Can You Sell Old, Un-Hallmarked Gold Jewellery as Prices Near ₹1 Lakh?
With 24KT gold prices soaring close to ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, many people are considering selling or exchanging their old gold ornaments. But with mandatory hallmarking norms now in place, one common question arises: can you sell old, un-hallmarked gold jewellery in today’s market?
Rising Gold Prices Shift Buying Behaviour
Old Gold Exchange Over New Purchases
The spike in gold prices has altered consumer behaviour, especially during the wedding season, when jewellery sales typically peak.
- Instead of buying new, many are opting to exchange old jewellery to save on GST and making charges.
- This also allows them to cash in on high gold prices without making fresh financial commitments.
Profit-Booking Through Gold Sales
According to a World Gold Council report (Feb 2025), many buyers have front-loaded their purchases during price dips in November and are now selling old gold to lock in profits.
- The current trend points to reduced wedding-related gold buying, as consumers prioritize value over novelty.
- With gold viewed as a financial asset, selling old ornaments now offers a better return opportunity.
Can You Sell Old, Un-Hallmarked Jewellery?
BIS Guidelines Allow It
Yes, you can sell or exchange old, un-hallmarked gold jewellery in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) clearly states that:
- There are no restrictions on consumers for selling pre-owned, un-hallmarked jewellery.
- Jewellers can accept such jewellery, though valuation and testing may vary across shops.
This ensures legacy or inherited gold does not lose its liquidity due to updated regulations.
Jewellers Conduct Purity Testing
When you present un-hallmarked jewellery, most jewellers will:
- Perform a purity test, often via XRF (X-ray fluorescence) or fire assay.
- Determine the exact gold content to offer a fair market price.
These tests help ensure both accuracy and transparency in resale or exchange transactions.
What Is Mandatory Hallmarking and HUID?
Hallmarking Rules and Requirements
Since July 1, 2021, hallmarking is compulsory for all gold jewellery sold in India.
- A valid hallmark includes:
- BIS logo
- Purity mark in carat and fineness (e.g., 22K916)
- HUID – a six-digit unique code
What Is HUID and How Is It Verified?
HUID, or Hallmark Unique Identification, is a traceable code assigned to each hallmarked item.
- Consumers can verify the HUID using the BIS Care App, which confirms the item’s authenticity and purity.
- This improves trust between buyers and sellers, especially when making large-value transactions.
Selling Old Jewellery After Hallmarking Becomes Mandatory
No Restrictions on Legacy Gold
Even after the implementation of mandatory hallmarking, BIS confirms that:
- Consumers are free to sell old gold, regardless of whether it has a hallmark or not.
- This protects buyers who acquired jewellery before regulations tightened.
How Jewellers Handle Non-Hallmarked Items
Jewellers accepting such items will:
- Conduct purity verification, adjust weight for alloys or stones, and quote a price based on live gold rates.
- Some may also offer exchange deals for hallmarked new jewellery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re holding old, un-hallmarked gold jewellery, you can still sell or exchange it, even with new hallmarking norms in place. Jewellers are authorised to accept such gold, provided they assess purity independently. As 24KT gold prices approach ₹1 lakh, this might be the ideal time to cash in on high rates—even if your ornaments are not hallmarked.
