Understanding the difference between KDM, Hallmark and BIS 916 gold is essential when purchasing gold jewellery. Knowing these terms helps you verify purity, authenticity, and long-term value before making a purchase.
Gold has always held a special place in Indian households not just as jewellery but also as a trusted investment and a valuable financial asset. Whether you’re purchasing gold for a wedding, investing for the future, or planning to avail a gold loan, understanding the quality of gold is essential.
While shopping for jewellery, you may often hear terms like KDM Gold, Hallmark Gold, and BIS 916 Gold. These labels can be confusing, especially for first time buyers. Many people assume they represent different varieties of gold, but in reality, each term refers to a different aspect of gold jewellery.
Knowing the difference between KDM hallmark and BIS 916 gold helps you make informed decisions, ensures you receive genuine gold, and protects your investment. At Sai Gold OGL, customers are encouraged to understand gold purity before purchasing jewellery or pledging it for a gold loan.
This guide explains each term in detail, highlights their differences, and helps you choose the right gold jewellery.
What is KDM Gold?
KDM stands for Cadmium, a metal that was traditionally used as solder during the manufacturing of gold jewellery.
In the past, jewellers used cadmium to join various parts of ornaments without significantly affecting the overall purity of the gold.
Features of KDM Gold
- Uses cadmium as solder
- Maintains a neat finish
- Was widely used before hallmarking became common
- Does not indicate the purity of gold
It is important to note that KDM is a manufacturing technique not a purity certification.
Why Has KDM Gold Become Less Popular?
Although KDM jewellery offered strong joints and attractive finishes, cadmium was later found to pose health risks to jewellery workers.
Cadmium exposure may lead to:
- Respiratory diseases
- Kidney damage
- Environmental pollution
- Toxic fumes during jewellery manufacturing
Due to these concerns, the jewellery industry shifted to safer soldering materials such as zinc and other non toxic alloys.
Today, most reputed jewellers no longer manufacture jewellery using the traditional KDM process.
What is Hallmark Gold?
Hallmark Gold refers to jewellery that has been officially tested and certified for purity.
A hallmark is not a type of gold but a certification that verifies the purity claimed by the jeweller.
Hallmarked jewellery assures customers that the gold meets established quality standards.
Advantages of Hallmark Gold
- Certified purity
- Increased consumer confidence
- Better resale value
- Easier exchange
- Reduced risk of fraud
Hallmarking has become one of the most important quality checks in India’s jewellery market.
What is BIS Hallmark?
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards, the national standards authority responsible for certifying gold purity in India.
BIS Hallmarking confirms that the jewellery has been independently tested at an authorized hallmarking centre.
Modern BIS hallmarked jewellery usually carries:
- BIS logo
- Purity mark
- Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID)
- Jeweller’s identification mark
These markings ensure transparency and authenticity.
What Does BIS 916 Gold Mean?
The number 916 indicates that the jewellery contains:
- 91.6% pure gold
- 8.4% alloy metals
This purity level corresponds to 22 karat gold, the most popular choice for traditional Indian jewellery.
The remaining alloy metals provide:
- Better strength
- Improved durability
- Enhanced resistance to bending and scratching
Because pure 24K gold is too soft for daily wear, BIS 916 gold offers the ideal balance between purity and durability.
Understanding Gold Purity Marks
| Purity Mark | Karat | Gold Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% |
| 995 | 23K | 99.5% |
| 958 | 23K | 95.8% |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% |
| 750 | 18K | 75% |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% |
| 375 | 9K | 37.5% |
Difference Between KDM, Hallmark and BIS 916 Gold
Understanding the difference between KDM, hallmark and BIS 916 gold becomes easier when you know what each term represents.
| Feature | KDM Gold | Hallmark Gold | BIS 916 Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Jewellery made using cadmium solder | Purity certification | 22K gold certified by BIS |
| Indicates Purity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Government Certified | No | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturing Method | Traditional | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Consumer Protection | Limited | High | High |
| Resale Value | Depends on purity | Better | Excellent |
| Industry Acceptance | Mostly outdated | Widely accepted | Industry standard |
The key difference between KDM, hallmark and BIS 916 gold is that KDM relates to the jewellery-making process, Hallmark is the certification of purity, and BIS 916 specifies that the ornament is 22-karat gold certified under BIS standards.
Is KDM Gold Pure?
A common misconception is that KDM automatically means high purity gold. This is incorrect. KDM only refers to the soldering technique used during manufacturing.
A KDM ornament may be:
- 18K
- 20K
- 22K
- Or another purity level
Without BIS hallmark certification, buyers cannot rely solely on the term KDM to determine purity.
Why BIS 916 Hallmarked Gold is the Better Choice than KDM
Most consumers today prefer BIS 916 hallmarked jewellery because it provides verified purity and greater confidence.
1. Certified Authenticity
Every ornament undergoes purity testing before certification.
2. Better Investment Value
Certified jewellery usually commands higher resale prices.
3. Easy Gold Loan Approval
Financial institutions, including Sai Gold OGL, generally prefer BIS hallmarked jewellery when assessing gold for loans because certified purity enables accurate valuation and a smoother loan process.
4. Greater Consumer Protection
Hallmarking minimizes the chances of under carat or counterfeit jewellery.
5. Nationwide Recognition
BIS hallmarked jewellery is accepted across India by jewellers, buyers, and lenders.
KDM vs BIS 916 Gold: Which Should You Choose?
If you are buying new jewellery, BIS 916 hallmarked gold is the better option.
Choose BIS 916 because it offers:
- Certified purity
- Government backed assurance
- Better resale value
- Easier exchange
- Higher trust among lenders
- Transparent pricing
KDM jewellery may still exist in older collections, but it should not be considered a substitute for BIS-certified jewellery.
Tips for Buying Gold Jewellery
Before making a purchase, keep these points in mind:
- Always look for the BIS Hallmark.
- Verify the HUID number.
- Ask for a detailed invoice mentioning purity.
- Compare making charges between jewellers.
- Purchase only from reputed jewellery stores.
- Understand the jeweller’s exchange and buyback policy.
- Check whether the jewellery is suitable if you plan to use it for a gold loan in the future.
Common Myths About KDM, Hallmark and BIS 916 Gold Types
Myth 1: KDM Means Pure Gold
False. KDM only refers to the soldering process.
Myth 2: Hallmark is a Different Variety of Gold
False. Hallmark is a certification, not a type of gold.
Myth 3: BIS 916 and 22K Gold are Different
False. BIS 916 simply means 22-karat gold with 91.6% purity.
Myth 4: Hallmarked Jewellery is More Expensive
Not necessarily. Hallmarking involves a nominal certification cost but adds significant value through verified purity.
Myth 5: Old Jewellery Without Hallmark is Fake
Not always. Older jewellery can still be genuine, but its purity should be tested before purchase, resale, or applying for a gold loan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
KDM refers to an older soldering technique using cadmium, Hallmark is a certification of gold purity, and BIS 916 denotes 22K gold (91.6% purity) certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
No. BIS 916 gold is generally preferred because it provides certified purity, government backed assurance, and better consumer protection.
Yes. BIS 916 indicates that the jewellery contains 91.6% pure gold, which is equivalent to 22 karat gold.
Yes. If KDM jewellery meets the required purity standards, it can be hallmarked. However, modern jewellery manufacturing has largely moved away from cadmium based soldering.
BIS hallmarked gold ensures verified purity, enhances resale value, reduces the risk of fraud, and offers greater confidence that the jewellery meets established quality standards.
