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What Is Hallmark Gold?
Hallmark Gold refers to gold jewellery or other gold items that bear an official hallmark, which is a mark or series of marks stamped on the item by an official assay office. The hallmark certifies the purity or fineness of the gold and provides information about the manufacturer or sponsor of the item. It serves as a guarantee of the quality and authenticity of the gold.
In many countries, hallmarking is a legal requirement for gold items to be sold. The hallmark typically includes information such as the gold’s karatage (purity), the manufacturer’s or sponsor’s mark, and sometimes the year of manufacture. This certification process is conducted by an assay office, an official establishment that tests and marks precious metals.
When purchasing gold jewellery, looking for a hallmark is a good practice as it ensures that the gold meets certain quality standards and has been verified by an authorised entity.
What Is KDM Gold?
KDM Gold stands for “Kadmium” gold. It is a type of gold jewellery commonly sold in India. The KDM gold process involves the addition of cadmium to the gold alloy, which makes the alloy suitable for crafting jewellery. The cadmium acts as a solder, allowing for intricate designs and patterns.
Here’s a breakdown of the terms:
- Karat (K): This indicates the purity of gold. KDM gold is typically available in 22K, which means it contains 91.67% pure gold mixed with other metals.
- Divided: The gold alloy is divided into required proportions, and then cadmium is added to aid in the soldering process.
- Mixed: The alloy is mixed thoroughly with cadmium to create a homogeneous mixture, making it suitable for crafting intricate jewellery designs.
What is 916 Gold?
916 gold, also known as 22-karat gold, is a type of gold alloy widely used in jewellery making. The number 916 represents the purity of the gold, and it is expressed in terms of parts per thousand. Here’s a breakdown of what 916 gold signifies:
- Gold Purity: 916 gold is composed of 91.6% pure gold. This means that out of 1,000 parts in the alloy, 916 parts are pure gold.
- Alloy Composition: The remaining 8.4% consists of other metals like copper and silver. These metals are added to increase the alloy’s strength and durability, as pure gold (24-karat gold) is relatively soft for practical use in jewellery.
- Hallmarking: Jewellery made from 916 gold is often hallmarked to indicate its purity. The hallmark may include the number 916 or “22K” to signify that it is 22-karat gold.
- Common in Jewellery: 916 gold is a popular choice for crafting gold jewellery. It strikes a balance between purity and durability, making it suitable for intricate designs and daily wear.
Difference Between Hallmarked Gold, KDM, and 916 Gold
| Attribute | Hallmarked Gold | KDM Gold | 916 Gold (22K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | Certified purity | May contain cadmium as a soldering agent | 91.6% pure gold (22 karat) with alloy metals |
| Certification | Official certification for quality and authenticity | Traditional method, less common today | Commonly recognized purity level for jewelry |
| Usage | Widely accepted standard | Less common due to health and environmental concerns | Common in India and other regions for jewelry |
Types of Gold and Their Usages
| Type | Gold Content | Characteristics | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-Karat Gold | 99.9% pure gold | Soft and malleable, suitable for investment and jewellery | Investment, High-end jewellery |
| 22-Karat Gold | 91.6% pure gold | Durable, popular for intricate jewellery designs | Jewellery crafting, Traditional ornaments |
| 18-Karat Gold | 75% pure gold | Balance between durability and purity | High-end jewellery |
| 14-Karat Gold | 58.3% pure gold | Affordable with reasonable durability | Affordable jewellery |
| White Gold | Gold alloy with white metals | Shiny, silver-like appearance | Jewellery, Watches |
| Rose Gold | Gold alloy with copper | Warm, reddish-pink hue | Jewellery, Watches |
| Green Gold | Gold alloy with silver and zinc | Greenish tint | Artistic jewellery |
| KDM Gold | Gold alloy with cadmium | Solderable without heating, traditional in India | Traditional Indian jewellery making |
| Black Hills Gold | Distinctive gold jewellery style | Rose and green gold leaves on a yellow gold base | Jewellery with unique designs |
| Bullion Gold | High-purity gold bars or coins | Investment purposes | Investment, Wealth preservation |
| Gold ETFs | Financial instruments representing gold ownership | Traded on stock exchanges like stocks | Investment, Portfolio diversification |
Read More: Digital Gold vs Physical Gold
In conclusion, when it comes to purchasing gold, choosing between Hallmark and Non-Hallmark gold can significantly impact the quality, authenticity, and value of your investment. Hallmark gold offers the assurance of standardised certification, guaranteeing purity and authenticity, which not only enhances its market recognition but also provides a higher resale value. On the other hand, Non-Hallmark gold may come at a lower price but carries the risk of uncertain purity and authenticity, potentially impacting consumer trust and resale value. Ultimately, opting for Hallmark gold ensures peace of mind and confidence in your investment, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliability and quality in their gold purchases.
