Hallmarking Guide
What Is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the official process used in the UK to verify and guarantee the purity of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium. A hallmark confirms that a piece of jewellery meets the legal standards set by UK law.
At Clarindon Jewellers, all applicable jewellery is hallmarked in accordance with UK regulations, giving you confidence in the quality and authenticity of your purchase.
Why Hallmarking Is Important
Hallmarking protects consumers by ensuring that jewellery made from precious metals is accurately described and independently tested. It provides reassurance that the metal content of a piece meets the stated fineness.
When you buy hallmarked jewellery from Clarindon Jewellers, you can trust that it has been tested and certified by an official UK Assay Office.
What Does a UK Hallmark Include?
A full UK hallmark typically consists of several marks, which may include:
-
Sponsor’s or Maker’s Mark – Identifies the company responsible for submitting the item for hallmarking
-
Metal Fineness Mark – Indicates the purity of the precious metal (e.g. 750 for 18ct gold)
-
Metal Type Mark – Shows the type of metal, such as gold, silver or platinum
-
Assay Office Mark – Identifies the UK Assay Office that tested the item
Together, these marks confirm the authenticity and quality of the jewellery.
UK Assay Offices
There are four official Assay Offices in the UK:
-
London
-
Birmingham
-
Sheffield
-
Edinburgh
Each Assay Office has its own distinctive mark, allowing jewellery to be traced back to where it was tested and certified.
Which Items Must Be Hallmarked?
Under UK law, most precious metal jewellery above a certain weight must be hallmarked:
-
Gold: Over 1 gram
-
Silver: Over 7.78 grams
-
Platinum: Over 0.5 grams
-
Palladium: Over 1 gram
Some very small or lightweight items may be exempt, but Clarindon Jewellers always complies fully with hallmarking regulations.
Hallmarking at Clarindon Jewellers
All applicable jewellery sold by Clarindon Jewellers is hallmarked in line with UK legal requirements. We work only with trusted manufacturers, designers and suppliers to ensure every piece meets our standards for quality, craftsmanship and authenticity.
Hallmarking is an essential part of our commitment to transparency and customer confidence.
How to Find a Hallmark on Jewellery
Hallmarks are usually discreetly stamped on areas such as:
-
The inside of a ring band
-
The clasp of a necklace or bracelet
-
The back of a pendant
Because hallmarks are often small, they may require magnification to view clearly.
Why Buy Hallmarked Jewellery from Clarindon Jewellers
-
Guaranteed precious metal purity
-
Independently tested by UK Assay Offices
-
Full compliance with UK hallmarking laws
-
Trusted family-run jewellers
-
Confidence and peace of mind with every purchase
Shop with Confidence
When you purchase jewellery from Clarindon Jewellers, you can be assured that all hallmarked items meet strict UK standards for precious metal quality and authenticity.
