Hallmarking & Precious Metal Standards
At Lady Lynsey Jewellery Designs, quality, authenticity and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we create. We work with the Birmingham Assay Office to ensure our jewellery meets the applicable UK hallmarking requirements, giving you confidence in the precious metals used in your jewellery.
What Is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the independent testing and marking of precious metal articles to verify their metal content and purity.
Precious metals are commonly alloyed with other metals to improve their strength, durability and suitability for jewellery making. It is not possible to reliably determine the purity of a precious metal simply by looking at it.
A genuine hallmark provides independent assurance that an article has been tested and meets the required standard of fineness.
In the United Kingdom, hallmarking is regulated by the Hallmarking Act 1973, as amended.
Working with the Birmingham Assay Office
Based in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, Lady Lynsey Jewellery Designs works with the Birmingham Assay Office for the independent testing and hallmarking of our precious metal jewellery.
Established in 1773, the Birmingham Assay Office has a long history of testing precious metals and protecting consumers through independent verification.
Where hallmarking is required, our jewellery is submitted for examination by the Assay Office. The precious metal is tested to confirm that it meets the relevant standard before the official hallmark is applied.
Birmingham's traditional Assay Office symbol is the anchor, a distinctive mark associated with the city's jewellery-making heritage.
Our Hallmarking Process
Hallmarking forms an important part of our jewellery manufacturing process. We take care to ensure that the precious metals used in our designs meet the appropriate standards.
1. Jewellery Manufacturing
Your jewellery is manufactured using the precious metal specified in your order. Each piece is prepared for the appropriate stages of finishing, inspection and hallmarking.
2. Submission for Hallmarking
Where required by law, the jewellery is submitted to the Birmingham Assay Office for independent examination and testing.
3. Independent Testing
The Assay Office examines the precious metal and uses appropriate testing methods to determine whether it meets the declared standard of fineness.
4. Application of the Hallmark
Once the article has passed the necessary checks, the appropriate official hallmark is applied by the Assay Office.
5. Final Finishing & Inspection
Following hallmarking, your jewellery undergoes any remaining manufacturing and finishing stages before our final quality checks and dispatch.
UK Hallmarking Law
Under the Hallmarking Act 1973, qualifying articles described or supplied as gold, silver, platinum or palladium must carry an appropriate recognised hallmark unless a legal exemption applies.
The usual UK weight thresholds are shown below.
| Precious Metal | Hallmark Required At |
|---|---|
| Gold | 1 gram or more |
| Silver | 7.78 grams or more |
| Platinum | 0.5 grams or more |
| Palladium | 1 gram or more |
Jewellery below the relevant exemption weight may legally be sold without a hallmark, provided the applicable conditions are met. Special rules can apply to mixed-metal articles and certain other items.
The absence of a hallmark on an exempt lightweight item does not necessarily indicate that the jewellery is not made from genuine precious metal.
Understanding Your Hallmark
A UK hallmark normally contains three compulsory marks that identify the person or business responsible for submitting the article, the metal purity and the Assay Office.
The Sponsor's Mark
Identifies the registered person or business responsible for submitting the jewellery for hallmarking.
The Fineness Mark
Indicates the minimum precious metal content, expressed in parts per thousand.
The Assay Office Mark
Identifies the Assay Office responsible for testing and hallmarking the article. The traditional Birmingham symbol is the anchor.
Optional Marks
Additional marks, such as a date letter, may also appear on some jewellery. These are not compulsory elements of a standard modern UK hallmark.
Precious Metal Purity Explained
The fineness mark shows the minimum proportion of precious metal contained within the alloy.
| Metal | Fineness Mark | Minimum Content |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct Gold | 375 | 37.5% Gold |
| 14ct Gold | 585 | 58.5% Gold |
| 18ct Gold | 750 | 75% Gold |
| Sterling Silver | 925 | 92.5% Silver |
| Platinum 950 | 950 | 95% Platinum |
| Palladium 950 | 950 | 95% Palladium |
For example, a ring bearing the fineness mark 750 has been independently verified as meeting the minimum standard of 750 parts gold per thousand.
Why Hallmarking Matters
Jewellery is often purchased to celebrate life's most meaningful moments, from engagements and weddings to anniversaries and personal milestones.
An official hallmark gives you independent reassurance about the precious metal content of your jewellery.
Hallmarking is separate from our own manufacturing and quality inspections. It verifies the precious metal standard rather than certifying gemstones or guaranteeing the overall workmanship of a piece.
By working with the Birmingham Assay Office, we continue the longstanding tradition of independent precious metal verification associated with Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
Official Hallmarking Information
You can find further information about UK hallmarking legislation, recognised hallmarks and consumer protection through the following official resources:
Questions About Hallmarking?
If you have any questions about the precious metals used in our jewellery, hallmarking or the manufacturing process, our team will be happy to help.
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