What is a Hallmark?
A hallmark on jewellery is a specific mark or series of marks stamped onto a piece to indicate its metal content, authenticity, and origin. These marks provide information about the purity of the metal (like gold, silver, or platinum), the manufacturer's identity, and sometimes the country of origin.
For example, on gold jewellery, a hallmark might indicate whether it is 9K, 14K, 18K or 22k, signifying the percentage of pure gold in the alloy.
In the UK, it is required by law to hallmark any pieces of jewellery being sold as precious metals. It is compulsory to hallmark any gold jewellery items weighing over 1 gram and any silver items weighing over 7.8 grams to protect consumers.
This is a paid for service done at independent Assay offices. There are four Assay Offices in the UK, which are in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield and London. SoulVisionary Jewels is registered at the London office and every piece over the required weights is hallmarked by them.
Are Hallmarks Important?
Hallmarks help ensure that consumers are buying quality items and can also serve as a form of protection against counterfeit products.