What It Means When a Piece is Hallmarked

If you've ever spotted a tiny set of marks stamped on a piece of jewellery and wondered what they mean, you're not alone. These little symbols are known as hallmarks, and they carry a lot more weight than you might expect. In the world of gold and silver jewellery, a hallmark is a promise of quality and authenticity.

What is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is an official mark or series of marks stamped onto precious metal items like silver, gold, and platinum. It confirms that the metal has been independently tested and meets the legal standard of purity. In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for precious metals over a certain weight. For silver, the threshold is 7.78 grams, and for gold, it's one gram.

The hallmark itself is made up of a few different symbols. These usually include the sponsor's mark (that's the maker or company), the metal and fineness mark, and the assay office mark. Some pieces may also carry a date letter. Together, they tell a story about where the piece came from, what it’s made of, and who made it.

Why Hallmarking Matters

When you’re buying jewellery made from precious metals, a hallmark gives you peace of mind. It means the piece has been officially tested and verified. This is especially important for gold and silver, where visual appearance alone can be misleading. Two items might look similar, but their actual metal content could be very different.

For independent jewellers and small makers, hallmarking is a way of showing transparency and earning trust. It proves that the materials used are exactly what they claim to be. For buyers, it adds value and reassurance, especially when purchasing a special piece to mark a milestone.

My Approach to Hallmarking

Every eligible piece of gold jewellery I make is sent to the London Assay Office to be tested and hallmarked. That includes my handmade gold hoops and bangles. It's an extra step in the making process, but one that matters. When you see a hallmark on one of my pieces, you can be confident that it has been tested and officially recognised.

In a world where shortcuts can be tempting, hallmarking is still one of the clearest ways to show integrity and craftsmanship. Whether you're buying jewellery for yourself or as a gift, it’s worth looking out for those tiny marks, they hold a lot of meaning.