Jewellery insider : Hallmarks
Jewellery Guides
Hallmarks: Why they're worth their weight in gold
Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of the jewellery world: hallmarks. These little stamps may seem insignificant, but they pack a punch in ensuring the authenticity and purity of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum and palladium. If you’re diving into buying or selling jewellery, understanding hallmarks is essential for both sellers and savvy shoppers alike.
What are hallmarks and why do they matter?
In the UK, selling or describing an item as gold, silver, platinum or palladium is subject to hallmarking rules. Here at Charles Fish, because we have no intention of ending up on the wrong side of the law, we make sure the jewellery we sell is correctly hallmarked where required.
You might have spotted hallmarks on your jewellery before and wondered what they mean. So, what’s the scoop on these markings? Let’s break it down.
There are five key types of marks you may come across on jewellery. Together, they can reveal the metal purity, where a piece was tested, who submitted it and, in some cases, when it was marked.
Purity or fineness mark
This little gem tells you the percentage of pure metal in the item. If you see “750” on a gold piece, it’s 18 carat gold, meaning it’s 75% pure gold. In the case of silver, a “925” mark indicates sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure.
Assay office mark
Each hallmark often includes a symbol from the assay office that certified the item. In the UK, the four official assay offices are London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh.
Maker’s mark
This is a unique symbol or set of initials from the maker or manufacturer. Think of it as a signature, identifying who crafted or designed the piece.
Sponsor’s mark
This shows the initials of the company or individual who submitted the jewellery for testing at the assay office. At Charles Fish, we send any jewellery we receive without a hallmark to the Birmingham Assay Office for testing. They’ll stamp it with the purity mark, their anchor symbol and FBS for Fish Brothers as the sponsor’s mark.
Date mark (optional)
Some hallmarks feature a letter or code indicating the year the piece was marked. This can be especially useful if you’re eyeing a vintage or antique treasure.
Symbols of British hallmarks
British hallmarks are a fascinating part of jewellery history, and they help ensure the quality and authenticity of precious metals. For an even deeper visual guide to hallmark symbols, take a look at the Goldsmiths’ Company guide to hallmarks.
Why are hallmarks important?
Hallmarks help confirm that you’re getting what you pay for, especially when buying sustainable gold or pre-loved jewellery. They can confirm the precious metal content and provide clues about a piece’s origin, maker and history, adding both value and confidence to your purchase.
Hallmarks are especially significant for eco-conscious shoppers hoping to buy sustainable gold and pre-loved jewellery. They indicate quality without requiring a brand new piece to be produced. So, when you buy from us, you can relax knowing you’re investing in a high-quality precious metal piece, not some flimsy fake that might turn your skin green.
The bottom line
So, how can you be sure you’re buying real gold? Check for those all-important hallmarks. Or better yet, shop with confidence at a trustworthy business like Charles Fish, where we’re committed to providing authentic, hallmarked jewellery you can cherish for years to come.
