Hallmarking

It is a legal requirement that any silver item being sold that weighs over 7.78g or gold that weighs over 1g must be hallmarked. 

Hallmarking stamps are added to a finished item by an Assay Office, to guarantee the nature and quality of the metal. I use the Edinburgh Assay Office for my hallmarking.

A hallmark can only be applied by a government authorised Assay Office, such as the Edinburgh Assay Office. A hallmark includes 3 compulsory symbols: The Sponsor’s or Maker’s Mark; Metal and Fineness (purity) Mark; and the Assay Office Mark.

The Sponsor’s Mark or Maker’s Mark (Who?)

This mark indicates the maker who is requesting the hallmarking process. In the UK, this mark consists of at least two letters within a shield. No two sponsor’s marks are the same.

Metal and Fineness (purity) Mark (What?)

This mark indicates the precious metal content of the alloy used to make an item. This confirms that the alloy is not less than the fineness indicated, such as 925 sterling silver. The fineness is indicated by the parts per thousand (925 or 999) within a shape. The shapes indicate the type of metal.

This is your guarantee that the item you've purchased is the quality as described.