This latest blog post was inspired by a recent conversation I had with a client in a jewellery commission discussion. I was at a end of the consultation where I was explaining the extra optional charges and I shared that should they want their jewellery hallmarked what the rough costs would be. What surprised me next was the response…"what is hallmarking?"
It made me realise that it is easy to forget that some things just aren’t common knowledge and this inspired me to share a quick run down. You can also find information on hallmarking in the list of my services on my ‘other services’ page.
What is Hallmarking?
A hallmark is a mark ‘stamped’ onto items that are made of precious metals (such as silver and gold) that certify their standard of purity. These precious metals have a legal requirement for hallmarking in the UK if they are over a certain weight. This exemption weight changes for each metal, for example for Silver it is 7.78g, for Gold it is only 1g.
Who does the Hallmarking?
Hallmarks aren’t something I can do myself. It can only be applied by one of the four dedicated Assay Offices in the UK. There are only four Assay offices in the UK; Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh. Each is a separate office and works independently.
I am registered with the Assay office in Birmingham which is represented by the Anchor symbol.
Hallmarks these days can either be stamped or lasered - I personally provide laser hallmarking for all precious metal items which allows it to be adjusted in size for the piece and means more delicate pieces or pieces with stones already set can still be provided with a hallmark.
What does the Hallmark look like?
A hallmark isn’t just one stamp but a collection of marks which tells a story about your piece, and in turn guarantees the purity of the metal. You’ll usually find at least 3 marks:
My sponsors mark - a unique shape and initial combination
The Assay office mark - showing you where the piece was hallmarked
The Fineness mark - tells you the purity of the metal
You can also have other marks, like date marks for the year of the hallmarking among others
I’ve included a little example below of what a Just Plain Charming hallmark looks like so you get an idea
Dealers Notice
If you want to find out more information about hallmarking please check out the full Assay Office dealers notice via the link below
FAQs
Is all the work you do hallmarked?
No, currently not all my work is hallmarked. As I work mostly in silver many of my items have an exemption weight of 7.78g so anything under this does not need to be hallmarked. Hallmarking does incur additional costs and and so on some lower weight items I may choose not to apply a hallmark. However, as I use laser hallmarking items, ready made items can be hallmarked after purchase for an additional fee, in addition, all commission work at any weight will be given the option for hallmarking.
How much does hallmarking cost?
I bought a piece that doesn’t have a hallmark, Can I request one?
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