HALLMARKING

Look for the Hallmark, It's Your Guarantee

A hallmark is a series of symbols that are stamped on items of jewellery to verify the purity of the metals used - this will be done by an assay office. In the UK it is illegal to supply or offer to supply items as gold, silver, platinum or palladium unless it is hallmarked.

A hallmark will consist of main 3 marks:

• Maker's Mark - This mark is the mark of the company that has sent the item to the assay office. To obtain a sponsor's mark you must register with an assay office.
• Standard Mark - This shows the purity of the metal and the outline shape shows which precious metal the item is made from.

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

• Assay Mark - This shows the assay office that marked the item. In the UK there are currently 4 assay offices, but we only use Birmingham or London depending on waiting times.