KDM, Hallmark Gold, and BIS 916: The Ultimate Key Differences Explained
Gold, as we all know, is a precious metal prized for its beauty and durability. It has long been a symbol of wealth and prosperity. When purchasing gold jewellery, it is crucial to understand the different types of gold available and their respective characteristics. A few common terms you may encounter are KDM gold, hallmark gold, and BIS 916. So what’s the difference between KDM and hallmark and BIS 916?
While all these terms refer to gold jewellery, they differ in their purity and certification. So be careful when you are purchasing each of them.
What is KDM Gold?
KDM gold refers to gold jewellery soldered using KDM (Karat Divised Metal), an alloy containing 92% gold and 8% cadmium. This technique became popular for making intricate jewellery designs since cadmium-based soldering made joints smooth and durable. However, due to health hazards caused by cadmium, this method has been largely discontinued. That’s why when you compare the difference between KDM and hallmark gold, KDM falls short on safety and certification.
What is Hallmark Gold?
Hallmark gold is gold jewellery certified by a recognized body such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification guarantees purity and authenticity. Hallmark gold jewellery carries a stamp that indicates its gold purity level. In India, hallmark gold is available in purities like 999 (24K), 958 (23K), 916 (22K), 875 (21K), 833 (20K), and 750 (18K). This ensures buyers get exactly what they are paying for.
Learn more about how to check hallmark on gold.
Key Differences: KDM vs Hallmark vs BIS 916
When it comes to gold jewellery, buyers are often confused about the difference between KDM and hallmark, or the difference between KDM and 916. The key lies in understanding their purity, certification, and market acceptance.
Comparison Table
| Feature | KDM Gold | Hallmark Gold | BIS 916 Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Gold jewellery soldered with cadmium alloy (KDM method) | Jewellery certified for purity by BIS or other recognized authority | Jewellery that is 91.6% pure (22K) and BIS-certified |
| Purity | Not fixed; usually 22K with cadmium soldering | Can be 24K, 23K, 22K, 21K, 20K, 18K | Exactly 91.6% pure gold (22K) |
| Certification | No official certification | Certified and hallmarked by BIS | BIS hallmark certification specifically for 22K |
| Safety/Health | Unsafe due to cadmium (toxic for makers and wearers) | Safe; no harmful metals used | Safe and widely trusted |
| Market Status | Outdated and discouraged | Standard in the market | Most common and accepted type of gold |
| Best For | Intricate designs in older jewellery | Guaranteed purity and resale value | Jewelry that balances purity, durability, and value |
- Why hallmark is essential: Hallmarking assures that the gold’s purity is verified and standardized. This protects buyers from fraud and enhances resale value.
- Why KDM is outdated: KDM gold has been banned due to cadmium’s harmful effects on both jewellers and consumers. It is neither safe nor certified, making it a poor choice in today’s market.
Price Difference between Hallmark and KDM gold
Due to its guaranteed purity, hallmark gold is generally more expensive than KDM gold. The price difference between the two types of gold can vary. It all depends on the gold’s purity and the design’s complexity.
The price difference between hallmark and KDM gold can be as much as 10%. For example, 22-karat hallmark gold jewellery can be 10% more expensive than 22-karat gold jewellery.
To illustrate the price difference, consider the following example:
22-karat hallmark gold: ₹3500 per gram
22-karat KDM gold: ₹3150 per gram
As you can see, 22-karat hallmark gold is approximately 11% more expensive than 22-karat KDM gold.
What is BIS 916 Gold?
BIS 916 gold refers to gold jewellery certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that is 91.6% pure gold (22 karat). In simple terms, for every 100 grams of BIS 916 gold, 91.6 grams is pure gold, and the rest is alloy. It is the most commonly sold and trusted type of gold jewellery in India because it combines purity with durability. When comparing the difference between KDM and 916 gold, BIS 916 hallmark gold is safer, more reliable, and widely accepted.
Other Hallmark Marks
In India, there are four other hallmark marks that are commonly used for gold jewellery:
BIS 958: This hallmark mark indicates that the gold jewellery is 95.8% pure, which is the highest purity level available for gold jewellery in India.
BIS 875: This hallmark mark indicates that the gold jewellery is 87.5% pure.
BIS 750: This hallmark mark indicates that the gold jewellery is 75% pure.
BIS 585: This hallmark mark indicates that the gold jewellery is 58.5% pure.
BIS 916 is a widely recognized hallmark mark. It is a common choice for consumers who value quality and purity in their gold jewellery purchases.
Which One Should You Choose?
When you’re confused about the KDM and hallmark difference, the answer is clear—hallmark gold is always safer and smarter. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Direct Recommendation: Always buy Hallmarked BIS 916 gold jewellery for both purity and trust.
- For investment purposes: Go for 24K gold, as it is the purest form (though not suitable for jewellery).
- For jewellery: Choose BIS 916 with a hallmark because it is durable, safe, and widely accepted.
- Verification is crucial: Always check for the BIS hallmark stamp before making a purchase. This ensures that the gold is genuine and meets national standards.
- Avoid KDM gold: It is outdated, lacks certification, and poses health hazards.
In short, if you’re buying gold jewellery, go for BIS 916 hallmark gold. It combines purity, safety, and long-term value, making it the best choice for both investment and personal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, KDM gold is largely discontinued due to health hazards caused by cadmium.
Hallmark gold refers to gold certified for purity (any karat), while BIS 916 gold specifically refers to 22K gold that is 91.6% pure and BIS-certified.
Yes, as per government rules, hallmarking is now mandatory for most gold jewellery in India.
Look for the BIS hallmark stamp, which includes the BIS logo, purity in karats, and jeweller’s identification mark.
BIS 916 gold is safer because it is certified, pure, and cadmium-free, unlike KDM gold.
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