Hallmarking
Your assurance
All gold, silver, platinum and palladium items sold in the UK,
whether made here or imported,* and over a certain weight,
must carry a Hallmark. A Hallmark is a tiny stamp that proves it
contains the correct amount of the precious metal, gives details
of who made the piece and when. For sellers, it's illegal to sell or
describe any item as gold, silver, platinum or palladium unless it
is Hallmarked. The process of Hallmarking dates back 700 years
and represents the earliest form of consumer protection.Making your mark
There are three essential marks stamped into precious metals.
The marks are stamped or laser cut by an Assay O ce, of which
there are four in the UK, each with their own mark. For instance,
the leopard is the mark of the London Assay O ce, the anchor is
the mark of the Birmingham Assay O ce, Edinburgh has a
castle and She eld a rose. Although they are independent of
one another, they work to common goals and laws, to protect
consumers.2
Hallmarking
The second mark you will see is the maker's mark - typically
between one and three letters within a shield or other shape.
Each is unique. Mine is SR set in an oval.