Every piece of gold jewellery sold in Bahrain carries a small stamp that tells you what it is made of. It is easy to overlook, often no bigger than a grain of rice, but it is the single most reliable proof of purity you have as a buyer. Learning to read it takes a couple of minutes and protects every purchase you make.
This guide explains what the Bahrain hallmark is, what the numbers mean, where to find it on different pieces, and what to do if a mark is missing or unclear.
What a hallmark is, and why Bahrain requires one
A hallmark is an official mark stamped onto precious metal after it has been independently tested. In Bahrain, gold jewellery must be inspected and marked by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce before it can be displayed and sold. This applies to jewellery made locally and to pieces imported from abroad, and it has its legal basis in Decree-Law No. 6 of 1990.
The Ministry’s precious metals laboratory tests each item. Only when the metal matches the declared purity is the official mark applied. Removing or tampering with that stamp is an offence under Bahraini law, which is exactly why it is worth checking.
Reading the purity number
The most important part of the hallmark is the purity number. It tells you how many parts in every thousand are pure gold. Once you know the four common numbers, you can read almost any piece in a Bahraini jewellery shop.
| Stamp | Karat | Gold content | Where you will usually see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Bars, coins and bullion |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | Traditional and bridal jewellery |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% | Everyday Gulf-style jewellery |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | Diamond and gem-set pieces, modern designs |
| 925 | Sterling silver | 92.5% silver | Silver jewellery and gifts |
Some pieces also show the karat itself, such as “22K” or “21K”, next to the number. The number and the karat should always agree: a piece stamped 875 is 21K, however it is described at the counter. For a fuller explanation of how each purity wears and holds its value, see our guide to 22K vs 21K vs 18K gold.
The other marks you may see
Alongside the purity number, a piece may carry one or two further marks:
- The official Bahrain mark, applied by the Ministry’s laboratory to show the piece has been tested.
- A maker’s or retailer’s mark, usually a set of initials or a small logo identifying who made or supplied the piece.
Stamp styles vary between pieces and over the years, so do not worry if two marks look slightly different. If you are unsure which mark is which, ask the jeweller to point each one out. A reputable shop will be glad to show you.
Where to look on each type of piece
Hallmarks are placed where they will not spoil the design, which usually means somewhere discreet:
- Necklaces and chains: on the clasp, or on a small tag beside it.
- Rings: on the inside of the band.
- Bangles and bracelets: on the inner surface, or near the clasp or hinge.
- Earrings: on the post, the hook or the back of the earring.
- Pendants: on the reverse, or on the bail (the loop the chain passes through).
- Bridal sets: each item in the set should carry its own mark, not only the necklace.
How to check a hallmark in the shop
- Ask for a loupe. Most jewellers keep a small magnifier at the counter. Under magnification, the numbers should look crisp and evenly struck.
- Match the stamp to the price tag. If the tag says 22K, the piece should read 916.
- Check every piece in a set. Earrings and small items are easy to overlook.
- Match the invoice. Your invoice should state the karat and the weight, and both should match the piece and its stamp.
If the mark is missing or unclear
On older jewellery, a hallmark can wear down after years of use, and very fine pieces sometimes carry a mark that is hard to read. That alone is not a reason for alarm, but for a new piece offered for sale in a shop, a missing mark is a reason to stop.
- Ask the jeweller why the piece is not marked, and do not buy it until you are satisfied.
- Be especially careful with gold offered through social media or by unlicensed sellers, which Bahraini officials have specifically warned against.
- If you have concerns about a purchase, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce accepts complaints through the government’s Tawasul system.
Keep your invoice
The hallmark proves what the metal is; the invoice proves what you paid and where you bought it. Bahraini officials advise buyers to ask for an invoice on every purchase showing the item details, weight, karat and price. Keep it safely: it makes any later exchange, repair or resale far simpler.
Shop with confidence at Gold City
At Gold City in Manama you can compare hallmarked 22K, 21K and 18K jewellery across dozens of jewellers under one roof. Ask any jeweller to show you the stamp and to itemise the weight and karat on your invoice, so you can compare like with like. Check today’s gold rate, browse the list of jewellers, and for more on how gold is priced, read our guide to where to buy gold jewellery in Bahrain.