Precious metals such as Silver and Gold have a legal requirement for hallmarking in the UK if over certain weight. Hallmarks are applied by dedicated Assay Offices to indicate the purity of the metal.  

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What is a hallmark?

A hallmark is a collection of marks which note and in turn guarantee the purity of the metal. It is made up of at least 3 stamps:

• The sponsors mark (JPC for Just Plain Charming)

• The Assay office mark (e.g an anchor Birmingham Assay Office)

• The Fineness mark (e.g. 925 for sterling silver)

• You can also have date marks for the year hallmarked among other marks

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Where do you get your work hallmarked?

There are only four Assay offices in the UK; Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh. Each are a separate office and work independently and have their own 'stamp' mark. I am registered with the Assay office in Birmingham. I can provide laser hallmarking for all precious metal items.

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Is all your work hallmarked?

No not all my work is hallmarked. As I work in silver there is an excemption weight of 7.76g so anything under this does not need to be hallmarked. However on some lower weight items I may chose to apply a hallmark and all commission work will be given the option for hallmarking under this weight.

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How much does hallmarking cost?

This can vary depending on the requirements. Although applying a hallmark to a single item may not cost much in principal, there is a minimum charge for hallmarking with Assay offices which is £25+VAT excluding other costs. This means to send one item can be costly and hallmarking requirements should be discussed as if it can be put with other work for hallmarking the costs can be lower.

 

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

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