Hallmarking

As a metalsmith using only precious metals I know the importance of reassuring customers that you are in fact buying genuine solid gold and sterling silver jewellery items from me. I am registered with the London Assay Office where items using precious metals over a specific weight, by law, have to be sent to be assayed and marked. This undoubtedly gives the buyer confidence in their purchases. As a guide, sterling silver items weighing over 7.78g, or gold items over 1g must legally be hallmarked if they are to be sold as such.

The 1973 Hallmarking Act outlines the legal requirements for assaying, hallmarking and selling of precious metal items in the UK.

There are three main areas with which a retailer selling precious metal items to UK consumers must comply:

1. Ensuring items that are not exempt carry a recognised hallmark.

2. Ensuring precious metal descriptions are accurate.

3. Ensuring that the mandatory Dealers Notice is displayed for consumers.

Below is a more simplified dealers notice suitable for online, and a short film.