Hallmarking

In the intricate world of precious metals, where the finesse of art and superior quality intertwine, the hallmark emerges. Each hallmark is inscribed meticulously, revealing a story of genuine craftsmanship, assured purity, and a rich legacy echoing through time.


WHAT IS A HALLMARK?

A hallmark is a certification mark applied to precious metals that certify several vital details about the article (item). Here are some key features:

  • Authenticity and Testing: A hallmark means that the article has undergone independent testing.
  • Purity Standards: It ensures that the metal content is authentic and of the stated quality by meeting all the legal standards of purity, also known as fineness.
  • Provenance: A hallmark provides valuable information about the article's origin, composition, and the party that sent it for hallmarking.

Furthermore, there are specific weight thresholds for mandatory hallmarking, such as Silver articles weighing above 7.78 grams, gold above 1 gram, palladium above 1 gram, and platinum above 0.5 grams. However, all our pieces are hallmarked irrespective of their weight.

WHY ARE HALLMARKS NECESSARY?

Hallmarking is an essential aspect that signifies trust in the precious metal industry in the UK. Since it is impossible to determine a metal's quality by sight or touch, hallmarking is a crucial and legally required process.

The UK Hallmarking Act of 1973 prohibits selling or describing un-hallmarked items as precious metals. Non-compliance can lead to confiscation of items and a financial penalty.

The four Assay Offices in the UK are responsible for testing and hallmarking precious metals to ensure authenticity. Dealers are also required to display approved hallmark details visibly. This system protects both consumers and the industry's reputation.

goldsmith's assay office in london



SYMBOLS OF THE FULL UK HALLMARK

The Full Traditional Hallmark is a set of five distinct symbols signifying the authenticity and quality of precious metals:

  • Sponsor's mark (compulsory): This is the company's or individual's unique stamp responsible for sending the item for hallmarking. Regarding our mark, the RPC stands for Rahul Patel Collection.
  • Traditional fineness mark: Represents the standard and type of precious metal. For example, a lion might signify sterling silver in the UK.
  • Millesimal fineness mark (compulsory): Indicates the purity of the metal in parts per thousand. For instance, '925' would signify that an item is 92.5% pure silver.
  • Assay Office mark (compulsory): Denotes the specific office where the item was tested and hallmarked. Different cities or regions have their own symbols. The Leopard’s head indicates London, the assay office where our hallmarking takes place.
  • Date letter mark: A letter that changes annually and corresponds to a specific year, denoting when the item was hallmarked.

rahul patel collection british hallmarks

ABOUT THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY

The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office is famously known as the birthplace of hallmarking, with a remarkable history spanning over 700 years in the testing and hallmarking of precious metals. We, Rahul Patel Collection, are registered with their London Office and have our hallmarking completed there.

The company is renowned for its exceptional service and unparalleled support in the industry. As the foundation of the UK's hallmarking tradition, the Goldsmiths' Company continues to shape its future and secure its legacy as the nation's hallmarking authority.

the history of london goldsmiths' assay office leopard mark

HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF THE HALLMARK

The hallmarking system in Britain, safeguarding the authenticity and quality of precious metals, has an illustrious history stretching back centuries. Henry III began standardizing gold and silver wares in 1238, with subsequent monarchs like Edward I introducing the leopard's head mark for silver.

Over the centuries, the system has undergone continuous evolution. In 1363, a maker's mark was introduced, and later, gold standards were adjusted. The lion passant guardant was added in 1544, and silver purity standards were heightened in 1697. New assay offices were also established, and the 20th century brought changes like WWII-era adjustments and streamlined regulations. Finally, the 21st century has seen assay office expansion to key locations across the UK.

Historic photos courtesy of Assay Office London