Hallmarking

Time to beat the myths on Hallmarking - what is it and why is it so important??

What is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is jewellery’s official stamp of approval - proof from an independent Assay Office that your piece is genuinely silver or gold. It’s made up of tiny marks showing the metal type, purity, and where it was tested. Basically, your jewellery’s passport. ✨

Quick myth-buster: that simple “.925” stamp you sometimes see? That’s not a hallmark. Anyone can add it - only an Assay Office can apply the real deal.

Let's break it down...

  • MAKERS MARK - Tells you who made it, these are unique to each maker

  • FINESSE MARK 1 - Tells you the metal e.g. silver, gold, platinum

  • FINESSE MARK 2 - Tells you the quality of metal e.g. Sterling, 9ct, 18ct

  • ASSAY OFFICE - Tells you where the jewellery was tested

  • DATE LETTERS - Each year is marked by a letter (this is for 2022)

Why Bother?

Hallmarking is a legal requirement in the UK - it guarantees your jewellery is made from the real deal, not plated or “mystery metal.” It also connects each piece to a lovely centuries-old tradition.

That said, not every item needs a hallmark. In the UK, anything under the legal weight limits (7.78g for silver, 1g for gold) doesn’t require one.
This rule helps to keep costs down for customers, and most jewellers (me included!) follow it. So some lighter and smaller pieces, like rings, won’t be hallmarked - but that’s totally normal and absolutely fine.

If you’d still like your piece to have that extra stamp, I’m more than happy to send it off to the Assay Office for you - just get in touch. 💌

GET IN TOUCH 💌

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