Hallmarks
What is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is a series of marks applied to a precious metal piece by an independent, government-appointed Assay Office.
Ginnie Monk Jewellery currently hallmarks their jewellery at the Edinburgh Assay Office (pictured above). Hallmarks can only be applied to an item after it has been tested through a process known as ‘assaying’, where the precious metal content is verified.
A hallmark consists of 3 marks:
- Maker or sponsor’s mark – this is a unique mark which identifies the jeweller who created the piece of jewellery and it must be registered with an assay office.
- Metal purity mark – this indicates the metal is what less than the fineness indicated
- Assay office mark – this indicates the office where the metal was tested and marked.
- Optional mark – this indicates the year the item was hallmarked.
Why use a Hallmark?
A hallmark protects consumers when purchasing items made of precious metal. Precious metal jewellery is normally made of an ‘alloy’, a mixture of precious metal and lesser metals. Assaying is the only way to confirm the precious metal content of a piece of jewellery is what the jeweller advertises. Consumers have a legal right to the independent guarantee that a hallmark provides, and sellers are legally required to ensure relevant products are properly hallmarked according to the guidelines prescribed by the Hallmarking Act 1973 and subsequent regulations.
The thresholds are as follows:
- Silver – 7.78 grams
- Gold and palladium – 1 gram
- Platinum – 0.5 grams
Find out more about Hallmarks
The UK Assay Office has produced a really helpful leaflet detailing how to read the hallmarks on jewellery. Download it for free below.