Hallmarks

A hallmark is a stamp/indentation on an item made of precious metal. An Assay Office tests the item with appropriate purtity tests and the outcome is reflected by the information contained in the hallmark.

In the UK the legislation that covers hallmarks is the UK Hallmarking Act. Since 1999, a minimum hallmark comprises :

Millesimal Fineness is the number of parts per thousand of pure metal in the alloy. The current finenesses allowed in the UK are shown here.

Assay offices of the UK

For more detailed information about hallmarks please visit www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk