Summary
This guide explains how to read hallmarks and stamps on gold jewelry in the UAE. Learn about purity marks, assay office stamps, maker’s marks, and country codes. Follow practical tips to confirm authenticity before buying gold in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Introduction
When buying gold in the UAE, hallmarks and stamps are your best tools to confirm authenticity. Moreover, understanding these tiny marks ensures you pay for the quality you expect. Fortunately, decoding them is easier than you think.
Whether you shop at the Dubai Gold Souk, a mall jewelry store, or online, knowing how to read hallmarks protects you from buying low-quality or counterfeit gold. Additionally, this knowledge helps if you plan to resell or repair your jewelry. You can also check our Gold Purity Guide to understand karats and their value.
1. Purity Marks
Every gold item in the UAE carries a karat stamp:
- 24K – Pure gold
- 22K – Most common for jewelry in Dubai
- 21K – Popular for traditional designs
- 18K – Preferred for diamond or gemstone jewelry
Always check if the karat mark matches what you paid. For example, a 22K bangle should show “22K” or “916”. This ensures you’re not overpaying for lower-quality gold.
2. Assay Office Stamps
UAE law requires jewelry to be tested by approved assay offices. Look for stamps issued by Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. Consequently, these confirm the gold has passed purity checks. Without this stamp, the jewelry isn’t legally certified. For official regulations, visit the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
3. Maker’s Mark
Every jeweler in the UAE must stamp a unique identification mark. This indicates the store or workshop that made the piece. Therefore, it helps trace the origin if you ever sell or repair the item. Additionally, you can compare it with similar pieces on the BIS India website for verification.
4. Country of Origin Codes
Imported jewelry often carries a country code, for example, “750 ITALY” for 18K Italian gold. Many Indian, Turkish, and Italian pieces in Dubai display these codes. Hence, you can quickly identify where your jewelry comes from and confirm it matches the invoice.
5. Practical Tips for Buyers
- Inspect rings and bangles inside; stamps are usually engraved there.
- Use a magnifying glass for tiny markings.
- Compare hallmarks with invoices. Both must match.
- For Indian-made jewelry sold in the UAE, verify the HUID using the BIS Care App.
By understanding hallmarks and stamps, you shop confidently and avoid costly mistakes.
FAQ
Q1: What is the most common gold purity in the UAE?
A1: 22K gold is the most common for jewelry in Dubai.
Q2: How can I verify an Indian gold item in the UAE?
A2: Check the HUID number using the BIS Care App.
Q3: Are all UAE jewelry items legally stamped?
A3: Yes. Only items stamped by government-approved assay offices are certified.
Q4: What do country codes on jewelry indicate?
A4: They show the origin of imported gold, e.g., “750 ITALY” means 18K Italian gold.
