Kalyan Wiki
916 Gold
916 is just another term used to denote 22-karat gold. It indicates that 22 out of 24 parts (91.6%) of an ornament is made of pure gold and the rest 2 parts with alloy material. We can say that 91.6 gm of pure gold in 100 gm of alloy in terms of weight. It shows us the purity of gold in the final product.
As the pure 24-karat gold is too soft, the artisans prefer 916 gold in making ornaments. Alloying gold with other metals like nickel and palladium results in a harder and more durable product. The manufacturers use such products in making coins and jewellery items. However, 22-karat gold isn’t preferable for studded jewellery.
916 Hallmark
Hallmarking is an official mark that certifies the purity of gold. In India, the name Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standard body, hallmarks the purity of precious metals like gold and silver. So when you purchase an ornament with a hallmark, especially with the BIS logo, you can make sure that it conforms to BIS standards.
While purchasing 916 gold, ensure that the ornament has signs like the BIS hallmark, purity indicated in karat, hallmarking centre’s number, jeweller’s identification mark etc. The BIS logo indicates that the laboratory licensed by BIS has tested the purity of the jewellery item. For pure 22-karat gold, you will be able to find the BIS 916 hallmark on it.
Earlier, the buyers also had an option to go for KDM jewellery, which is similar to 916 gold and contains 92 per cent gold and 8 per cent cadmium. However, due to its hazardous effects on the artisans, the BIS has banned these gold circulation.
