Guides

Tunch

Tunch is a way many North Indian jewellers talk about gold purity. It usually refers to tested fineness — how much of the metal is gold.

For example, 916 generally means about 91.6% gold content, commonly associated with 22K. At Revilen, tunch is checked with XRF assay and shown transparently on the bill. Different houses may use the word slightly differently — always read the fineness / karat on the invoice.

Karat (K)

Karat measures gold purity out of 24 parts. 24K is the highest karat designation; jewellery is usually alloyed for strength.

Gold percentage ≈ karat ÷ 24 × 100. So 22K ≈ 91.67%, 18K = 75%. (Gemstone “carat” is a different unit of weight — do not confuse the two.)

22K gold

22K means 22 parts gold out of 24 — about 91.67% gold by the karat formula. It is the classic standard for much traditional Indian jewellery.

Often associated with fineness 916 (91.6%). The remaining portion is other metals for strength and colour. Whether a specific piece is 22K must come from its catalogue / hallmark data.

18K gold

18K means 18 parts gold out of 24 — exactly 75% gold by the karat formula. Stronger than higher karat gold, often used for diamond settings.

Commonly associated with fineness 750. Not “better” or “worse” than 22K universally — they suit different uses.

24K gold

24K is the highest karat designation and is conventionally treated as pure gold, though commercial fineness can vary within standards (often near 999).

Very soft for everyday jewellery; more common in coins, bars, and ceremonial pieces. Most wearable jewellery uses lower karat alloys.

916 fineness

916 means about 916 parts pure gold per 1000 parts metal — 91.6%. It is commonly associated with 22K gold.

Calculation: 916 ÷ 1000 = 91.6%. Always confirm on the actual hallmark / invoice for a specific piece.

750 fineness

750 means 750 parts gold per 1000 — 75%, commonly associated with 18K.

999 fineness

999 means about 99.9% gold — typically linked with 24K / investment-grade gold.

Fineness

Fineness states gold parts per thousand. Example: 916 / 1000 = 91.6% gold.

Gold purity

Purity tells you how much of the metal is gold versus other metals. It can be expressed as karat (22K), percentage (~91.67%), or fineness (916).

Gross weight

Gross weight is the full weight of the jewellery as worn — metal plus stones and other attachments.

Do not treat gross weight as pure gold content.

Net weight

Net weight is usually the metal weight after subtracting stone weight from gross weight. Purity is then applied to estimate gold content.

Stone weight

Stone weight is the weight of gemstones or diamonds set in the piece, separate from the metal.

Making charges

Making charges are fees associated with crafting the jewellery. A house may charge per gram, as a percentage, as a fixed amount, or another method.

Revilen shows making on the invoice. Online catalogue figures are estimates until confirmed at the counter.

Wastage

“Wastage” can be an amount or percentage a jeweller adds under their pricing method for manufacturing considerations. It is not always literal gold that “vanished.”

Not every jeweller charges wastage the same way — or at all. Never invent a wastage figure for a product.

Hallmark

A hallmark is an official purity mark on gold jewellery. In India, BIS hallmarking (often with HUID) is the recognised certification system.

Only claim a specific piece is BIS hallmarked when product or invoice data confirms it. Revilen processes hallmarking on the foundry path for eligible gold work.

BIS

BIS is the Bureau of Indian Standards. For jewellery, BIS hallmarking certifies purity under the national system.

Jewellery bill

A jewellery bill typically lists description, weights (gross / stone / net), purity, gold rate, gold value, making, stones, other charges, taxes, and the final amount — exact fields vary by jeweller.

Jhumka

A jhumka is a traditional bell-shaped earring, often worn for festive and bridal looks.

Our live catalogue currently lists drop earrings and hoops — not a dedicated jhumka subcategory. Ask for drops or bridal earrings, or book a visit for custom jhumkas.

Bali

A bali is a traditional hoop-style earring form, often in gold.

Our catalogue includes gold hoops described as bali-adjacent in craft terms. We do not invent separate bali SKUs that are not listed.

Nath

A nath is a traditional bridal nose ornament, often elaborate for Punjabi and North Indian weddings.

Nose jewellery is not currently listed as a live category in this catalogue. We can discuss custom nath work in a consultation.

Choker

A choker sits high on the neck. Bridal and evening looks often use short necklace forms.

Rani haar

A rani haar is a long, layered traditional necklace form associated with bridal and heritage looks.

Kundan

Kundan is a traditional setting technique using foil-backed gemstones in gold. Only mention it for a product when craft data lists it.

Polki

Polki typically refers to uncut diamonds set in traditional gold work. Confirm on the product if a piece uses polki.

Jadau

Jadau is a traditional gem-setting craft in gold, closely related to kundan techniques.

Meenakari

Meenakari is enamel colour work on metal, often on the reverse or decorative surfaces of jewellery.