Hallmarking
Hallmarking is your assurance that a piece of jewellery has been independently tested and verified as a precious metal. It is one of the best ways to confirm the quality and authenticity of your purchase.
What is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is a series of official marks applied to precious metals such as silver and gold after they have been tested by an authorised UK Assay Office.
Many people look for a simple "925" stamp on silver jewellery, but this alone is not a guarantee of quality. A full hallmark provides independent verification of the metal's fineness and authenticity.
A full UK hallmark contains the following marks:
Makers Mark
Identifies who made the piece (mine is HH)
Metal Fineness Mark
Confirms the purity of the metal (for example, 925 for sterling silver)
Assay Fineness Mark
Identifies the Assay Office that tested and certified the piece. I use the Edinburgh Assay Office, whose symbol is a castle
Optional Marks
Some pieces may also include optional marks, such as a traditional fineness symbol or a date letter.
My Committment to Hallmarking
Under UK law, hallmarking is required for:
- Silver items weighing over 7.78g
- Gold items weighing over 1g
Items below these weights are legally exempt from hallmarking.
I choose to hallmark all eligible pieces with the full five marks wherever possible. Not only does this provide reassurance that your jewellery has been independently tested, but I also love the character and craftsmanship that a hallmark adds to each piece.
Still Unsure?
If you'd like to know more about hallmarking or have any questions about a particular piece, please feel free to get in touch. I'll be happy to help.