Silver and Gold Hallmarks
Hallmarks are an official mark of quality, guaranteeing that silver, gold, platinum, and palladium items meet legal standards of purity. These marks, applied by an independent Assay Office, confirm that the metal has been tested and meets the required fineness.
A hallmark also provides valuable information about a piece, including where it was tested, the purity of the metal, and the identity of the sponsor or maker. In the UK, the traditional full hallmark consists of five key symbols, each playing a crucial role in verifying authenticity and origin.
Whether you’re purchasing fine jewellery, antique silverware, or investment pieces, hallmarks offer confidence and transparency, ensuring that every item meets rigorous quality standards.
Understanding Hallmarks
A hallmark is a legally recognised mark applied to articles made of precious metals—gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. It serves as a guarantee that the item has been independently tested and meets strict legal standards of purity (fineness).
Beyond purity, hallmarks also confirm provenance, indicating where the piece was hallmarked, what metal it is made from, and who submitted it for testing.
The Full Traditional Hallmark
The standard hallmark is typically applied in a horizontal format with minimal spacing between marks. However, alternative layouts, often referred to as "bespoke" or "display marks," are available.
A Full Traditional Hallmark consists of five key symbols:
Sponsor's Mark – Identifies the maker or company submitting the piece.
Traditional Fineness Symbol – A visual symbol (optional but standard at the Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office).
Millesimal Fineness Mark – Indicates the metal type and its purity, shown in parts per thousand.
Assay Office Mark – Shows where the item was tested and hallmarked.
Date Letter Mark – (Non-compulsory) Identifies the year of hallmarking.
What Do Hallmark Symbols Represent?
Sponsor's Mark (Maker’s Mark)
This unique identifier belongs to the person or company that submitted the article for hallmarking. It consists of initials enclosed in a shield shape, with each mark being entirely unique. A minimum of two and a maximum of five initials are required.
Traditional Fineness Symbol
An optional but widely recognised part of the hallmark, this mark visually represents the metal type and is applied as standard at the Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office.
Millesimal Fineness Mark
This numerical mark indicates the metal's purity, expressed in parts per thousand. Introduced as a legal requirement in 1999, it ensures the piece contains no less than the fineness stated. The surrounding shield shape differentiates between gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Assay Office Mark
Each hallmark includes an Assay Office mark, identifying where the article was tested and hallmarked.
The Leopard’s Head is the historic town mark of London and the symbol of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. It is internationally recognised as a stamp of quality and authenticity, used by some of history’s most prestigious craftsmen.
Date Letter Mark
A non-compulsory mark, the date letter changes annually on January 1st, with variations in font, case, and shield shape, ensuring each mark represents a single year. All date punches are destroyed at the end of the year to maintain historical accuracy.
