All about hallmarking

 

When it comes to silver jewellery, it's important to ensure that you're getting the real deal. Hallmarking is a process that guarantees the authenticity and quality of silver jewellery. While that sounds simple enough, different marks can mean different things, and its easy to get confused!

What is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is the process of officially certifying the purity and quality of precious metals, including silver. It involves stamping or lasering specific marks on the jewellery to indicate its authenticity and compliance with legal standards. These marks are recognized internationally and provide assurance to consumers.

Why is Hallmarking Important?

Hallmarking serves several important purposes:

1. Authenticity: Hallmarks provide proof that the silver jewellery is genuine and not counterfeit. This protects consumers from purchasing fake or low-quality products.
2. Purity: Hallmarks indicate the purity of the silver used in the jewellery. The higher the purity, the more valuable the piece.
3. Quality: Hallmarks also indicate the quality of craftsmanship and compliance with industry standards. This ensures that the jewellery is well-made and durable.
4. Investment Value: Hallmarked silver jewellery holds its value over time, making it a reliable investment.

How Does Hallmarking Work?

The hallmarking process involves several steps:

1. Assaying: The silver jewellery is tested to determine its purity. This is done by taking a small sample and subjecting it to various chemical and physical tests. There are four assay offices in the UK - London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh.
2. Marking: Once the purity is confirmed, the jewellery is marked with specific symbols that indicate the purity, maker, and the assay office mark. These symbols are standardised and internationally recognised. As my work is assayed in Birmingham, it features the anchor mark.
3. Quality Control: Hallmarking authorities conduct regular inspections to ensure that the jewellery continues to meet the required standards. This helps maintain consumer trust in the industry.

My silver has no hallmark, is it fake?

It's important to note that not all silver jewellery is hallmarked. Pieces below 7.78g in weight are exempt from hallmarking. So don't panic if your smaller pieces like earrings and light rings don't have a hallmark! In order to keep costs down I don't hallmark pieces under the exemption weight, but I can always arrange to have them done if its something you'd prefer. However, for larger, valuable and high-quality pieces, hallmarking is essential, so remember to check.

When buying silver jewellery, always look for the hallmark. It guarantees the authenticity, purity, and quality of the piece. By understanding the hallmarking process and its importance, you can make informed decisions and confidently invest in beautiful silver jewellery that will stand the test of time.

The picture below shows what my hallmarked pieces typically look like, with my makers mark, a fineness mark and the Birmingham anchor mark.

 

What to look for