| Hallmarking began somewhere back in the | | | | a certain mark was used for the year then we |
| thirteenth century most likely in France. Its | | | | can accurately date the time an item may have |
| purpose was to test coins made of silver and gold | | | | been made. When marks changed along the way |
| so that the correct amount of precious metal | | | | that helps us quickly identify the general period of |
| was actually in the item. It was the original | | | | manufacture. |
| consumer protection law. | | | | Does Jewellery need to be assayed today? |
| In England in 1327 it became law that if you were | | | | Legally in the UK and some European countries it |
| selling an item made of precious metal it had to | | | | certainly does. Some other countries allow a self |
| be tested. Manufacturers were compelled to take | | | | regulation to take place. |
| their articles to the hall where the Assay Master | | | | Other countries which do not consider themselves |
| would test the precious metal content. Once it | | | | as major producers have no requirement. The |
| passed the test then he stamped the item with | | | | stamp such as 925 on silver jewellery is not |
| marks indicating the fineness or content of the | | | | hallmarking. So in Australia you will see 9 carat or |
| precious metal and eventually other stamps were | | | | 925 stamped on a silver ring but this is an |
| added such as a date, maker and the assay | | | | indication that the manufacturer claims the correct |
| office mark. | | | | content of precious metal has been included but |
| So the term hallmarking came into existence. | | | | this is not hallmarking which takes place in the UK. |
| Right up until 1773 if you tried to dupe your | | | | What does it mean to you the purchaser of an |
| customers by counterfeiting the hallmark stamps | | | | 18 carat engagement ring? |
| the offence was punishable by death. Thank God | | | | Well, if the manufacturer has cheated you and |
| it was then changed to just the offender being | | | | your ring is only 95% precious metal then you |
| sent off to one of the penal colonies for a mere | | | | would never know. It is so minute an amount that |
| 14 years! Today in the UK it is just 10 years in | | | | you would not perceive it. The only way you, as |
| the clink. | | | | a layman, will ever be able to tell is by comparing |
| So what do these marks look like? | | | | the ring to another piece of 18 carat gold |
| The marks tell three basic things: the maker (or | | | | jewellery. However, if a large manufacturer on |
| his sponsor if he is not available), the fineness or | | | | the world stage saves a fraction of gold on every |
| amount or percentage of precious metal in the | | | | item then that would be an enormous profit |
| item and the assay office where it was tested. | | | | saving at the end of the year. So while this law is |
| The maker will have his own particular stamp in | | | | there to protect you do you really care? The |
| letters, the fineness will be a number such as 925, | | | | manufacturer has to get the item to an assay |
| and the assay office's mark will be a symbol such | | | | office, insure its delivery, wait a few days to get |
| as the current Birmingham office's mark which is | | | | it back and then pay for the service. So who is |
| an anchor. There are other non compulsory | | | | really going to pay for all this? You of course! |
| marks as well. | | | | Webmasters are free to copy and circulate this |
| Over the centuries these marks have changed | | | | article as long as the authors bio and live link |
| significantly and that's a great thing for dating | | | | remain. |
| antique jewellery and watches. For instance, when | | | | |