What are Jewellery Hallmarks?
If you own jewellery, it is most likely an alloy of the pure metal a blend of pure metal and another metal. For example yellow gold jewellery is usually alloyed with copper, silver or zinc. This helps to enhance the durability and change the colour of jewellery. Unfortunately, this gives rise to potential fraud in the jewellery industry. Hallmarks are small marks or symbols stamped on jewellery that provide valuable information about the piece. These marks serve as a guarantee of quality and authenticity, offering crucial insights to both buyers and collectors.
Different types of Hallmarks
In the world of jewellery, there are a vast number of hallmarks that play an important role in identifying and understanding precious pieces. Let’s delve deeper into the most commonly encountered hallmarks, shedding light on their significance and meanings. It is compulsory for jewellery to be hallmarked when it is over :
- 0.5 grams for Platinum
- 1 gram for Gold
- 1 gram for Palladium
- 7.78 grams for Silver
Purity Hallmarks
Purity marks indicate the metal content and purity of a piece. For example, a mark of “925” signifies sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. Other purity marks include “750” for 18K gold (75% pure gold) and “950” for platinum (95% pure platinum). Below is a full chart of purity marks you may see on jewellery.
Maker’s/Sponsor’s Marks
Maker’s marks(sometimes called sponsors marks) are unique symbols or initials representing the jeweller, manufacturer, or designer of the piece. These marks establish the origin and craftsmanship of the jewellery. They can vary widely, from elaborate signatures to simple logos or initials.
Assay Office Marks
Assay Offices test precious metal items to determine their purity and authenticity. There are four main assay offices in the UK and their marks are below.
While we have covered the most common types of hallmarks, such as purity marks, maker’s marks, and country-specific marks, it’s important to note that there are a few other types that are less frequently encountered. These include date marks and commemorative marks, which serve as additional indicators of a piece’s history or special significance. You don’t need to worry about these hallmarks being different in different countries. This is because the International Convention of Hallmarks ensures consistency with all countries involved.
Understanding the significance of hallmarks is vital for protecting yourself against fake jewellery. These marks act as a guarantee of authenticity and quality, providing reassurance to buyers. However, it’s crucial to be aware that hallmarks can be falsified . Therefore, if you’re not purchasing from a trusted jeweller, it’s wise to consider having your jewellery appraised by a professional.