmark, which has three markings inside a triangle. These markings have the following: 1) identifying code of the Hallmarking Centre, 2) the level of purity, for instance, 22 karat gold will show as the number 916, and 3) the jeweller’s code.
If the duplicate item’s stamps have a different font type or are not clear, this item is most likely a counterfeit product. Items that have a more detailed engraving and are cut cleanly without jagged edges. Usually indicate that it is an authentic product.
Step 2: Magnification and Tools
Then, professional buyers use either a 10 times magnifier glass or a digital microscope for viewing. As the markings on gold are laser etched rather than stamped with a hammer, like many old gold marks. Buyers in Kolkata also look for the “925” symbol for sterling silver. After all, gold and silver buyers in Kolkata compare multiple items.
Step 3: Acid and Electronic Testing
Experts most commonly use acid tests to determine the value of gold and silver, since visual inspection proves difficult. Gold stays stable and gives a positive reading when nitric acid touches a scratched area. Nitric acid makes other metals or non-precious materials fizzle quickly.
Although traditional buyers use acid to test gold and silver, modern gold and silver buyers have access to X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machines. This permits testing gold and silver for karat count and silver content within seconds. The XRF machine utilises a non-destructive testing method that does not cause any damage to the items being tested.
Common Red Flags to Watch
Be wary of items with signs of smudged markings, lack of BIS logos, or only clips with hallmarks (e.g., they do not appear on the main part of the item). Some gold and silver buyers in Kolkata marketplaces may place counterfeit stamps on their items to appear authenticated. Credible buyers check for authenticity via receipts. As a rule of thumb, always purchase items that have been certified.
Why Choose Us?
Our team provides expert service to buy gold and silver in Kolkata.
- BIS-Certified Experts: Decades of experience verifying hallmarks every day.
- Advanced equipment: Use of XRF Machines for accurate testing.
- Local Trust: Providing service to families in Kolkata from Park Street to Salt Lake.
- Buy Back Guarantee: If the hallmark of your jewelry does not match the mark we provided, we will fully refund you.
- Free Verification: You will have no obligation to purchase from us.
Final Checks Before Buying
Overall, gold and silver buyers in Kolkata will consider weight, calculate the value of melting the metals after weighing them, and match hallmarks. Knowing how merchants identify hallmarks helps to reduce your prices and stress. Go to an accredited shop like Om Assay Centre to alleviate any concerns you may have. If you are ready to sell or authenticate your gold and/or silver, please call us!