Is your Lakshmi-Ganesha idol real gold or silver? Here's how to check

Buying Lakshmi-Ganesha idols is a popular part of Diwali shopping, with many households opting for gold or silver figures for their puja. While silver idols are generally more affordable, some buyers prefer solid gold pieces. Before making a purchase, however, it is important to check the metal's purity, hallmark details and the jeweller's pricing.

Gold and silver idols do not follow identical hallmarking requirements. Knowing the difference can help buyers avoid confusion, particularly when comparing solid precious-metal idols with gold-plated silver articles.

Are gold and silver idols covered under BIS hallmarking?

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards' (BIS) latest hallmarking scheme brief released on October 1, “mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery/artefacts was introduced on 23 June 2021 in 256 districts. Through successive amendments, the coverage has since expanded to 392 districts.”

The mandatory framework covers seven gold purity grades under IS 1417: 9K (375), 14K (585), 18K (750), 20K (833), 22K (916), 23K (958) and 24KS (995). Certain categories, including gold articles below two grams and specified Kundan, Polki and Jadau articles, are exempt subject to applicable conditions.

Silver hallmarking, on the other hand, remains voluntary. Under the revised IS 2112:2025 standard, silver articles hallmarked under the BIS scheme must carry a six-character alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) from September 1, 2025. Permitted purity grades range from 800 to 999, including 925 and 958.

What should you look for in the hallmark?

Buyers should check three details on a hallmarked idol:

BIS Standard Mark: The official BIS logo. On silver articles, it is accompanied by the word 'SILVER'.

Purity mark: Indicates the metal's fineness. For instance, 22K916 denotes 22-karat gold, while 925 indicates silver with 92.5 per cent purity.

HUID: A unique six-character alphanumeric identification code.

How to verify HUID using the BIS Care app

The BIS Care app allows buyers to check a hallmarked article's registered details. Select 'Verify HUID' on the home screen, enter the six-character code and submit it. The app displays the recorded purity, article details, jeweller's information and assaying and hallmarking centre details.

Checks to make before buying idols

Ask the jeweller whether the idol is solid gold, solid silver or gold-plated silver. Confirm its net precious-metal weight and whether it is hollow or solid. Inspect the workmanship, including the faces, eyes, trunk and crown, and ensure there are no chips or damage.

Also ask for a separate breakdown of metal value, making charges and taxes. Before paying, understand the jeweller's buyback or exchange policy, including any deductions.