Hallmarking

Hallmarking in the UK is a process that protects consumers by independently testing and verifying the precious metal content of items like silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. It ensures items meet legal standards for purity and are what they are described to be. A hallmark is a set of official marks applied to an item, guaranteeing its metal content. 

What this means is that any items made of precious metals, including silver, must be sent off to one of the four Assay Offices in the UK, for them to check that the metal is what is claimed, and they apply a ‘hallmark’ to show that it has passed.

I am registered with the Edinburgh Assay Office, who hold my Maker’s Mark, and who hallmark my jewellery that requires it. That legislation also requires me to display a Dealer’s Notice on my shop. I have included a copy of this notice below. For you to view the original with them, here is the link. And here is a link to a video that explains the hallmarks in a little more detail: Hallmark Video

To get an item hallmarked takes time (usually a couple of weeks) and it is far, far most cost efficient to hallmark a number of items at the same time. Therefore, having items hallmarked adds time to the order process and increases costs. For silver, items below 7.78 grammes are exempt so do not have to be hallmarked. I therefore do not always get items hallmarked, but if you do want the additional assurance then this can be arranged, just let me know before ordering if the item does not state that it is hallmarked.