New Delhi, April 18: Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is considered an auspicious day in Hindu and Jain traditions. This year, it falls on Sunday, April 19. It is believed that any investment or auspicious activity performed on this day will yield continuous growth and never diminish.
For this reason, purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya is seen as a symbol of “Akshaya Dhan,” or everlasting wealth. Gold is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, making its acquisition a sign of prosperity. Moreover, gold is a reliable investment that maintains its value over time and serves as a hedge against inflation.
As Akshaya Tritiya approaches, gold purchases surge across the country. However, verifying the authenticity and purity of gold is crucial when making a purchase. Without proper knowledge, buyers may inadvertently acquire gold-plated items or jewelry with lower purity. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and informed purchase.
Experts recommend checking for three key marks when buying gold.
First is the BIS logo, a small triangular mark indicating that the jewelry is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Second is the purity and fineness indication, where 22K916 means it contains 91.6% gold, while 18K750 signifies 75% purity.
The third and most important is the HUID number, a unique six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each piece of jewelry.
In today’s digital age, you can also verify gold purity using your mobile phone. Download the BIS Care app and enter the code found on the jewelry in the ‘Verify HUID’ option. This will provide you with the jeweler’s name, hallmarking center, date, and complete purity details. If there is a discrepancy between the app’s information and the jeweler’s claims, exercise caution immediately.
Additionally, you can request a ‘Carat Meter’ test from the jeweler. This XRF machine provides accurate information about the metals present in the gold without causing any damage. This test takes only a few seconds, so it is your right to have it conducted before billing.
Another simple method is the magnet test. Real gold does not stick to magnets. If your jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it may contain a higher proportion of other metals.
Experts also emphasize the importance of obtaining a proper bill when purchasing gold. The bill should include the HUID number, gold purity, weight (in grams), the day’s gold rate, making charges, and complete GST details. This serves as the strongest proof of your purchase.
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