Make your mark..

So, let’s take a moment to talk about hallmarking. It might be a little thing (or four little things as you’ll learn), but hallmarking is one of the most important steps in the creation of a piece of jewellery.

Precious metal has been submitted for Assay (the process of hallmarking) in the UK since 1300, and the practice is often cited as the oldest form of consumer protection still in use today. We work closely with the Edinburgh Assay office, submitting our work for independent testing and verification, to ensure that our clients can be assured of the quality and purity of the metal they’re purchasing. Key to the entire exercise is that we, the manufacturer, have no say in the outcome. The entire process is entirely impartial and conducted independently.
So, what is a hallmark? Well, the mark shown is a fine example, comprising four individual stamps. Looking closely we can see:

• The sponsors mark: our MJ stamp, unique to us and completely traceable.

• The purity mark: in this case 950 for Platinum. 950 is applied as this type of Platinum is 950 parts of Platinum per thousand, or 95% pure.

• The office mark: in this case Edinburgh, the only remaining Assay office in Scotland, is represented by the iconic castle.

• The date mark: here the year 2018 is registered using the letter “t”. This is the only portion of the mark to be revised every year.

So there we have it. Four little marks that can explain so much. Who made something, where it was submitted, what it is and when it was made. Not bad for a 700 year old practice! Remember, hallmarking is not optional. It’s a legal requirement and essential to ensure that consumers receive what they think they’re buying. Silver, gold, platinum and palladium items above the required weight thresholds should all carry full Assay marks.

So next time you purchase a piece of jewellery, ask to see this unique and fascinating little slice of history. It’s as relevant today as it was back in 1300.

GDS x