Hallmark Notice
Our Registered Stamp is in the Goldsmiths Hall In London
Over 700 Years of Hallmarking Excellence
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, established in 1478 at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, is where the tradition of hallmarking precious metals began. With a history spanning over 700 years, we have been dedicated to testing and certifying the purity of precious metal items. Our legacy dates back to 1300, when the first hallmarking statute was enacted, making us the guardians of quality and authenticity in the world of precious metals. Today, our Assay Office remains a beacon of trust and excellence.
A hallmark on jewelry is a mark or series of marks stamped onto items made of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, to certify their content and quality. Here’s what it means to have hallmarked jewelry:
1. Assurance of Quality
A hallmark guarantees that the metal used in the jewelry meets the required legal standards for purity. For example, gold might be marked as 18K, meaning it’s 18 parts gold out of 24, or 75% pure gold.
2. Traceability and Trust
Each hallmark is unique and often includes symbols that identify the metal’s purity, the maker’s mark, the assay office mark, and a year mark. This ensures traceability and authenticity, giving buyers confidence in the quality and origins of the jewelry.
3. Legal Requirement
In many countries, including the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for selling items described as precious metal. This regulation protects consumers from fraud and ensures they are getting the value they expect.
4. Historical and Collectible Value
Hallmarks can also add to the historical and collectible value of a piece, as they can provide information about the item’s origin and history.
So, having hallmarked jewelry means you have a piece that is certified for its purity and quality, providing peace of mind and adding to its value and trustworthiness. If you have any specific pieces or hallmarks in mind.
